Ireland-Based Interactive Technology Founders and Creatives to Stage Commanding Presence at South by Southwest (SXSW) 2013

DUBLIN, IRELAND and AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwire - Mar 7, 2013) - This weekend, a larger-than-ever group of interactive technology founders, music entrepreneurs, film-makers and developers from Ireland will head to the South by Southwest (SXSW) conference in Austin, where music, independent film and emerging technologies converge. More than 20 companies will join the Irish delegation, gathering collectively at the Enterprise Ireland stand. They'll showcase technologies, screen new films, learn from luminaries, and network at the week-long event regarded universally as the center of gravity for internet, media, music and entertainment.

Enterprise Ireland is the government agency responsible for the growth and development of Irish companies in international markets. Joining the Irish delegation with Enterprise Ireland is Music for Ireland and the Irish Film Board.

In events and other initiatives throughout the week, the best of Irish artistry and interactive technologies will be promoted and displayed: Highlights include:

• A marquee networking event co-sponsored by Enterprise Ireland and NASDAQ OMX. More than a traditional meet-up, the event offers Irish entrepreneurs an inside look at international capital market dynamics, while also providing an entertaining forum to connect with the thinkers, inventors and musicians attending SXSW, as well as NASDAQ OMX executives.
• Start-up Village. This initiative links entrepreneurs with investors and digital influencers in meet-ups, pitch panels and mentoring/coaching sessions. Select Irish entrepreneurs in active fund-raising mode will pitch their business plans to a panel comprised of executives from Artist Capital, Dropbox, HDMade, NASDAQ OMX, Pacific Crest Securities and Salesforce, as well as author/investor David S. Kidder.
• Dublin start-up WholeWorldBand is one of eight finalists for the elite Music Technologies Accelerator Award. The company created an inventive audio-visual platform that enables individuals to perform their own music or play along with a favorite band. Engaging and entertaining, the platform brings a fresh new approach to the fast-changing online music industry, through a model that's optimized to encourage and reward emerging talent.
• The richness of Ireland's movie industry will be displayed by two Irish films, "Good Vibrations" and "Kelly + Victor," both making their North American debut at the conference.

Enterprise Ireland's Senior Vice President Simone Boswell said, "SXSW presents a one-of-a-kind interaction hub for some of the brightest minds in emerging technology. It's an exceptional venue for Irish entrepreneurs to share the creativity and smarts that are driving international recognition for their technologies and entertainment companies. With unbeatable special programs and high-value mixers, SXSW is also the ultimate business opportunity for our delegates. In previous years, deals were made, connections forged, leads generated and up-and-coming brands enjoyed a global lift. We expect the same and more from this year's event," said Boswell.

The Irish delegation at SXSW is part of a broad agenda that brings the Irish to Texas in the lead-up to St. Patrick's Day. Central to the itinerary is the first-ever Export Trade Mission to the State led by Ireland's Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton. Representatives from 40 Irish companies will join the Minister to promote and expand Ireland's strong ties with Texas-based businesses. 

During his visit, Minister Bruton will meet with Governor Rick Perry and other State officials, as well as executives from The Startup America Partnership, NASDAQ OMX and SXSW conference producers. In Austin, he will attend the pitch session by Irish entrepreneurs at SXSW's Start-up Village. He will also speak at a luncheon for local business leaders. Later, he will preside over the launch of the Austin Chapter of the Irish Network -- a nation-wide business networking organization for Irish professionals in the U.S. Other cities on the Trade Mission itinerary include Dallas and Houston.

Irish companies at SXSW include: 45sound, Amplience, Axonista, Cab Yellow, Conker, Furious Tribe, Intuition, Origin8, Popdeem, proTunes, Pubble, Soundwave Analytics Ltd., StoryToys, Tapastreet, TeamworkPM, Thinkhouse, Trust5, Voxpro, WholeWorldBand and YellowSchedule. They can be found at the Enterprise Ireland hub located on the Expo floor at 1207.

For more information on Enterprise Ireland, please visit www.enterprise-ireland.com.