Brian Caulfield

Venture capital funding for start-ups and tech companies has fallen sharply in Ireland, according to new industry figures. Cash to fund tech firms sank by 48pc to €259m in the first three months of the year, compared with €502m during the same period in 2023. Early and seed stage funding deals rose. Adrian Weckler reports on the latest VenturePulse report for the Irish Independent. https://lnkd.in/eeWT2xMJ

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HEAnet will be hosting the Dublin Local Hub for the RIPE NCC Green Hackathon in December! ***** You can join the Hackathon here: https://lnkd.in/gFZeD_gb We'll explore innovative solutions for reducing the environmental impact of digital technologies, not only with a focus on Internet infrastructure but also on ideas of regenerative society and climate justice - and everything in between. We are looking for enthusiastic and critical thinkers in Green Tech. If you are a hacker, software developer, climate expert, network engineer, student, researcher, data scientist, designer, economist, sys-admin, philosopher, gardener, academic, or poet, who wants to create a sustainable future, then this event is for you! The https://lnkd.in/g_i97jxS takes place on 10-11 December 2024 in the following locations (based on geographical distance): Online (more than half of the participants!) Dublin Local Hub - hosted by HEAnet - 93/94 North Wall Quay, Dublin D01 V8Y6, Ireland In person in Amsterdam and other Local Hubs (Greece, Slovenia, UK, Serbia) Register here (please mention if joining a Local Hub): https://lnkd.in/g_i97jxS RIPE NCC hackathons are non-commercial and non-competitive. We focus on cooperation and openness - all the code produced is FLOSS, and all the results are published on public software repositories, wikis, and on blogs to help others further create, experiment, and develop ideas and tools.

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SMEs reveal concerns over Capital Gains Tax revamp ahead of October Budget😬 BGF, one of the UK and Ireland’s growth capital investors, recently surveyed the CEOs and founders from its 400-strong investment portfolio ahead of the Government’s October Budget. The findings shed light on the concerns and outlooks of business leaders across various sectors. 👇 Read more below 👇 #StartupsMagazine #Startups #Entrepreneur #Tax

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[NEWS] Apaleo secures €20m in Series B funding round API-first open property management platform Apaleo has announced that it has raised €20 million in a growth equity investment [Series B funding] round. 🏨📈 The funding, led by PSG Equity with participation from Redalpine, FOMCAP IV, and Rockaway Ventures, will fuel Apaleo’s global expansion, talent acquisition, and platform innovation. Apaleo aims to extend its reach across diverse accommodation sectors, including hotels, student housing, senior living, and more. Operating in over 30 countries and managing 85,000+ units, Apaleo enables brands like citizenM, NUMA, and easyHotel to integrate over 250 specialised applications via its MACH (Microservices-based, API-first, Cloud-native, Headless) architecture. Founder and CEO Uli Pillau said the investment underscores Apaleo’s mission to dismantle the limitations of legacy systems and drive innovation in the hospitality tech space. 🌐 Read the full article HERE >> https://lnkd.in/gpqSByQT ⏱ Reading Time: 2 minutes #apaleo #seriesbfunding #hospitalitytech #innovation #PSGequity #APIPlatform #growth

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🚀 Ready to elevate your business game? 🚀 Our latest blog post "Gain Competitive Advantage: Discover the Power of Digital Transformation for Irish SMEs" dives deep into how digital transformation is revolutionising the way businesses operate. 💡 With the rise of new technologies, Irish SMEs are embracing digital solutions to stay ahead of the curve! Curious about the secret ingredients that can catapult your business to new heights? Head over to the blog to uncover the magic! 🌐✨ Read more: https://lnkd.in/erFHWg2u Join the conversation - let’s discuss how digital transformation is shaping up your business!👇 #DigitalTransformation #IrishSMEs #TechInnovation #BusinessGrowth

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DTFF Funding Call 3 closes on 12th July at noon. DTFF aims to help small and micro businesses in Northern Ireland to invest in advanced digital technologies. It establishes a grant fund to support eligible businesses with investments in capital equipment that is critical to achieving their digital transformation ambitions. The focus of the fund is on innovative and emerging technologies, such as: 🌐 Smart environments and the Internet of Things (sensors) 🤖 Simulation, process automation (Robotics) and additive manufacturing 📈 Big data and analytics 📲 Immersive technologies (AR, VR, MR, Haptics) 💻 Artificial intelligence and machine learning 🔏 Blockchain technologies and more To be eligible, capital investments must enable business transformation rather than simply digitisation of existing business models or operations. Funding is available between £5,000 and £20,000 ex VAT for an investment project. If eligible, the grant can fund up to70% of the cost of the total value of a project. Applicants must match-fund a minimum of 30% of the overall project costs. 🖥 Missed a pre-briefing session? View a recording of the QUB DTFF briefing sessions designed to give you an overview of the grant and eligibility criteria: https://lnkd.in/enn4YnPc Other Useful Links ❓ Applicant Guidance: https://lnkd.in/efjaDknw 👍 Further Support: https://lnkd.in/e_z6zQJa ✔ Eligibility Criteria: https://lnkd.in/eK9gbidU

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Digital Business Ireland is calling on the Government to create a tailored AI training fund for SMEs, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to scale their business and remain competitive. 💡 Did you know? Nearly 23% of people under 44 are already using AI daily to boost work efficiency.  Larger companies are adopting AI faster than SMEs — we need to close this gap!  With AI advancing rapidly, now is the time to invest in AI infrastructure, training, and digitalisation. Let's ensure every business can harness the power of AI to drive innovation

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A big thank you to Scale Ireland for highlighting changes announced in the budget for tech companies and scale up companies! Increase the amount reimbursed in year one under the R&D Tax Credit scheme from €50k to €75k; Increase in the relief available under the Start-up Relief for Entrepreneurs from €700k to €980k; Doubling in the investment limits under the Employment Investment Incentive scheme (EIIS) from €500k to €1m; Increase in the lifetime limit on gains liable for reduced Capital Gains Tax (for Angel Investors in innovative start-ups and SMEs) from €3m to €10m (Note: new 16% for individuals or 18% through Partnerships announced in Budget 2024);  New relief for expenses incurred in connection with a first listing on an Irish or European stock exchange, subject to a cap of €1 million; Subject to state aid rules, introduce Stamp Duty exemption for Irish SMEs to access equity via financial trading platforms designed to support their funding needs; Enhancement of the section 486C small company start-up corporation tax relief; Commitment to consider the recommendations of the report on share ownership schemes and the review of R&D tax credit next year. You can read the full statement regarding the 2025 budget via this link https://lnkd.in/eZMMqtZn  

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📢 IT Managers in SMEs📢 Join us for an in-person event where we'll explore how advanced technologies like AI and cloud services are transforming operations and boosting digital sales in Irish SMEs. Our panel, moderated by Ciara O'Brien of The Irish Times will discuss our recent research, supported by Microsoft which showed that: 🔹 Over 35% of SMEs have already implemented AI, with nearly 48% planning to adopt it within the next 12 months. Key benefits include improvements in customer service, IT, and sales. 🔹 65% of SMEs have reported an increase in online revenue over the past two years, thanks to investments in cloud services, data analytics, and digital customer platforms. 🔹 Cybersecurity remains crucial, with 17% of SMEs experiencing a cyber-attack in the last year. Join us to valuable insights, network with industry experts, and learn how to overcome barriers to technology adoption. 📅 Tuesday 19th November, 10am - 1pm 📍 Microsoft Campus, Leopardstown, Dublin 18 🎤 MD of eir evo Martin Wells, SMC Lead - Microsoft Ireland Jonathan Eustace and Director of the Small Firms Association David Broderick Register here: https://lnkd.in/e-rJ-8DQ #SMEs #Technology #AI #CloudServices #Cybersecurity #DigitalTransformation

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Irish Tech Update June 2024 MarketSizer Data-Driven Decisions®: SaaS start-up raises €1m in pre-seed funding from Delta Partners to enhance market trend data analysis. Lynq: AI-powered workspace for venture and private equity investors secures $2 million in pre-seed investment. Stripe: Co-founder John Collison suggests future employee share cash-outs amid IPO speculations. CleverCards: Digital payments company raises €8m, reaching a total of €28m in funding, continuing its global expansion. AccountsIQ: Cloud accounting platform secures €60m Series C funding to expand its AI offerings and double its workforce. Apple: Plans to acquire new office space in Dublin to house hundreds of additional staff, supporting further expansion. XOCEAN: Ocean data firm raises €30m in Series B funding to support hiring and growth, especially in domain-specific roles. North American Bancard: Announces the creation of 54 new jobs in Limerick, focusing on product development and risk management. Overcast HQ: GenAI-powered video asset management startup raises $1.2m to expand its team and enhance product development. VEI Global Ltd: Invests €2m to create 20 new engineering jobs over the next 18 months amid strong growth in the US and Europe. Monzo Bank: UK neobank announces plans for an Irish office following its first annual profit, marking a significant step in its EU expansion. Drop a comment if you have seen any other developments or market event s

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Business Loans for Irish SMEs: Pros and Cons Traditional bank loans can be challenging for Irish SMEs due to high interest rates, rigid repayment terms, and hidden fees. Why Seek Alternatives? High and variable interest rates. Rigid repayment schedules and late fees. Complicated fee structures. Specific loan purposes required. Alternative Financing Options: Government Grants: Available through Enterprise Ireland and local County Development Companies. Invoice Financing: Borrow against future payments to manage cash flow. Peer-to-Peer & Crowdfunding: Raise funds from many small investors. Venture Capital & Angel Investors: Equity-based funding with potential strict terms. GRID Finance: The Leading Alternative Quick Approvals: Less paperwork, approval in 48 hours. Flexible Use: No specific loan purpose required. Adaptable Repayment: Align with cash flow cycles. Rolling Credit: Top up loans without reapplying. Daily Sales-Based Repayment: No late or hidden fees. Read more here Advantages and Disadvantages of Bank Loans for Irish SMEs (gridfinance.ie) GRID Finance – OPEN FOR BUSINESS #IrishSMEs #BusinessLoans #FinanceAlternatives #GRIDFinance

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🌍 Exciting News! 🌱 BVP is thrilled to partner with the (SBCI) Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland(SBCI) to launch the €50m Green Transition Finance product. This innovative financing solution is designed to support Irish SMEs and Small Mid-Caps in their journey toward sustainability and green investments. With flexible loans ranging from €500,000 to €5m, competitive interest rates, and terms up to 10 years, we are committed to helping businesses transition to a greener future. 🌿 As Elliott Griffin, our CEO, stated, “Our objective is to stimulate green initiatives and decarbonisation projects with competitive, properly structured finance. This product enables us to actively contribute to a more sustainable future.” We are proud to contribute to Ireland’s climate and sustainability goals alongside our partners (SBCI) Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, the European Investment Fund (EIF), and the InvestEU Sustainability Portfolio Guarantee Product. If your business is looking to invest in green projects or accelerate sustainability initiatives, get in touch with us today! #GreenFinance #Sustainability #ClimateAction #SME #SustainableInvestment #BVP #SBCI #GreenTransition https://lnkd.in/eTdsbNyF Stephen Mason Stephen Tully (ACCA) June Butler Department of Finance Ireland Jack Chambers

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Join us as we sit down with Tom Early, Head of Funding & Scaling Solutions at Enterprise Ireland, to explore the thriving investment scene in Ireland! Tom brings his expert insights into the vibrant ecosystem and potential opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Key Highlights: ⭐ Emerging Trends: Discover the latest trends and key focus areas for companies. 📒 Useful Tips: Strategies for securing funding. 📈 Market Insights: Get expert opinions on what makes Ireland a hotspot for investments. 🤝 Lessons from failure: the value of persistence and learning in startup success. 🎧 Tune In Now: https://lnkd.in/dh-CRzuB Get an insider look into Ireland's booming investment landscape and what it means for the future of business. Don't miss out on this episode! #Podcast #Investment #Ireland #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #StoryOfSoftware #EnterpriseIreland #Zartis 

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#INQDATAFunding: Irish Analytics Firm Secures £750,000 Belfast-based data analytics startup INQDATA has raised £750,000 from the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland’s equity arm. INQDATA specializes in providing analytics solutions for infrastructure management and market data services. The funding round, led by Clarendon Fund Managers and supported by Iona Star Capital and Techstart Ventures, totals £2.5 million. CEO Theodore Voegt emphasized that their cloud-based, market data-as-a-service solution can significantly reduce costs and accelerate time-to-value for financial institutions and hedge funds. This investment is seen as a pivotal moment for INQDATA, bolstering their position as a global center of excellence in Northern Ireland. 💡 How can cloud-based analytics solutions transform the financial industry? #Fintech #DataAnalytics #CloudComputing #INQDATA #NorthernIreland #Saasverse

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Irish Tech Update May 2024 🇮🇪 Zartis Receives €10M Funding - aims to double its size by 2028 with €10m investment from Development Capital to expand AI practice and international growth. Symphony Opens Tech Hub in Belfast - launches a multifunctional hub in Belfast, creating 17 skilled jobs across various sectors. CR2 Acquired by HPS - Moroccan firm Hightech Payment Systems (HPS) will look to enhance digital banking and payments capabilities. Spectrum.Life Raises €17M - aim to expand into new markets and plans to hire over 100 new employees. inspeq ai Raises $1.1M - specialising in AI deployment for businesses, raises $1.1m to expand operations in Ireland, London, and India. Nory Raises $16M - AI-powered restaurant management platform Nory secures $16m for product development and international expansion. STRATxAI Raises €1.5M - aim to expand team, grow sales, and drive product development with its AI investment platform 'Alana'. IBM to Create 800 Jobs in Ireland over the next three years in areas like R&D, digital sales, and consulting. KPMG Ireland to Create 200 Jobs - launches a new EU AI Hub in Dublin, creating 200 jobs in AI, risk, regulatory services, and cyber security. Intercom to Invest $100M in AI -planning to hire 75 people for its Dublin machine learning team and R&D efforts. Workvivo - by Zoom Chosen by Meta as a replacement for its Workplace platform, anticipating growth as it migrates customers. PwC Launches Cork Cybersecurity Centre creating 150 jobs to assist clients with online security services. Numra Raises €1.5M to hire across product and engineering and expand into the US market. Evervault Expands into Payments Security expanding its offerings and hiring for roles in Dublin and London. Intel Corporation in Talks for $11B Irish Chip Expansion for a chip manufacturing plant in Ireland Jamango! Raises $2.5M to develop its platform and expand its team. Corlytics Acquires Platform from Deloitte UK to enhance its regulatory risk intelligence services. Mavarick Raises €1.3M to grow its team and support international expansion efforts. Workhuman Adds AI Roles aiming to integrate AI into its HR software. Ceartas DMCA Raises $4.5M to expand its AI copyright protection services and grow its team. Did we miss something?

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🚀 Exciting News for Irish Businesses! 🚀 At Flurish, we're passionate about helping Irish businesses thrive. Imagine a world where you can secure the funding you need quickly and easily, without the frustrating delays of traditional banks. That’s the world we’re building! 💡 Apply in minutes. 💡 Receive your funds in days. 💡 Transparent decisions within 24 hours. No more waiting weeks or months for a ‘Slow-No’. If you don’t meet our criteria, we’ll let you know within 24 hours – no more guessing games. Let’s make your business dreams a reality. Apply now and watch your business Flurish! 🌿 Just visit the link in our bio and start the process TODAY! #IrishBusiness #BusinessLoans #FastFinancing #GrowWithFlurish #SmallBusinessFunding #SMEfinance

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