Dublin, ranking third as the Top 100 Emerging Ecosystem, has surfaced as a dynamic hub for startups and has made itself an ideal destination for aspiring founders. With global successes coming one after another, the country has attracted the best entrepreneurs, talent, and top companies into its startup scene. The Irish ecosystem, with its welcoming, diverse, and highly-qualified crowd, is poised to take on other major startup hubs in Europe. With the right funding partner, startups in Ireland can remain competitive in the global scene and emerge as market-leading enterprises. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of top VC Funds and Angel Investors in Ireland that can provide you with the capital and support to help you succeed!
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Why Should You Raise Funds in Ireland?
Startups should consider raising funds in Ireland for the following reasons:
Vibrant Tech Ecosystem: With 582 tech companies in the country, including six unicorns with valuations over USD 1 billion, the tech ecosystem in Ireland is undoubtedly active and lively. Ireland is also home to numerous top tech corporations in the world, including Apple, Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and more. A variety of variables contribute to the success of Ireland's IT environment. The country's highly-educated and highly-qualified workforce contributes to the development of a big pool of skilled and innovative people who are well-suited to work in the IT industry. Furthermore, the country is also known to attract significant foreign talent, offering a large talent pool from which entrepreneurs may draw.
Great Economic Environment: Ireland scores highly in numerous economic factors that make the country an ideal place to start and grow a business. Amongst all countries in EMEA, Ireland remains first in terms of macroeconomic factors, driven by productivity growth and strong gross domestic product (GDP) rates. Ireland also ranks 7th amongst 33 countries in terms of the best ecosystem for startups, with the third highest when it comes to unicorns per capita. Furthermore, as part of the European Union, Ireland provides startups with access to a large and diversified market of over 500 million people; providing opportunities for startups to increase their consumer base and grow their operations beyond the country.
Numerous Support Programs: One of the most significant advantages of startups in Ireland is the exceptional network of startup support programs, accelerators, and incubators from both the government and private entities. For instance, the government has set up agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). LEOs provide qualifying companies quick access to excellent resources such as training, mentorship, co-funding, and networking events, and Enterprise Ireland offers a variety of financing, training, and development opportunities.
Venture Capitalist Funds in Ireland
The venture capitalist funds below are actively looking for investments in promising companies throughout various stages and sectors. The stages stated do not limit the possibility of getting funding if your company is at any stage other than what is listed.
Year of Inception: 2012
Stage: Pre Seed, Seed, Series A
Focus: Fintech, E-Commerce, Online Media, Experience Economy, Social Media, Internet Of Things
Notable Portfolio: Peimento, Walden, Parra Payments, RLL Esports, Culhanimal Productions
DC Ventures is a venture capital as well as startup advisory firm that invests in early-stage startups and assist them in reaching their goals. With a team of industry experts and astute investors, they aid startups by providing advice and coaching in key functional areas of a firm critical for funding and growth.
Year of Inception: 2012
Stage: Pre Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B
Focus: B2B SaaS
Notable Portfolio: Vanta, Lattice, Signal AI, Humaans, Navan
Frontline Ventures invest in B2B SaaS firms with global aspirations. They operate 2 funds:
FRONTLINE X is for successful B2B software startups in the United States looking to expand to Europe, and FRONTLINE SEED is for entrepreneurs in Europe who aspire to expand their operations to the United States in the future.
Year of Inception: 1994
Stage: Seed
Focus: Information Technology, Communications, Healthcare
Notable Portfolio: Gigable, Offr, FoodMarble, CleverCards, GoContractor
Delta Partners is committed to investing and assisting the most tenacious entrepreneurs in overcoming the formidable hurdles they may face during their foundational stage (i.e. the journey from Seed to Series A. As part of their portfolio, they help founders develop strong company foundations and a strong capacity to optimize capital to ensure the success and sustainability of the firm.
Year of Inception: 2017
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: FinTech
Notable Portfolio: Inferex, Nofrixion, Finoa, Carta, &Open, Circit
Middlegame Ventures is a VC specially focused on financial services innovation. Since their inception, they have invested over EUR 300 million in over 40 companies spread across 10 countries. Their interest lies in core technologies that will reshape the basic blocks of financial services, such as Open Finance, Blockchain & Crypto, Automatic FinData, and Embedded ESG.
Year of Inception: 2011
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Notable Portfolio: Flipdish, Protex AI, SoapBox, Robotify, Garentii
Elkstone Partners is Ireland's leading venture capital firm. Their venture fund is Ireland's largest seed-stage fund that provides capital for startups going through their early stages. With their wide set of knowledge, expertise, and network, they assist founders at every stage of their entrepreneurial and personal journey.
Year of Inception: 2017
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: Software
Notable Portfolio: Everyangle, Precog, Ambisense, Admix
Sure Valley Ventures invests in early-stage AI software firms and works with entrepreneurs to scale breakthrough software technologies. Since their inception, they have been investing in cutting-edge artificial intelligence and assisting portfolio companies through their platform, large global network, and deep technology expertise.
Year of Inception: 2006
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: Technology
Notable Portfolio: Ledger, Vaultree, Worldr, CoachHub
Molten Ventures invests in Europe's digital giants that are solving the most difficult technological issues for the most lucrative commercial opportunities. In particular, they invest in Deeptech, Consumertech, Healthtech, SaaS, and Enterprise software leaders.
Year of Inception: 2014
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: Technology
Notable Portfolio: OptaHaul, Rove, Idaso, Xtract, TixServce
Zoosh is a unique venture-building model that combines the advantages of venture capitalists and product studios into one. With a team of experienced and well-rounded business coaches, Zoosh acts as investor and accelerator that will invest in and support cloud technology startups. They concentrate on commercialisation, product development, entrepreneurial development, and growth strategy in order to improve the value of your enterprise at every stage.
Year of Inception: 2014
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
Focus: Deep Tech
Notable Portfolio: CasperLabs, Defactor, Kibo, Shyft, Wombat
Cosimo Ventures is a forward-thinking venture capital firm that invests in disruptive companies transforming the world. With 40 patents filed by the team, they are pioneers in technology who invests in and assists deep tech, digital assets, and blockchain companies in building legendary firms.
Year of Inception: 2014
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C
Focus: AgriFoodTech
Notable Portfolio: ApisProtect, AuraVant, CarbonSpace, Botalys
Yield Lab Europe invests in the future of agriculture. They are the foremost early-stage investor in firms that are revolutionizing agricultural and food systems in order to feed the world sustainably. Yield Lab provides not just capital but also their worldwide network of specialists, corporations, and investors to help them grow and commercialize globally.
Year of Inception: 1987
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Notable Portfolio: Capsos Medical, EpiSensor, Touch Press, Polecat, Duolog
Enterprise Equity invests in and assists firms that are focused on international expansion and are led by entrepreneurial and committed management teams. They invest in a medium to long time horizon, ranging between four and seven years. To date, they have invested in 88 firms, with 276 number of investments and follow-ons in total.
Year of Inception: 2012
Stage: Series A, Series B, Series C
Focus: BioTech, MedTech
Notable Portfolio: Apreo Health, Cala Health, Earlens, FlexPharma, Powervision
Lightstone Ventures operate with the goal of bringing impactful treatments to patients. They invest in innovative founders who can integrate fresh scientific discoveries into clinically and financially significant solutions. To date, they have successfully amassed a portfolio of 20 IPOs and 19 Acquisitions in the biotech and medtech industries.
Year of Inception: 2004
Stage: Series A, Series B, Series C
Focus: Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Mobility Industry, AgriTech
Notable Portfolio: Pharmafilter, Wellola, Versono, Health Beacon
BVP invests in firms that support Ireland's National Development Objectives; those that have a positive impact on society, the environment, and the economy. Drawing on their extensive industry expertise and fundamental skills in venture capital, corporate finance, and international expansion, they will actively support their firms throughout their growth path.
Year of Inception: 1994
Stage: Series A, Series B, Series C
Focus: AI / ML & Data Business Applications, Cloud & Infrastructure, Connectivity & IoT, Deep Tech, E-Commerce, Energy & Climate, Fintech, Gaming & Media, Health, Logistics & Mobility, Privacy & Security
Notable Portfolio: Conjura, Playter Pay, Spectrum.Life, Arralis, DecaWave, Kymata
Act Venture Capital invests in ambitious founders who are determined in building the future. To date, they have backed 230 founders with 79 successful exits and total of over EUR 600 million raised. With their diverse expertise, they work closely with startups from the earliest stages to help them grow.
Year of Inception: 2009
Stage: Series A, Series B, Series C
Focus: Life Sciences
Notable Portfolio: Deciphex, Sibylla, Perfuze, Coave Therapeutics, Palliare
Seroba is a venture capital firm focused on the life sciences industry. They invest in biotech and medtech startups and cutting-edge ideas that will change the way unmet medical needs are treated. With each investment, they take a seat on the board and work with their executive team to determine your company's vision and help you succeed.
Year of Inception: 1986
Stage: Series A, Series B, Series C
Focus: Life Sciences
Notable Portfolio: Juno Therapeutics, Lyell, Bluebirdbio, Illumina, Receptos
ARCH Venture Partners are accelerating medical research to prevent, detect, and treat disease. ARCH has invested in disruptive scientific firms ranging from $50,000 to hundreds of millions of dollars, using science and technologies to build firms that can improve people's lives.
Year of Inception: 2008
Stage: Series A, Series B, Series C
Focus: Social Impact
Notable Portfolio: XOCEAN, WebDoctor, PepTalk, MediHive, DropChef
VentureWave Capital is an impact investor that focuses their investments on 4 key technology areas: Agriculture and Food, Education, Cleantech, and Health & Wellness. Within these categories, they are primarily searching for cloud-based software startups where they can bring value and contribute their skills and knowledge. In addition, the startups must achieve or strive to fulfill at least one of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Year of Inception: 2016
Stage: Series A, Series B, Series C
Focus: IT & Tech
Notable Portfolio: TauRx, Cuentas, Mexedia, Reload
Heritage Ventures finance startups through their early growth stages, as well as offer established companies with additional funding for their expansion ambitions. With their understanding of technology and the market, they invest in and support tech startups in building strong and scalable global businesses.
Year of Inception: 2003
Stage: Series A, Series B
Focus: Construction Technology, Building Analytics, IoT& Data Security, Construction Lifecycle, Property Management
Notable Portfolio: Kasa, Latchel, Mapped, Mint House, Robin, Openpath
Allegion Ventures is the corporate venture arm of Allegion, a provider of diverse security products. To bridge the gap between physical and digital security as well as create seamless user experiences, they invest in and accelerate the growth of security businesses with cutting-edge and enabling technologies.
Year of Inception: 1990
Stage: Series A, Series B
Focus: B2B Software, Medical Devices
Notable Portfolio: TrustAP, VideoElephant, Nofrixion, Spire, Grid Beyond
Furthr VC is a prominent venture capital firm based in Dublin, Ireland. With a focus on early-stage investments, Furthr VC has established itself as a key player in the Irish startup ecosystem. The firm offers funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance to innovative companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and fintech. Furthr VC takes a hands-on approach, working closely with entrepreneurs to help them scale their businesses and achieve their goals. With a team of experienced professionals and a strong network of industry connections, Furthr VC is dedicated to supporting and nurturing the next generation of Irish startups.
Angel Investors in Ireland
The Angel investors listed below are part of an Angel community located throughout Ireland. They may act as an individual or as a syndicate to fund projects of their preference, so these networks are the best opportunity for you to find a potential Angel with an aligned vision and interests.
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Notable Portfolio: -
Irish Investment Network is an angel platform where founders and angel investors can meet. Startups can join the platform and present their project to gain funding from angel investors members, as well as browse through a database of angel investors worldwide.
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Notable Portfolio: Payslip, Storyful, AventaMed, Deciphex, Hexafly, GridBeyond
Halo Business Angel Network is the biggest angel network in Ireland that is responsible for the development of business angel activity and angel syndicates in the country. HBAN provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with their network of angel investors who can invest up to EUR 250,000 per investment, as well as share their industry experience, connections, and extensive business acumen.
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: Medical Devices, Diagnostics, Digital Healthcare, Life Sciences
Notable Portfolio: Sigyn Therapeutics, Aruna Bio, Qualus, Sedana Medical
Irrus Investments is a non-profit, all-Ireland collaborative organization that actively mentors and invests in creative startups to help them reach their full potential. Their member-led organization provides a chance for early-stage startups to tap into the thoughts and expertise of more than 40 successful entrepreneurs, senior executives, developers, and skilled professionals from a variety of sectors.
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Notable Portfolio: My Ireland Tour, Mountain & Tradition, Delicious Mountain
SquareFish is a group of investors who will provide financing as well as assistance in all aspects of your business. As business experts, IT nerds, and marketing geeks, they will help guide you in your company's formation. Aside from angel investment, they also offer a partnership scheme that will work with you in building your business.
Closing Thoughts on VCs and Angel Investors in Ireland
Boasting a highly educated workforce, alongside generally favorable economics and lifestyle, Ireland continues to attract investors and talent from all around the world to its startup hub. Now home to over 2,200 startups, the Irish ecosystem is at a critical juncture in its growth path, and it continues to become a top destination for startups and investors looking to establish a presence in Europe.
Find VCs and Angel Investors in Europe:
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