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.