Behind stable headline figures, Irish-led acquisitions surged in early 2026. Meanwhile, private equity pulled back, international buyers grew more cautious, and funding tilted towards fewer, larger raises.
Irish SMEs have become more financially savvy since the 2008 crash, and the funding options available to them have also evolved.
The company, which was founded in Northern Ireland by Caoimhe and Gerard Donnelly, is set to close its Belfast entity and instead operate through its US business.
This year’s programme will see 23 Irish start-ups and SMEs from across industries gather in Ballymaloe with AxisBIC to hone their businesses alongside some of Ireland’s most established entrepreneurs.
Sean Smith, the co-founder of Micron Agritech, talks about automating the process of parasite testing for farmers, new EU legislation, and raising €1.5m in further funding ahead of the start-up’s official launch in 2022.
Smaller crowds, outdoor or online performances and no sense of intimacy. This is what's on the cards for Irish theatres as they begin to get back to work. Already under funding pressure, will Covid-19 impact the industry further?
The European Investment Bank is known for funding large infrastructure projects. Now, it wants to back innovative, high-potential businesses. Central to the strategy is its Irish vice-president, Andrew McDowell.
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