Galway’s PorterShed signs ‘Passport’ deal with French counterparts [Video]

Galway’s PorterShed has signed a five year deal with their French counterparts to set up a “Passport” system for tech startups.

The business hub in the west of Ireland and Gradignan’s La Canopée, which is just outside Bordeaux in the south of France, are working together to “connect the two cities’ tech ecosystems”.

Under the unique agreement startups from each location will be able to access each other’s coworking spaces.

The “Passport” system allows startups in Galway and Gradignan to work from each other’s coworking spaces for designated periods at no charge, reducing the costs associated with expanding into new markets.

The initiative, say its supporters, will allow tech entrepreneurs from both regions to “immerse themselves in a different business environment, access new networks, and explore potential partnerships abroad”.

Under the new agreement, both The PorterShed and La Canopée will host up to five companies each year.

Startups will gain access to coworking resources, meeting rooms, and networking opportunities in …