Irish AI firms secure almost €1bn in venture capital
Irish artificial intelligence enterprises have attracted nearly €1 billion in venture capital since early 2025, showcasing robust growth and investor confidence. This surge positions Ireland second in Europe per capita for AI deal volume, highlighting its dynamic tech ecosystem centred in Dublin.
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Enterprise Ireland Business News
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⏱️ 3 min read
Irish AI companies have amassed an impressive €947.3 million in venture capital funding across 182 deals since the start of 2025, according to fresh data from PitchBook, a leading private capital market intelligence platform.
In 2025 alone, these firms raised a record €691.3 million through 107 deals, followed by €256 million over 75 deals so far in 2026. On a European scale, Ireland currently ranks ninth in total AI venture capital deal count and stands second when adjusted for population size. PitchBook characterises the 2026 investment climate as a stabilisation following a landmark year, with the decrease from 2025’s peak reflecting a market normalisation rather than a downturn.
Investment trends reveal a growing focus on later-stage companies, with late-stage AI VC deal values hitting €380.5 million in 2025 and venture-growth rounds reaching €179 million, marking significant increases over 2024 levels. To date in 2026, €135.5 million has been allocated to 18 late-stage deals, alongside €61 million in three venture-growth rounds, indicating a shift towards fewer, larger investments in more mature firms. Notable funding rounds include Wayflyer’s €161.8 million raise and Tines’ €120.7 million Series C in 2025, as well as CameraMatics securing €49 million in 2026.
The investor base supporting Irish AI ventures is increasingly international, featuring major names such as Accel, Tiger Global, Tencent, and Samsung, alongside prominent domestic investors like Act Venture Capital, Elkstone, Atlantic Bridge, and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund. This diverse co-investor interest underscores strong confidence in Ireland’s tech sector potential.
AI innovation in Ireland extends beyond enterprise software into healthcare, medtech, and biotech, with significant deals involving companies like FIRE1 and Deciphex. The ecosystem also boasts 360 active or pending patents linked to Enterprise Ireland-backed AI firms, covering areas such as diagnostics, imaging, and security.
Enterprise Ireland has played a pivotal role, participating in 392 AI funding rounds since 2020 and nearly two-thirds of deals in 2026 to date, facilitating international scaling, leadership development, and intellectual property growth.
Jenny Melia, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, commented: "This independent analysis highlights the substantial investment flowing into Irish AI, reflecting both the maturity of our companies and the expanding sectors they serve. Beyond funding, our priority is to support international growth, build strong teams, and foster trust and governance as AI advances into critical areas like healthcare and finance."
Minister of State Niamh Smyth TD added: "AI’s rapid adoption presents Irish businesses with opportunities to enhance productivity and competitiveness. The upcoming International AI Summit in Dublin will focus on converting AI advancements into economic benefits while ensuring the necessary skills, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks are in place."
The International AI Summit will take place in Dublin on 14 October 2026, forming a key part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU and spotlighting AI’s role in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
For further information, contact Marika MacCarvill, Lead, Global Strategic Communications & International External Affairs, at [email protected] or +353 86 171 2568.
In 2025 alone, these firms raised a record €691.3 million through 107 deals, followed by €256 million over 75 deals so far in 2026. On a European scale, Ireland currently ranks ninth in total AI venture capital deal count and stands second when adjusted for population size. PitchBook characterises the 2026 investment climate as a stabilisation following a landmark year, with the decrease from 2025’s peak reflecting a market normalisation rather than a downturn.
Investment trends reveal a growing focus on later-stage companies, with late-stage AI VC deal values hitting €380.5 million in 2025 and venture-growth rounds reaching €179 million, marking significant increases over 2024 levels. To date in 2026, €135.5 million has been allocated to 18 late-stage deals, alongside €61 million in three venture-growth rounds, indicating a shift towards fewer, larger investments in more mature firms. Notable funding rounds include Wayflyer’s €161.8 million raise and Tines’ €120.7 million Series C in 2025, as well as CameraMatics securing €49 million in 2026.
The investor base supporting Irish AI ventures is increasingly international, featuring major names such as Accel, Tiger Global, Tencent, and Samsung, alongside prominent domestic investors like Act Venture Capital, Elkstone, Atlantic Bridge, and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund. This diverse co-investor interest underscores strong confidence in Ireland’s tech sector potential.
AI innovation in Ireland extends beyond enterprise software into healthcare, medtech, and biotech, with significant deals involving companies like FIRE1 and Deciphex. The ecosystem also boasts 360 active or pending patents linked to Enterprise Ireland-backed AI firms, covering areas such as diagnostics, imaging, and security.
Enterprise Ireland has played a pivotal role, participating in 392 AI funding rounds since 2020 and nearly two-thirds of deals in 2026 to date, facilitating international scaling, leadership development, and intellectual property growth.
Jenny Melia, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, commented: "This independent analysis highlights the substantial investment flowing into Irish AI, reflecting both the maturity of our companies and the expanding sectors they serve. Beyond funding, our priority is to support international growth, build strong teams, and foster trust and governance as AI advances into critical areas like healthcare and finance."
Minister of State Niamh Smyth TD added: "AI’s rapid adoption presents Irish businesses with opportunities to enhance productivity and competitiveness. The upcoming International AI Summit in Dublin will focus on converting AI advancements into economic benefits while ensuring the necessary skills, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks are in place."
The International AI Summit will take place in Dublin on 14 October 2026, forming a key part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU and spotlighting AI’s role in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
For further information, contact Marika MacCarvill, Lead, Global Strategic Communications & International External Affairs, at [email protected] or +353 86 171 2568.
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