Irish Tech Startups Raise Record €1.48 Billion—But What About Smaller Businesses?

The latest IVCA VenturePulse report shows that 2024 was a record-breaking year for Irish tech investment, with €1.48 billion raised. Major deals, like XOcean’s €115 million and Fire1’s €116 million rounds, drove this growth. However, while big-ticket funding surged, smaller deals—especially under €5 million—saw a sharp decline.

For startups and SMEs, this highlights a critical issue: while venture capital (VC) remains strong for high-growth companies, many businesses seeking smaller funding rounds are struggling to secure investment.

The Growing Funding Gap for Smaller Businesses

The IVCA report found that:

• Deals between €3 million and €5 million dropped 37% year-over-year.

• Deals in the €1 million to €3 million range declined 24%.

• Seed funding fell 4% over the year and 55% in Q4 alone.

This means that early-stage and growth-phase companies—especially those outside of deep tech or biotech—are facing increasing difficulties in accessing funding.

What This Means for Irish SMEs and Startups

While government initiatives, like the €250 million Seed & Venture Capital scheme, will provide some support, many businesses can’t afford to wait for public funding. This is where alternative financing solutions come into play.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we help Irish businesses access the capital they need—whether through business loans, asset financing, or alternative lenders. Unlike venture capital, which often requires giving up equity, our financing solutions allow businesses to grow while maintaining full ownership.

Need Funding? Here’s How We Can Help

• Flexible Business Loans: We work with a network of lenders to secure funding tailored to your needs.

• Faster Approvals: Unlike traditional bank loans or VC rounds, our financing solutions can be approved in days, not months.

• No Equity Dilution: Keep full control of your business while securing the funding you need to grow.

Get the Capital Your Business Needs

If you’re an Irish business struggling to secure funding, now is the time to explore alternative finance solutions. Call the BusinessLoans.ie team today on 01 55 636 55 to discuss your options and take the next step in your growth journey. Or APPLY HERE.

Acquisition Loans in Ireland: Unlocking Business Opportunities

As the Irish economy faces challenges such as rising interest rates, inflation, and shifting market conditions, new opportunities are emerging for business acquisitions. Acquisition loans provide the financial backing needed to capitalize on these opportunities, offering tailored funding solutions for a defined purpose and timeframe. In 2024 M&A deals in Ireland were valued at €27.5 billion and it could be part of your growth strategy. Often, multiple lenders are required to structure the best deal—this is where BusinessLoans.ie comes in, securing competitive quotes and facilitating staged drawdowns to suit your acquisition process.

Unsecured Lending

We assess how much unsecured financing can be raised based on the financial strength of your existing company and the potential of the business you’re acquiring.

Secured Lending

We evaluate the funding potential of assets such as vehicles, machinery, equipment, stock, debtors, and property—both within your current business and the target acquisition.

Corporate Divestment

Streamlining your new acquisition may involve selling non-core activities, helping you reduce overall debt and focus on core business growth.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we go beyond securing loans. Our network of partners provides expert support with business planning, financial modeling, and funding proposals—simplifying what can be a complex process. Our services are cost-effective, competitively priced, and often subsidized through grants from the Local Enterprise Office and Enterprise Ireland.

A strong funding proposal could include:
✅ Business history & management
✅ Products & services overview
✅ Customer base & market opportunities
✅ Financial projections & valuations
✅ Due diligence & risk analysis

Ready to fund your next acquisition? Call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE.

Fast finance to get 2025 started? Get same day approval on €50,000 business loans

Many business owners in Ireland have used the Christmas break to work on their business rather than in their business. If that sounds like you, and you’ve got big growth plans for 2025, then a same day approval business loan might help keep the momentum. BusinessLoans.ie can help with same day approval on business loans up to €50,000; and that’s in addition to next day approval on amounts up to €500,000.

same day €50,000 business loan

• Rates generally from 6% to 10%

• Terms from 12 months to 60 months

• Purpose of funds can be for business expansion, working capital and more

To apply, your business should have at least one year’s accounts done and in profit; no missed payments in the bank statements and a tax clearance certificate. We can even help with some quick initial feedback to see if you’re potentially eligible, and if so you can get an indication of maximum approval amount. For fast finance quotes APPLY HERE or call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55.

Recent deal: A CCTV, access & alarms business secures working capital

BusinessLoans.ie helped our client get over €100,000 for working capital and business expansion funding. It was at a low-rate under the Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme. The business was long-established and had a range of clients including domestic, commercial and government departments. During the pandemic their work was severely curtailed by restrictions. Their installers couldn’t finish jobs because of travel and access issues. This led to a dip in turnover for the year so they qualified for the covid loan. Now that pandemic restrictions had eased business was experiencing and overwhelming demand, not only from a backlog of orders but from companies realising the need for better access controls in their buildings. The business owner also noted an opportunity to buy another business and could have the capital at the ready.

BusinessLoans.ie got the funds organsied in days and the client was delighted not to have to sign personal guarantees for peace of mind. Does your business need a loan? Call us for fast finance quotes on 01 55 636 55 or email hello@businessloans.ie.