Top Stories

The rise of million-dollar companies with just one employee

AI tools make it easier for founders to get started alone, and many stay that way as they grow, writesTe-Ping Chen, The Wall Street Journal.

Even $64bn in quarterly profit is a disappointment for chip investors

South Korea’s SK Hynix falls nearly 10% in Seoul despite record results powered by AI boom, writes Jiyoung Sohn, The Wall Street Journal.

A small band of socialists is sowing panic in the Democratic Party

Once a fringe wing, the movement is wielding surprising political power, capitalizing on popular discontent. Mainstream Democrats see a ‘fundamental threat’, write James Fanelli, Joshua Chaffin, Eliza Collins and Kevin T. Dugan, The Wall Street Journal.

Follow the money: How Ruairi Kelleher’s €8m payday was shared out to five creditors

Ruairi Kelleher has settled with five creditors following the collapse of his ticket-sales business. After borrowing millions to flip sporting tickets, Kelleher faced several High Court actions and the appointment of a receiver. This is where the money went.

ClubSpot is doubling in size as it raises €750,000

High-profile angel investors are backing ClubSpot as the sports technology company targets €3 million in revenue over the next 12 months. Founder John Hyland explains why he believes the business is ready to expand internationally.

The birth of the third baby (3B): How Tines rebuilt itself for the AI world

Tines is on course to hit revenues of $100m in the next quarter. Its co-founder Eoin Hinchy explains why it is launching a new product called 3B to help enterprises govern AI workflows, apps and agents.

This lawyer upended ‘big law’ once. He has a plan to do it again

David Fox, who helped build Kirkland & Ellis into a top law firm, now sees AI as the industry’s future, writes Lauren Thomas, The Wall Street Journal.

Meta Is fighting a mountain of social-media lawsuits—at just the wrong time

In the midst of an expensive AI transformation, the company is grappling with litigation that could cost it billions and force painful changes, write Erin Mulvaney and Meghan Bobrowsky The Wall Street Journal.

Top Voices

Tara Shine: Are you ready for the EU’s new carbon import tax? 

High-emission products imported this year are creating liabilities under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. While the measure levels the playing field for European manufacturers, businesses need to assess its cost in their supply chains.

Is Jim O’Callaghan’s tightening of Ipas purse strings working?

New data points to a likely reduction in refugee accommodation costs this year as a recent tightening in payment policy and rates kicks in but question marks remain over long-term savings.

Ronan Lyons: Who pays for cost rental?

Anchoring rents to cost and tapering subsidies by income is a design, not a budget line.

The stages of entrepreneurship: Stage 3 – How to turn a mature business into an enduring success

Over three decades, Anne Heraty led CPL from foundation to sale. She explains the many steps that have allowed the company to outlive her presence.

Paul McArdle: SkillStack’s journey from Rolodex to camera roll

The executive online learning platform has an A-list faculty of speakers. Its founder Robert Mac Giolla Phadraig tells me this is just the beginning.

Budget 2027 and the best-laid plans: Rewinding the week that was

The Summer Economic Statement used to ringfence tax-and-spend plans for the next year. It now shows how fast they become out of date.

Paul Flynn: Why Kerry should win – and how Mayo still can

As I walked out of Croke Park after the hurling final, I wondered if football's showpiece would follow the same script: one outstanding team proving simply too good. I still think it will.

Inflation’s hidden story: What costs more, what costs less, and why

Rents and household energy have raced ahead of incomes, while electronics, clothing and groceries have become more affordable. The contrasting trends reveal much about how the Irish economy really works.