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Find a co-founder in Belfast

Belfast has developed a substantial technology sector, with international software, financial services and consultancy firms running engineering centres in the city. That has created a deep pool of experienced developers, testers and technical leads, some of whom are ready to co-found.

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In short

To find a co-founder in Belfast, publish your project on EasyCofounder targeting Belfast and Northern Ireland, specify the role and sector, and draw on the city’s cybersecurity cluster, software services industry and university networks. Belfast is a strong base for security, fintech and software startups, with close links to both Great Britain and Dublin.

Cybersecurity is the city’s best-known speciality. The Centre for Secure Information Technologies at Queen’s University Belfast has worked on security research with industry for years, and many security companies have offices in Northern Ireland, which makes Belfast one of the best places in the UK to find a security co-founder.

Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University provide graduates and research, and Catalyst, based in the Titanic Quarter, supports technology startups with programmes, space and events. Invest Northern Ireland is the regional economic development agency and a common first contact for founders.

On EasyCofounder, describe your project, the role you want to fill and whether you intend to work from Belfast, Dublin or remotely. Talent from Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland lists its skills, and the AI matching suggests complementary profiles.

The startup ecosystem in Belfast

  • Security cluster

    Research at Queen’s and the presence of many security firms make Belfast ideal for finding engineers with experience in threat detection, secure software and network security.

  • Fintech and software services

    Engineering centres of banks and technology companies train developers in demanding environments, a good source of co-founders for fintech and B2B software.

  • Catalyst and its programmes

    Catalyst hosts startups in the Titanic Quarter and runs programmes for founders at different stages, a practical place to meet people with similar ambitions.

  • Between two markets

    Belfast is close to Dublin and well connected to Great Britain. Discuss with an adviser how trading and hiring across both sides of the border would work for your model.

  • Loyal talent

    Many professionals value staying in Northern Ireland, and a startup with a clear mission can attract experienced people who prefer building locally to moving away.

  • Regional support

    Invest Northern Ireland, university enterprise teams and local business networks offer advice and introductions, helpful for founders looking for a partner.

Find your co-founder in 4 steps

  1. 1

    Create your free profile

    Describe your skills, your availability and what you bring to a founding team.

  2. 2

    Publish your project

    Say which role you are looking for (CTO, CEO, CMO…), the commitment expected and the equity on offer, in Belfast.

  3. 3

    Let the matching work

    Filter talent by skill and location, or get suggestions of compatible profiles from the AI matching.

  4. 4

    Talk, then meet

    Chat through the built-in messaging, test your collaboration on a first project and put your agreement in writing in a shareholders’ agreement.

Frequently asked questions

Is Belfast a good place to start a cybersecurity company?

Yes. The combination of university research, experienced security engineers and established companies makes it one of the most favourable UK locations for security startups.

Can my co-founder be in Dublin while I am in Belfast?

Many teams work across the two cities. Decide where the company is incorporated and get advice on tax, employment and trade implications before setting up.

How do I convince an experienced developer to leave a stable job?

Present a well-defined problem, early customer evidence, a fair equity offer with vesting and a realistic plan for when salaries can be paid. A trial period together also helps.

Which sectors do Belfast startups work in?

Cybersecurity, fintech, software for regulated industries, health technology and creative digital, including film and games production, are all active in the city.

Where should I begin my co-founder search in Belfast?

Publish your project on EasyCofounder with Belfast as the location, contact relevant profiles, and meet them at Catalyst events, university meetups or local tech gatherings.

What should we agree before co-founding in Belfast?

Put in writing who does what, how equity is split and vested, how decisions are made and what happens if one founder leaves. If part of the team is in Dublin or Great Britain, also agree where the company is based and how you will meet regularly in person.

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