VC Funding into Irish SMEs Hits €533m in Q1 — But Smaller Firms Still Left Behind

Venture capital investment into Irish SMEs more than doubled in the first quarter of 2025, reaching a record-breaking €532.8 million, according to the latest Irish Venture Capital Association (IVCA) Venture Pulse survey, in association with William Fry.

The surge was largely driven by mega-deals over €30 million, including headline-grabbing raises by companies like Let’s Get Checked (€150m), Tines (€115m), and Protex AI (€31.8m). Funding in the €10m–€30m bracket also soared by 184% to €132m.

But for younger and earlier-stage companies, the story was less rosy. Deals under €1 million plummeted by 42%, and the number of small deals across the board fell sharply. In fact, just six deals were closed under the €1 million mark—down from 21 the previous year. Seed funding also slipped 3% year-on-year to €39.3m.

The takeaway? VC funding is flowing, but not everyone is getting a slice.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we’re seeing a growing wave of Irish SMEs that are generating strong revenue but are still in their early profitability journey—too big to be overlooked, too small to attract VC attention. For these businesses, debt-based alternatives like Recurring Revenue Finance and Merchant Cash Advance are increasingly powerful options.

These flexible funding solutions are designed for companies with solid revenue momentum, giving founders the capital they need to scale without giving away equity—or waiting endlessly for a VC meeting.

As international investors now account for 82% of Irish VC funding, local founders must be mindful of how exposed Ireland is to global market sentiment. VC funding can be game-changing—but it’s not the only path to growth.

If your business is starting to scale but struggling to secure equity investment, call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE. We’ll help you explore tailored finance options that align with your revenue and growth stage.

Irish SME Investment Still Below Pre-Pandemic Levels – Here's How We Can Help

A recent report by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), co-authored by the Department of Finance, reveals a concerning trend for Ireland’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): investment levels remain below pre-pandemic peaks, especially in capital assets such as vehicles, equipment, and buildings.

Despite some recovery since the pandemic lows, only 60% of SMEs invested in capital assets in 2023, compared to 64% in 2019. Sectors like construction, retail, hotels, and restaurants—vital pillars of our domestic economy—are struggling to regain confidence in reinvesting, largely due to a series of external shocks including Brexit, rising energy costs, inflation, and higher interest rates.

Investment Matters – Now More Than Ever

Investment is not just about buying new equipment or upgrading premises. It’s a core driver of productivity, competitiveness, and long-term growth. Without it, businesses risk falling behind both domestically and internationally.

While median investment levels rose from €40,000 in 2021 to €50,000 in 2023, this gain doesn’t hold up when adjusted for inflation, meaning real investment power has dropped. Notably, there’s also been a significant decline in climate-related investments, which poses challenges to Ireland’s broader green transition.

What’s Holding SMEs Back?

• Uncertainty around global markets and the economy

• Higher interest rates

• A moderate increase in risk aversion

• A reduced focus on digital and sustainability-related upgrades

Yet, despite these barriers, access to finance is improving and more businesses are open to borrowing. In fact, the proportion of firms willing to borrow rose from 43% to 47% between 2021 and 2023.

How BusinessLoans.ie Can Support Your Investment Goals

At BusinessLoans.ie, we specialise in helping Irish SMEs access unsecured business loans of up to €500,000 over terms of up to 5 years. Whether you're upgrading machinery, purchasing vehicles, expanding premises, or investing in more efficient technology, we’re here to make your plans a reality.

We also help with asset finance options to spread the cost of equipment, vehicles, or other fixed capital investments—without tying up your working capital.

Why Choose BusinessLoans.ie?

• ✅ Unsecured loans – no collateral required

• ✅ Fast approvals – decisions often within 24-48 hours

• ✅ Flexible terms – up to 5 years

• ✅ Funding from €10,000 to €500,000

• ✅ Ideal for capital expenditure and asset purchases

Ready to Invest in Your Future?

If your business is ready to grow, modernise, or gear up for the future, we’re ready to help you finance that journey. Don’t let temporary uncertainty delay permanent progress.

Call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55 for fast finance quotes or APPLY HERE.

Tip for Preparing a Stronger Loan Application: Manage Your Cash Flow Like a Pro

When applying for a business loan in Ireland, one of the most overlooked—but most powerful—ways to strengthen your application is simple:

👉 Manage your cash flow well.

Lenders aren’t just looking at your annual turnover. They’re diving into your recent bank statements to see how your business operates on a daily basis. That’s where many applications fall short—and where you can stand out.

💡 Why Cash Flow Matters to Lenders

When lenders assess your loan application, their key question is:

Can this business afford the repayments?

To answer that, they look at:

• Your daily and monthly balances

• Any missed payments or returned direct debits

• How often your balance dips near zero

If they see low or negative balances, it raises red flags. Even if your overall income is solid, poor day-to-day management makes lenders nervous.

✅ How to Strengthen Your Application Through Cash Flow

Here are practical ways to show lenders you’re in control:

1. Avoid missed payments at all costs.
Returned direct debits or bounced payments on your statements are major red flags. Set reminders, automate where possible, and maintain a buffer.

2. Don’t let your balance dip too low.
Frequent low balances—even if you don’t go into overdraft—suggest tight cash flow. Try to maintain a consistent buffer.

3. Use an overdraft strategically.
Having an approved overdraft facility (even if you don’t use it much) shows that you’ve got a safety net—and that lenders already trust you.

4. Monitor cash flow weekly.
A weekly review of incomings and outgoings helps you plan for dips and avoid surprises.

5. Explain any unusual transactions.
If there’s something that could raise questions on your statement (e.g. a large one-off payment or transfer), be ready to explain it clearly in your application.

📝 Final Tip: Be Transparent, Be Prepared

A strong application is a prepared one. Don’t wait for the lender to ask questions—show that you understand your business’s finances and that you're on top of your cash flow.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we help Irish SMEs every day to prepare smarter, stronger applications that lead to faster approvals and better offers.

📞 Need help getting your business loan approved?
We’re happy to chat—no obligation on 01 55 636 55.

How a Long-Established Printing Business Found a Better Alternative to Invoice Finance – 3 Times in a Row

When a printing business with over 40 years of trading history approached us recently, they were exploring invoice finance to support their cash flow. Like many well-run businesses, they were experiencing temporary cash pressure—despite solid sales, delays in customer payments were tying up their working capital.

At first glance, invoice finance seemed like a logical choice. But once we got talking, it became clear it wasn't the right fit for them.

Why Invoice Finance Didn't Work for Them

The client had two major concerns:

1. Losing Control Over Their Debtors
   Invoice finance often involves handing over your debtor book to a finance provider. That can mean someone else chasing your customers for payment—and for this client, that risked damaging the hard-earned relationships they’d built over decades.

2. Cost Based on Customer Creditworthiness
   Because many of their customers were in higher-risk sectors or relatively new businesses, the cost of invoice finance would’ve been much higher than expected. They didn’t want their own access to finance to be tied to the trading history of others.

So, we introduced them to something better.

A Smarter Alternative: Flexible Repayment Business Loan

At BusinessLoans.ie, we work hard to match clients with funding that truly fits their needs. For this client, the perfect solution was a flexible repayment loan.

Here’s how it worked:

• ✅ No Debenture Over Debtors – They kept full control of their customer relationships.

• ✅ Cash Flow Friendly Repayments – The loan is repaid in small, daily amounts based on real-time cash flow.

• ✅ Open Banking Integration – A read-only connection tracks performance without disruption.

• ✅ Flexible Terms – Repayments automatically adjust to keep the loan on track over 6 to 12 months.

Most importantly, this funding model works with the business—not against it. There's no need to give up control or rely on someone else’s credit score.

The Result? 3 Successful Facilities and Counting

We’re proud to say this client has now come back for funding three times:

• 💶 Deal 1: €80,000

• 💶 Deal 2: €200,000

• 💶 Deal 3: €200,000

Their positive experience—and the flexibility of the product—has made it their go-to finance solution. They’ve even been able to top up early when opportunities arose.

Is Flexible Repayment Finance Right for You?

If you're a growing business with a solid track record, but your cash flow doesn’t always match your ambitions, there may be a better option than invoice finance.

Talk to the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE —we’ll guide you through the options and help you find funding that works for your business, not someone else’s.

Trade finance. Make sales first, pay suppliers afterward.

For many Irish businesses, managing cash flow while keeping up with inventory demands can be a constant struggle. Traditional financing options often require collateral, lengthy approvals, or inflexible repayment terms—tying up working capital and slowing down growth. At BusinessLoans.ie, we offer a smarter solution. Our trade finance options ensure you can secure the stock you need without draining your cash reserves. We cover your supplier payments upfront, giving you up to five months to repay—no collateral, no hassle. Keep your cash working for you, scale your business with ease, and stay ahead of the competition.

Client Success

One of our clients is a leading provider of battery, lighting, and recycling solutions across Ireland and the UK, with over 25 years of industry experience. Renowned for their high-quality products, exceptional service, and innovative approach, they operate from a large facility in Ireland.

However, they faced a significant cash flow challenge due to the high upfront costs of stocking inventory and fulfilling large-scale projects. With much of their stock sourced from China, their working capital was tied up while goods were in transit, limiting their ability to scale efficiently.

Through access to a €500,000 credit facility, which they have consistently leveraged since getting the facility during 2024, they secure the stock they need without locking up capital through innovative purchase order finance solutions. By eliminating financial constraints, they’ve been able to grow faster, take on more projects, and strengthen their market position.

Cash flow challenges shouldn’t hold your business back. Whether you're importing stock, managing large projects, or scaling operations, BusinessLoans.ie provides the flexible trade finance solutions you need to stay ahead. Does your business want a fast finance quote? Call the BusinessLoans.ie team today on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE.

Irish Tech Startups Raise Record €1.48 Billion—But What About Smaller Businesses?

The latest IVCA VenturePulse report shows that 2024 was a record-breaking year for Irish tech investment, with €1.48 billion raised. Major deals, like XOcean’s €115 million and Fire1’s €116 million rounds, drove this growth. However, while big-ticket funding surged, smaller deals—especially under €5 million—saw a sharp decline.

For startups and SMEs, this highlights a critical issue: while venture capital (VC) remains strong for high-growth companies, many businesses seeking smaller funding rounds are struggling to secure investment.

The Growing Funding Gap for Smaller Businesses

The IVCA report found that:

• Deals between €3 million and €5 million dropped 37% year-over-year.

• Deals in the €1 million to €3 million range declined 24%.

• Seed funding fell 4% over the year and 55% in Q4 alone.

This means that early-stage and growth-phase companies—especially those outside of deep tech or biotech—are facing increasing difficulties in accessing funding.

What This Means for Irish SMEs and Startups

While government initiatives, like the €250 million Seed & Venture Capital scheme, will provide some support, many businesses can’t afford to wait for public funding. This is where alternative financing solutions come into play.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we help Irish businesses access the capital they need—whether through business loans, asset financing, or alternative lenders. Unlike venture capital, which often requires giving up equity, our financing solutions allow businesses to grow while maintaining full ownership.

Need Funding? Here’s How We Can Help

• Flexible Business Loans: We work with a network of lenders to secure funding tailored to your needs.

• Faster Approvals: Unlike traditional bank loans or VC rounds, our financing solutions can be approved in days, not months.

• No Equity Dilution: Keep full control of your business while securing the funding you need to grow.

Get the Capital Your Business Needs

If you’re an Irish business struggling to secure funding, now is the time to explore alternative finance solutions. Call the BusinessLoans.ie team today on 01 55 636 55 to discuss your options and take the next step in your growth journey. Or APPLY HERE.

Boost Your Export Potential in 2025 with Trade Finance Solutions from BusinessLoans.ie

As we look ahead to 2025, Irish businesses are poised to seize new opportunities in the global market. With exports reaching a remarkable €187 billion in 2024, representing a 20% increase overall, there's never been a better time to expand your business horizons. Diversifying your export markets can not only drive growth but also mitigate risks associated with the geopolitical landscape, such as the Trump presidency, tariffs, and ongoing Brexit red tape in the UK market.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with exporting. That's why we offer a range of tailored financing solutions to support your business every step of the way.

Fast Finance Quotes for Unsecured Loans

Working capital is the lifeblood of any exporting business. Whether you're looking to purchase inventory, offer good terms to your creditors, or manage day-to-day expenses, our unsecured loans provide the flexibility you need to keep your operations running smoothly. With fast finance quotes and a streamlined approval process, you'll have the funds you need in no time.

Trade Finance for Purchase Orders and Supplier Terms

Managing cash flow and maintaining strong supplier relationships are crucial for any business looking to grow its export potential. Our trade finance solutions can help you finance purchase orders or complement supplier terms, ensuring you have the resources to meet demand and keep your supply chain moving efficiently.

Invoice Finance to Improve Cash Flow

Waiting for debtors to pay can put a strain on your cash flow and slow down your business growth. With our invoice finance services, you can unlock the cash tied up in your unpaid invoices, providing you with immediate working capital to reinvest in your business. This helps maintain a steady cash flow, allowing you to focus on what you do best – growing your exports.

Why Choose BusinessLoans.ie?

At BusinessLoans.ie, we pride ourselves on understanding the needs of Irish businesses. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing personalised financing solutions that align with your business goals. Whether you're a seasoned exporter or just starting out, we have the tools and expertise to help you succeed in the global market.

Get Started Today

Don’t let financial constraints hold you back from reaching your full export potential. Contact BusinessLoans.ie today for a consultation and find out how our tailored financing solutions can help your business thrive in 2025 and beyond. Call us now on 01 55 636 55 or email hello@businessloans.ie.

Recent client: Flexible loan for flooring business

BusinessLoans.ie recently helped a flooring business with a flexible repayment loan. They had big expansion plans and invested a lot of their working capital to get into the UK market. They already were making use of invoice finance and our partner credit team saw more room for credit based on their ongoing and upcoming sales. They were happy to get a €250,000 facility over 12 months, with a view to getting a second facility for the same amount during that term. The loan has a flexible repayment that works in tune with cash flow and stays on target to be repaid in the agreed time. This was especially useful to the client who sometimes had irregular cash flow, in between projects.

Could this loan work for you? If your business is trading at least 9 months and is averaging at least €20,000 sales a month then enquire now.

Does your business want a fast finance quote? Call us now on 01 55 636 55 or email hello@businessloans.ie.

Business loan without a personal guarantee? Time running out!

Your business may be able to get a loan through the Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme (UCGS). It gives you lower rates and without personal guarantees.

The partner credit team's allocation of funds under this scheme are due to run out in 4 - 6 weeks. If your  business needs funds for working capital, expansion etc. the time to act is now!

What is UCGS?

Our partner credit teams have access to Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) funds under the UCGS. Businesses that have seen costs go up 10% can qualify, for example, inflation on utilities and fuel.

Loan features:

• Rates start at 5.65%.

• Loans from €10,000 to €250,000.

• Terms from 12 months to 36 months.

• No personal guarantee.

• Instant funding on acceptance.

• Unsecured business loans for working capital or investment. 

If a business qualifies under the scheme, it still needs to pass the underwriting process. Expect to need to have accounts in profit, a tax clearance certifiate and no recent missed payments in the bank statements. Call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55.

Recent deal: Seafood seller catches a €150,000 working capital loan

BusinessLoans.ie is celebrating another successful finance deal. It was for a seafood exporter expanding into new markets. The business has been enjoying year-on-year growth with significant sales into China; and now enjoying better margins in their new USA market. They were happy with €150,000 approved in 24 hours, at a fair rate.

Does your business want to hook a fast finance quote? Call us on 01 55 636 55 or email hello@businessloans.ie.