Trinity has been named the leading college in Europe for producing entrepreneurs, based on the findings of a new report, called The Universities Report, carried out by private equity and venture capital research company, Pitchbook.
According to the report, Trinity has generated 106 companies, produced 114 entrepreneurs and raised $655 million (€575.7 million) since 2010.
The Universities Report assesses colleges based on the number of undergraduate alumni who have gone on to found companies that receive a first round of venture capitalist backing.
University College Dublin (UCD) also featured in the top ten, coming in fourth place and having produced 70 entrepreneurs, 62 companies and raised $275 million (€241 million).
In a statement released by the college, director of Trinity research and innovation, Diarmuid O’Brien, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and underlines the impact our graduates are making as innovators and entrepreneurs whose companies are changing Ireland and the world for the better. Trinity is committed to supporting our students to develop into entrepreneurs who can create real social and economic impact.”
Among Trinity’s success stories are the companies Artomatix, which creates software for game development, and Foodcloud, which connects businesses with excess food to charities in need of donations, both of which were assisted by Launchbox, Trinity’s student startup accelerator programme.
Director of Launchbox, Dr John Whelan, said: “Current and future Trinity students will be encouraged and inspired by the success of their predecessors. It needs to be shouted from the rooftops that the achievements of our graduates have placed an Irish university number one in all of Europe in generating economic impact through starting their own business.”
In addition to Launchbox, the college recently teamed up with the Blackstone Charitable Foundation to establish the Blackstone Launchpad programme, which will provide a greater number of students with access to venture coaches and an entrepreneurial support system.
