Fit for purpose funding
A strong funding strategy is essential for founders to grow, innovate, and compete. From product development to scaling operations, access to capital is a critical enabler. Ireland offers a diverse funding landscape — from Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices to angel investors and VC firms — but navigating it remains a major challenge.
Our survey found funding access is the top concern for founders, with 77% rating grant applications as complex and 50% saying the same for research funding. Tax incentives like R&D credits are viewed positively, but others — such as CGT Relief, EIIS, and KEEP — received more negative than positive feedback.
The recent government report on scaling finance highlights a significant equity gap for growing businesses. To unlock Ireland’s full entrepreneurial potential, funding schemes must be simplified, better promoted, and improved to meet founders’ needs.
Streamline access and boost awareness of expanding innovation supports, ensuring frictionless delivery of new AI vouchers and enhanced R&D tax incentives.
Secure the future of the EIIS past its December 2026 sunset date, optimising the scheme by allowing investment losses to offset Capital Gains Tax (CGT) to encourage early-stage risk-taking.
Overhaul the KEEP scheme following its extension to 2028, removing administrative barriers to make share-option incentives genuinely viable for attracting top startup talent.
Bridge the state-identified €1.1 billion equity financing gap by deploying targeted, late-stage interventions specifically for Series A and Series B+ scale-ups facing capital shortfalls.
Fast-track the implementation of Enterprise Ireland’s proposed €100 million scaling fund.
Scale the Market Diversification and Resilience Fund into a multi-year framework, providing founders with comprehensive capital for international marketing, deep tech innovation, and localised talent training.
Finalise and launch Enterprise Ireland’s proposed export credit insurance scheme, insulating scaling businesses against non-payment and structural supply chain risks in high-growth, volatile international markets.
Raise awareness and provide guidance on EU programmes like Horizon Europe and the European Innovation Council.
Advance EU capital markets union efforts to improve cross-border investment and access to non-bank financing for Irish startups.
Ireland must address its late-stage equity gap by unlocking an estimated €1–2 billion in domestic pension funds for direct allocation into local venture capital and private equity funds.
By mobilising this institutional capital, we will empower domestic investment funds to lead larger funding rounds, drive international syndication, and anchor long-term entrepreneurial value within the Irish economy.
Ensure stage-appropriate capital is secured and tailored to industry-specific realities.
By taking investment sizes, risk profiles, and development timelines into consideration for industries like deep-tech, aircraft, and life sciences, we will ensure that world-class intellectual property remains anchored in Ireland.