Ireland’s artificial intelligence sector has attracted almost €1 billion in venture capital since the start of 2025, underlining the country’s growing role in Europe’s technology economy. The latest Irish AI investment figures also show that Ireland ranks second in Europe on a per-capita basis for AI venture capital deal activity.
Independent analysis from PitchBook, published by Enterprise Ireland on 12 October 2026, found that Irish AI companies secured €947.3 million across 182 deals between the beginning of 2025 and 2026 to date.
Irish AI investment reaches €947.3 million
Irish AI companies raised a record €691.3 million through 107 deals in 2025. A further €256 million was invested across 75 deals during 2026 to date.
Although this year’s investment pace is below the 2025 peak, PitchBook described the change as market normalisation rather than a retreat. Ireland ranks ninth in Europe for AI venture capital deal numbers in 2026 to date, but second when deal activity is measured per head of population.
The figures are being released ahead of the International AI Summit in Dublin on 14 October, an event linked to Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Investment is shifting towards established companies
PitchBook’s analysis indicates that funding is increasingly concentrated in later-stage businesses. Late-stage AI deal value reached €380.5 million in 2025, while venture-growth investment totalled €179 million. Both figures were substantially higher than in 2024.
In 2026 to date, investors committed €135.5 million across 18 late-stage deals and €61 million through three venture-growth rounds. This suggests that investors are favouring fewer, larger funding rounds for companies with established products, customers and expansion plans.
- Wayflyer raised €161.8 million in 2025.
- Tines secured €120.7 million in a Series C round.
- CameraMatics raised €49 million in 2026.
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International and domestic investors support growth
The Irish AI investment landscape includes major international funds such as Accel, Kinnevik, Tiger Global, Tencent, Summit Partners, 83North, Endeavor Catalyst and EQT Life Sciences. Strategic investors including ABB, Samsung and Yokogawa have also backed Enterprise Ireland-supported companies.
Domestic capital remains important. Act Venture Capital was identified as the most active investor after Enterprise Ireland in the analysed group, followed by Elkstone and Atlantic Bridge. Delta Partners, Furthr VC and Irrus Investments were also active, while the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund provides another source of funding.
AI activity extends beyond software
Ireland’s AI ecosystem is developing across enterprise software, healthcare, medtech and biotech. Healthcare-related companies, including FIRE1 and Deciphex, feature among the largest Irish AI venture capital deals since 2020.
The report also identified 360 active or pending patent filings connected with Enterprise Ireland-backed AI companies. These filings cover areas such as health diagnostics, medical imaging and security, highlighting the importance of intellectual property alongside investment.
Enterprise Ireland’s role in the AI economy
Enterprise Ireland has participated in 392 Irish AI funding rounds since 2020 and was involved in nearly two-thirds of Irish AI deals completed in 2026 to date. Its stated priorities include helping companies scale internationally, strengthen leadership teams, develop intellectual property and create employment and economic value in Ireland.
CEO Jenny Melia said the investment reflects the maturity and quality of Irish AI companies, while Minister of State Niamh Smyth said artificial intelligence is moving rapidly into practical applications across the economy.
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What the latest figures mean for Ireland
The data points to a maturing Irish AI sector attracting larger rounds, international investors and growing patent activity. It also shows that AI development is spreading into sectors where trust, governance, skills and regulatory assurance will be essential.
As Ireland prepares for the International AI Summit, the central challenge will be converting investment into sustainable international growth, high-value employment and practical applications across healthcare, finance and critical infrastructure.
Key takeaway: Irish AI investment has reached nearly €1 billion since 2025, signalling strong investor confidence and positioning Ireland as one of Europe’s most active AI hubs on a per-capita basis.
Article/Image Courtesy: Enterprise Ireland
