*Screams* and *Shouts* as the Americans *laugh*
January 30th, 2008
It seems appropriate that the night that Paul Walsh holds his inaugural Irish digital association dinner should be the same evening that Techcrunch UK reports about moli.com — a new “Irish” social networking site that’s just taken in €20m in funding.
Whatever about “MOLI”—”a diverse, sophisticated site” (chokes) according to the report on Silicon Republic—Paul’s round table discussion was about fostering an ecosystem for Irish-led innovative companies by forming a new association focussed on bringing together all walks of the Irish digital media sector.
What’s ironic is that American countries infesting Ireland was the subject of a ten minute Paul Walsh rant. For the most part, the discussion on the night was quite flippant. It took quite a long time for everyone to agree that there was a need for a new association at all. But when Paul got going, his voice raised, his tone angry and determined, I was unsure whether to laugh or shrink in terror. The raw passion was unnerving, as he charted the waves of US companies who have residency in Ireland that we’re so proud of—that they’re here for “tax incentives” “TAX INCENTIVES” Did you get that? Google, Microsoft, Amazon, eBay, AOL. “Don’t kid yourself”. They’re not here because of our lovely Irish weather. They’re not here because of the graduates. They’re not here for the amazing smart people. They’re here because the IDA gives them €10,000 for everyone they hire. €10,000. They’re here because of “TAX INCENTIVES.” Paul is “sick and tired” of expensive associations who represent the needs not of the web / digital / interactive sector, but of ISPs, Telcos and big business.
When I was setting up TL01, a co-working space that I’m currently based in, just off O’Connell Street in Space 28 we took a look at the offices in the Digital Hub —They looked great and they were cheap, but there was no space for us.
I’m not for one minute saying that there should have been space for three young Irish nobodies designing websites for a living. But I will say that it’s ironic and sad and frustrating and I’m actually getting quite angry sitting at home, infected by Paul’s passion, that an American company and AMERICAN company, should take up 55 spaces, FIFTY FIVE spaces in the Digital hub.
A small personal grudge in the hunt for a decent place to work aside, it’s another sad day for Irish technology startups when another US company gets huge outside investment to take advantage of Irish initiatives to grow businesses. Paul made the points loud and clear: Ireland is a small country, full of smart people. Too many of these smart people are working for US firms, European firms, whoever. All well and good, but we have to do better, we have to stand up and make use of our own initiatives to build successful Irish companies.
I for one have chosen to stay in Ireland to build the best fucking Irish company I can possibly build. I’m infected. If you’re Irish, or if you’re not Irish but you feel Irish, and thinking of working for an outside technology company, or if you are working for one, take a look at yourself, ask yourself “Am I proud?” and shake off that closet small-minded clan mentality. Get out there the fuck and start thinking about changing the world, because chances are you’re probably one of the smartest people in it.
6 Responses to “*Screams* and *Shouts* as the Americans *laugh*”
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January 30th, 2008 at 02:51 AM
“If you’re Irish, or if you’re not Irish but you feel Irish, and thinking of working for an outside technology company, or if you are working for one, take a look at yourself, ask yourself Am I proud?”
Yeh, I’m proud. Very proud. It’s important to see the world (aka non-Irish companies) before competing with them.
January 30th, 2008 at 08:45 AM
As you well know, there’s a mindset inside most Irish investment agencies that easily swoons when hearing the American accent. That accent can distort the reality of meaningful long-term employment alongside payment of local rates endured by merchants already established in the area where the start-up opens for business.
January 30th, 2008 at 08:46 AM
“Get out there the fuck and start thinking about changing the world”
My wish for you Paul is that you manage to keep a hold of that healthy idealism and don’t let the bastards knock it out of you! I mean that genuinely.
January 30th, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Excellent post, Paul. Makes me feel much better about moving the Contrast domain to .ie!
January 30th, 2008 at 01:28 PM
I applaud your passion, but I have a question(s). I assume most of those 55 people at Moli are Irish? Aren’t they benefitting from the experience and skills they will acquire at this firm? Just a thought. Meantime, I generally agree with you – it’s important for any sovereign state to develop its internal resources, people and IP. The alternative is the way oil companies operate in Africa – the locals get jobs, the government gets tax revenue, but long term, the resource is syphoned off.
January 30th, 2008 at 02:53 PM
Mike, I’ve no idea who’s working in Moli—I’m sure there are great benefits to all involved. I love America and I’ve been heavily inspired by American companies. I was really throwing digs and purposefully didn’t dwell on that point—the digital hub was designed to be an international centre for excellence.
I have though consulted deep in the ranks of several Irish companies and I just see so much room for simple innovation to add massive value. My dream is that an Irish company be built from the ground up to tackle these problems with creative, modern solutions to traditional problems, across the entire sphere: lifestyle innovation, technological innovation and indeed just creative solutions to ordinary every day problems—something that many US firms lead the way in. (I suspect also there are many US companies far behind Irish ones).
The trick is that there are so many Irish people consuming US tech, I’m convinced there is enough smarts and cleverness here to compete.
@Robin—I appreciate the need to cut your teeth and while I agree that experience in foreign companies is extraordinarily valuable, I don’t think it’s a pre-requisite to building a world class company on these shores. It’s a whole separate argument though and one I’d love to have with you over lunch sometime. Too bad you’re in Singapore! Joking aside, I do look forward to your return to Ireland, whenever it may be, even if it’s just to spectate on Mulley’s prediction of you as one to watch in 2008!