Dublin Tech Summit 2025 Recap: Innovation, Risk & Opportunity for Irish SMEs

As the curtains close on Dublin Tech Summit 2025, one thing is clear — Ireland’s tech scene is buzzing with innovation, global perspectives, and real commercial momentum.

Across two packed days, leaders in AI, cybersecurity, digital design, fintech, sustainability, and scaling shared their visions, research, and tools for the future. Here’s what stood out — and why it matters for Irish businesses.

🔍 What We Saw and Heard

🧠 AI: Beyond the Hype

AI was everywhere — but not always in the way you’d expect.

  • Hiroshi Ishii from the MIT Media Lab delivered a poetic keynote on TeleAbsence — using technology to connect with memory and loss, not just productivity. It reframed how we think about digital presence.

  • On the flip side, Robert McArdle of Trend Micro showed how cybercriminals are already using GenAI — mostly for phishing, impersonation, and scalable social engineering. The threat isn’t science fiction — it’s happening now, in low-level but widespread ways.

🛠️ Deeptech, Fintech & Funding

  • The European Innovation Council, Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices, and even JP Morgan had a strong presence — with funding conversations focused on deeptech, sustainability, and global growth.

  • There’s a clear hunger from Irish startups and SMEs for non-bank funding options that move faster and work smarter.

💡 Themes That Kept Coming Up

  • Trust is the new currency — in data, platforms, and partnerships.

  • Speed matters — but so does staying grounded in your values.

  • And crucially for Irish SMEs: Adaptability beats size.

🚀 What This Means for Irish SMEs

Dublin Tech Summit wasn’t just a showcase of unicorns and global firms. It was a clear sign that opportunities are growing for well-positioned, forward-thinking SMEs — especially those ready to invest in tech, talent, or transformation.

But growth comes with cost — and risk. Whether you’re:

  • Upgrading your systems

  • Hiring for new tech roles

  • Investing in cybersecurity

  • Chasing new export opportunities
    —you need a finance partner who moves at your speed.

That’s where we come in.

💼 BusinessLoans.ie – Fast, Flexible Funding for Irish SMEs

At BusinessLoans.ie, we help Irish businesses secure:

  • ✅ Unsecured business loans up to €500,000

  • ✅ Asset finance for new or used equipment

  • ✅ Short-term working capital — when you need it most

  • ✅ Solutions even when the bank says no

No jargon. No delay. Just practical funding to help you move forward.

If you saw something at Dublin Tech Summit that inspired your next move — talk to us. We’re ready to back you.

👋 See You Next Year!

Dublin Tech Summit 2025 was a powerful reminder that the future isn’t coming — it’s already here. Let’s make sure Irish SMEs have the tools — and funding — to lead in it.

What Irish Startups Really Need: Insights from The Irish Startup Conference 2025

On May 20th, I attended The Irish Startup Conference 2025 — a packed event that brought together over 300 startup founders, CXOs, and investors from across Ireland. The atmosphere was buzzing with optimism, practical advice, and, importantly, real talk about what it takes to grow a business in today’s market.

Founders: Build with Intention

The first panel featured successful Irish entrepreneurs like Karen Clince (Tigers Childcare) and Jac Dunne (Dimply). Their stories hit home for any founder who's ever felt stretched thin. A few of their key takeaways:

  • Surround yourself with the right team — especially in areas like finance, strategy, or commercial leadership.

  • Ask for help — the Irish business community is more open and generous than many think.

  • Don’t fear investment — but do see it as a partnership, not just a transaction.

  • Stay aligned with your core values — it helps you choose the right collaborators and stay focused on your long-term vision.

These aren’t just feel-good sentiments. They’re grounded in the hard realities of scaling — and making time to work on the business, not just in it.

Investors: Capital is Out There — But It's Not One-Size-Fits-All

The second panel brought in voices from Enterprise Ireland, Molten Ventures, Endeavor Ireland, Delta Partners, and Sure Valley Ventures. There was no sugar-coating here either:

  • Now is a good time to start a business — capital is available, especially for those solving meaningful problems.

  • Venture capital isn’t for every business — it’s suited to tech startups with global ambitions and high-return potential.

  • Your story matters — clarity, intentionality, and knowing your numbers go further than hype.

  • Build long-term relationships — many successful raises come from investors who’ve watched you build over years.

VCs are backing a tiny percentage of the companies they review (Molten Ventures sees 2,000+ deals a year, invests in 12). That doesn’t mean your business isn’t investable — it just means you might need to explore other types of capital.

The BusinessLoans.ie Perspective

This is where BusinessLoans.ie comes in. We help founders and business owners access fast, flexible funding, especially when:

  • The business isn’t quite ready for VC — or may never need it

  • Traditional banks aren’t an option due to lack of collateral, trading history, or red tape

  • Timing is crucial — you need working capital to seize an opportunity, bridge a cash gap, or invest in growth

We work with Irish SMEs every day to provide funding that supports your vision, on your timeline — without the pressure of giving up control or waiting months for a decision.

Whether you’re in e-commerce, services, trades, or tech — if you’ve got a good business and a clear need, we’ll work with you to get it funded.

Final Thoughts

The Irish startup ecosystem is evolving — and the capital landscape is too. Events like this one are a reminder that there’s no one “right” path to growth.

But what’s clear is this: founders need the right support at the right time. Sometimes that comes from a VC, sometimes from a great team — and sometimes from a fast, practical funding partner who understands your reality.

If that sounds like you, we’re here to help. Learn more about how we work at BusinessLoans.ie or get in touch today.

Unlocking Business Growth: Government Supports Available to Irish SMEs in 2025

Running a business in Ireland has never been more dynamic, and thanks to a robust suite of government supports, SMEs across the country are well-positioned to innovate, grow, and compete globally. Whether you’re a start-up founder, an established SME owner, or scaling a high-potential company, the Irish government offers a wide range of funding, advisory, and training supports to help you succeed.

Here’s a snapshot of the most valuable supports currently available in 2025:

🚀 Start-Up Support

Enterprise Ireland’s Start-Up Funding

  • In 2024, Enterprise Ireland invested €27.6 million in 157 start-ups, including 45 women-led and 25 academic spin-outs.

  • Funding is available through High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) supports, including feasibility grants, equity investment, and mentoring.

  • Key sectors supported include AI, food and nutrition, sustainability, and the circular economy.

Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Grants

  • LEOs provide Start Your Own Business courses, feasibility study grants, and priming grants for businesses in their first 18 months.

  • The Business Expansion Grant (up to €150,000) is ideal for businesses aiming to scale operations and hire more staff.

🌍 Market Expansion & Exporting

Market Explorer Grant (Enterprise Ireland)

  • Supports companies exploring new markets or launching new products abroad.

  • Covers market research, travel costs, and consultancy services.

Export Compass and Advisory Clinics

  • Tailored advice to help first-time exporters identify opportunities and navigate international trade requirements.

Global Offices and Trade Missions

  • Enterprise Ireland has expanded its international presence, including a new office in Atlanta, USA, helping Irish businesses connect with overseas buyers.

♻️ Green & Digital Transformation

GreenStart and GreenPlus Grants

  • These help businesses take the first steps toward sustainability and improving environmental practices.

  • Ideal for companies looking to reduce waste, energy use, and carbon footprint.

Business Energy Upgrade Grant (NEH)

  • A rapid-approval grant for SMEs looking to upgrade premises or equipment for improved energy efficiency.

Digital Start & Digital Transition Fund

  • Designed to assist businesses in adopting AI, e-commerce, automation, and cybersecurity solutions.

🛠️ Innovation & Capital Investment

Capital Investment Initiative

  • Co-funding for capital equipment and technology upgrades aimed at improving competitiveness and productivity.

Seed and Venture Capital Scheme (2025–2029)

  • A new €250 million round has been launched to provide early-stage equity funding to Irish SMEs and scale-ups.

Innovation Vouchers

  • Available to all small businesses to collaborate with academic institutions on new product or process development.

📚 Skills & Workforce Development

Skillnet Ireland

  • Offers subsidised training and upskilling in areas such as leadership, digital marketing, finance, and sector-specific skills.

JobsPlus & Apprenticeship Supports

  • Financial incentives for employers who hire long-term unemployed individuals or participate in the national apprenticeship programme.

📲 National Enterprise Hub (NEH)

The National Enterprise Hub is a one-stop online platform listing over 180 supports for Irish businesses. It categorises options under four key stages:

  • Start Your Business

  • Keep Up and Running

  • Expand Your Business

  • Secure Your Future

This resource makes it easy for business owners to find relevant grants, training, and advice from over a dozen agencies.

📞 Need Help Navigating Supports?

If you’re unsure which support best fits your business goals, you can:

  • Contact your Local Enterprise Office for tailored advice.

  • Reach out directly to Enterprise Ireland if you’re export-focused or scaling rapidly.

  • Use the NEH support finder tool to filter based on your business type and needs.

Final Thoughts

Ireland’s business support ecosystem is evolving rapidly, offering real, practical help to entrepreneurs at every stage. Don’t leave money or growth opportunities on the table—explore what’s available and take full advantage of the supports to power your business forward in 2025.

EIIS Scheme For Startups in Ireland?

The Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) has been funnelling up to €100m a year in to Irish businesses and in significant amounts such as Evercam who recently got €2.5m.

What is EIIS?

EIIS gives up to 40% tax relief on amounts up to €500,000 to investors in qualifying SMEs. In short if you’re a cashed up investor with big tax bills it’s attractive to invest because you can offset it against income arising in year of qualifying investment, including rental income. Then you need commit to 4 years and can make more money exiting the investment. See more on how it work and the pros and cons. Companies seeking EIIS relief must get approval from Revenue. Businesses like Dingle Distillery have encountered friction in getting their approval. Why? Some businesses are deemed ineligible; for example, businesses in professional services, finance, property development, forestry and more.

EIIS & Irish Startups

Due to the pandemic investment in startups has been lower. This is especially true for innovation driven enterprises that need significant amounts of cash before they become revenue generating. The Irish VC community has been lobbying the Irish government to expand the scheme to help startups. The SME taskforce published a growth plan for startups & scale-ups and this is being taken on board.

The Department of Finance is engaged in a public consultation process that’s moving forward from Budget 2021. There is an upcoming seminar with stakeholders and hopefully soon after we will be writing again about how startups can access EIIS. Or if you’re an SME wanting to find out if EIIS could benefit you now, we have partners who can assist. Call us today on 01 55 636 55 or email hello@businessloans.ie and we can put you in touch with our trusted EIIS partners for expert advice.

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