Startup hub Dogpatch Labs is to add 100 extra membership places at the CHQ building in Dublin by covering over its garden area and installing desk spaces.

The expansion has the support of Dogpatch lender Ulster Bank, and the bank said it will continue to maintain the presence of its own innovation team in the facility. The partnership has enabled a new internal incubator programme designed for Ulster Bank staff.

Dogpatch Labs is home to more than 80 companies and has more than 400 members, and has expanded to almost 40,000 square feet over three levels.

Managing director Patrick Walsh said: “At Dogpatch Labs we’re committed to supporting and accelerating the development of Ireland’s startup community by providing a valuable space from where they can grow, share knowledge and form connections. We’re delighted to renew our partnership with Ulster Bank and have their support to further upgrade and expand this space.

“This support will allow us to enclose the urban garden in glass and install a full HVAC system, which will significantly enhance its usability for clients on a year-round basis. Dogpatch is also activating 100 extra membership places to meet strong demand from both existing and new clients.”

In Association with

Landingzone Ltd, the Dogpatch Labs operating company, is controlled by Patrick Walsh. The company doubled employment in 2017 to 14 people and booked a pre-tax profit of €500,000, up from €350,000 the year before.

Landingzone reduced borrowings from Ulster Bank through 2017 from €1,560,000 to €1,075,000. According to company filings, this debt is secured over a licence agreement between Landingzone and Pivotal Software, one of the main tenants in Dogpatch Labs.

Ulster Bank chief executive Jane Howard added: “The first phase of the partnership between Dogpatch Labs and Ulster Bank embedded us in the startup ecosystem, while driving cultural change for our colleagues and stakeholder engagement. Dogpatch Labs is central to the startup ecosystem in Ireland, providing companies with the space, connections and support required at a crucial phase in their development.”

Dogpatch Labs opened in March 2015 and has been through three distinct stages of development. The original site allowed space for up to 25 startups, the second created The Vaults, the dedicated events and meeting space, while the third phase was the construction of the Mezzanine Floor and flexible hot-desking Urban Garden space.

Photo: Patrick Walsh and Jane Howard. (Pix: Shane O’Neill/ SON Photo)