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.

If your business accepts card payments, you could be sitting on an untapped source of financing! At BusinessLoans.ie, we offer fast and flexible business loans based on your merchant sales volume—helping you access capital without the hassle of traditional lending.

How Does It Work?

Unlike conventional loans that require fixed monthly repayments, this financing option is tailored to your cash flow. Here’s how it works:

Your business takes card payments – Whether you use a card machine, online payment gateway, or POS system, your card transactions generate revenue.
We assess your average monthly card sales – Your eligibility is based on the volume of card payments you process.
You receive a cash advance – Get approved quickly and receive the funds in days.
Repayment is flexible – Instead of fixed monthly payments, a small percentage of your future card sales goes toward repaying the loan. When business is booming, you pay more; during slower periods, you pay less!

Why Choose a Loan Based on Your Card Sales?

✅ Quick Access to Funds – No lengthy approval processes. Receive funds in as little as 24–48 hours.
✅ Cash Flow-Friendly Repayment – Payments adjust to your daily sales, so you’re never overburdened.
✅ No Collateral Required – No need to put up personal or business assets.
✅ High Approval Rates – Even if you’ve struggled with traditional bank loans, this funding is easier to qualify for.
✅ Use the Funds However You Need – Stock up on inventory, expand operations, cover short-term expenses, or invest in growth!

Who Can Apply?

If your business accepts card payments and has a steady stream of transactions, you’re likely eligible! This is an ideal solution for restaurants, retail shops, salons, online businesses, hospitality businesses, and more.

Apply Today!

Don’t let cash flow hold your business back. If you take card payments, you can get funding—fast! Call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55 and get the working capital you need to grow your business!