Bumper year for Irish tech investment

PUBLISHED: 21st February 2017

Figures compiled by the Irish Venture Capital Association (IVCA) show that 2016 was a bumper year for investment in Irish technology companies.

The newly published IVCA Venture Pulse survey shows investment of €888 million in Irish technology companies, a massive 70% increase from 2015 figures.

The IVCA noted key areas of growth being the life sciences sector (which accounted for 52% of all funds raised) and the fintech sector.

It is a positive sign for the Irish economy, and an endorsement of the quality of Irish entrepreneurs, that interest from investors abroad has increased significantly, with €548 million of funds invested in 2016 coming from international investors through Irish venture capital firms.

Start-ups also benefitted from increased investment in 2016, with early stage companies raising seed capital of €70.2 million.  This represented an increase from the €43.7 million raised in 2015.

The year on year increase in investment is a positive sign for the Irish tech sector, and the upwards trend will hopefully continue in 2017.

We have extensive experience in advising both investors and investee technology companies.  Our corporate team supported by our specialist intellectual property and technology units have the knowledge to guide you through the investment process.

For assistance please contact Ruairí Mulrean at rmulrean@lkshields.ie or Lisa McEllin at lmcellin@lkshields.ie.