Nine out of 10 Start-Ups intend to hire more staff this year.

While six in 10 expect substantial growth, with the main export markets being the UK, Europe and USA.

New figures from Enterprise Ireland predict that more than 1,500 jobs will be created over the next three years, by so-called HPSUs or High Potential Start-Up businesses.

The State agency invested €31m in Start-Ups in 2015.

Director of Global Business Development for Enterprise Ireland Kevin Sherry said 2015 was a great year for HPSUs.

“Last year was a record year for Enterprise Ireland supported new start-up companies with the highest number of funding approvals with a total direct Enterprise Ireland investment commitment of €31m in start-ups.

“A key role of Enterprise Ireland is to support entrepreneurs to start new enterprises, to develop innovative products and services and to scale their businesses on international markets”.