Dublin is famous for hosting US tech giants, but a new wave of homegrown entrepreneurs is proving that Ireland can export more than just software. The city has birthed a generation of Direct-to-Consumer brands that blend Ireland’s heritage of high-quality manufacturing with aggressive digital marketing.
These startups have moved beyond the local craft label to build scalable international businesses. From athleisure empires to frozen food revolutions, the Dublin D2C scene is defined by community building and premium product positioning.
Here are the 10 Dublin-based D2C brands defining the consumer landscape in 2026.
Gym+Coffee
Niall Horgan, Diarmuid McSweeney, and Karl Swaine launched Gym+Coffee to capitalise on the athleisure trend. They built something far more durable than just a clothing line by focusing intensely on community events and clubhouses. The brand is synonymous with the active social lifestyle in Ireland and the UK. With backing from One Direction star Niall Horan, they have become Ireland’s largest D2C fashion export. Their revenue growth proves that a digital-first community model can successfully transition into physical retail hubs across Europe.
Spotlight Oral Care
Sisters Dr Lisa and Dr Vanessa Creaven founded Spotlight Oral Care to bridge the gap between oral health and the beauty industry. As practising dentists, they formulated clean and clinically proven products to replace generic supermarket toothpaste. They sell directly to consumers through an educational, social-first strategy. The brand has successfully cracked the massive US market and secured distribution in major beauty retailers. They challenge heritage giants like Colgate with sustainable and dentist-led alternatives.
Chupi
Chupi Sweetman built Chupi into a luxury jewellery phenomenon by embracing digital tools that heritage jewellers ignored. The brand creates modern heirlooms using 100 per cent recycled gold and conflict-free diamonds. Chupi pioneered the use of virtual consultations and AR try-on technology to sell high-ticket engagement rings online. With significant investment to fuel expansion, the brand demonstrates that high-end luxury can scale globally through a D2C channel without diluting its premium appeal.
Sculpted by Aimee
Make-up artist Aimee Connolly launched Sculpted by Aimee from her kitchen table and grew it into one of Ireland’s fastest-growing beauty brands. Unlike celebrity white label brands, Sculpted was built on years of educational content and genuine community engagement. The company has expanded aggressively into the UK and the Middle East. Connolly maintains tight control over product development and leverages a massive social media following to compete directly with global giants like Charlotte Tilbury.
Strong Roots
Samuel Dennigan founded Strong Roots to fix the frozen food aisle. He introduced premium plant-based frozen meals, such as kale and quinoa burgers, that appeal to health-conscious millennials. The brand exploded globally and secured a strategic investment from McCain Foods to scale distribution. Strong Roots proved that a frozen food brand could have the aesthetic and digital presence of a lifestyle startup. They successfully ship D2C bundles while dominating supermarket freezers in the UK and the US.
Skingredients
Jennifer Rock founded Skingredients to simplify skincare with a protein-focused diet for the face. The brand utilises a colour-coded system to make building a routine easy for consumers. They pioneered a refillable packaging model where the inner tube is replaced while the outer pump is kept. This commitment to sustainability, combined with Rock’s authority as ‘The Skin Nerd’, has created a highly sticky subscription base. They are a prime example of an expert-led brand scaling through education and eco-conscious design.
Pestle & Mortar
Sonia Deasy founded Pestle & Mortar based on the philosophy of less is more. She combined science-backed actives with minimalist formulations inspired by her family’s Indian natural healing heritage. The brand’s Pure Hyaluronic Serum became a global cult hit. Deasy refused to follow the industry trend of launching dozens of confusing products. She built a streamlined and profitable D2C business that resonates with customers tired of complex skincare routines.
Fiid
Shane Ryan created Fiid to challenge the perception that convenient food has to be unhealthy. His range of ambient plant-based bowls contains 100 per cent natural ingredients with no additives. The product’s shelf-stability makes it ideal for D2C logistics, as it avoids the expense of cold-chain shipping. Fiid has grown rapidly across Ireland and the UK by capitalising on the shift towards flexitarian diets and the need for healthy emergency meals for remote workers.
The Smooth Company
Aine Kennedy launched The Smooth Company with a single hero product designed to tame flyaway hair. Leveraging TikTok’s power, the brand went viral instantly and sold out repeatedly. It is a prime example of the Gen Z D2C model, which identifies a specific visual problem and uses short-form content to drive traffic. Kennedy has since expanded the product line to turn a viral moment into a sustainable hair care brand that ships globally.
Human Collective
Conor Buckley founded Human Collective with a mission that goes beyond fashion. The sustainable leisurewear brand was built on a pillar of social equality. An equals symbol on every garment signifies support for racial and social justice. This purpose-driven approach resonated deeply with Irish consumers. The brand leverages this community sentiment to scale its D2C operations. It proves that modern consumers are willing to pay a premium for apparel that aligns with their personal values.