Buoyed by a blend of homegrown innovation, international growth opportunities, and a maturing venture market, Irish companies like LetsGetChecked, Tines, Intercom and Wayflyer are increasingly punching above their weight. Despite this vibrancy, one of the most persistent challenges for scaling firms, usually high-potential businesses with ambitions for rapid growth, is securing the right funding at the right time.   While the various forms of traditional bank lending and state supports remain important, venture capital (VC) has become a critical growth enabler for scaling companies. Yet, navigating the VC landscape requires a clear understanding of its opportunities, risks, and evolving dynamics.…