Irish artificial intelligence companies have secured €947.3 million in venture capital investment since 2025, according to new analysis from PitchBook. The figures reveal that €691.3 million was invested across 107 deals in 2025, marking a record year for Irish AI investment. This was followed by an additional €256 million across 75 deals in 2026 to date.
“The level of investment reflects the calibre and growing maturity of Irish AI companies,” said Jenny Melia, CEO of Enterprise Ireland.
Ireland ranks second in Europe per capita for AI deal activity
Ireland currently ranks ninth in Europe for AI venture capital deal count in 2026 and second on a per-capita basis. PitchBook describes the 2026 market as “settling after a banner year for investment,” with the reduction from last year’s record levels representing “normalisation rather than retreat.”
The summit will focus on harnessing AI to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness.
Investment shifts towards later-stage companies
PitchBook’s figures show increasing capital flowing into later-stage Irish AI businesses. Late-stage AI venture capital deal value reached a record €380.5 million in 2025, while venture-growth investment hit €179 million. These figures were 2.5 times and 1.9 times their respective 2024 levels.
In 2026, €135.5 million has been invested across 18 late-stage deals, with another €61 million across three venture-growth rounds. This reflects a shift towards fewer, larger rounds for more established companies, according to PitchBook.
Notable recent investments include Wayflyer’s €161.8 million round and Tines’ €120.7 million Series C in 2025. CameraMatics raised €49 million in 2026.
Ireland’s AI ecosystem has attracted significant international investment. Notable backers include Accel, Kinnevik, Tiger Global, Tencent, Summit Partners, 83North, Endeavor Catalyst, and EQT Life Sciences. Strategic investors such as ABB, Samsung, and Yokogawa have also participated.
Domestically, Act Venture Capital leads as the most active investor after Enterprise Ireland. Other key domestic players include Elkstone, Atlantic Bridge, Delta Partners, Furthr VC, and Irrus Investments. The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund provides additional capital.
Irish AI activity spans enterprise software, healthcare, medtech, biotech, and other applied sectors. Healthcare-related businesses account for some of the largest Irish AI venture capital deals since 2020, including FIRE1 and Deciphex.
The research identifies 360 active or pending patent filings associated with Enterprise Ireland-backed AI companies. These cover areas such as health diagnostics, imaging, and security.
Enterprise Ireland has participated in 392 Irish AI funding rounds since 2020 and in nearly two-thirds of Irish AI deals in 2026 to date.
“Investment is only part of the story,” Melia added. “Our focus is on helping Irish companies start and scale internationally, build strong leadership teams, develop valuable IP, and create jobs and economic value in Ireland.”
Niamh Smyth TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Transformation, emphasized AI’s broader impact. “For Irish businesses, the prize is greater productivity, stronger competitiveness, and new opportunities for growth,” she said.
The event takes place in Dublin on October 14, 2026, as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU.
AI Applications and Intellectual Property
The International AI Summit in Dublin on October 14, 2026, will address how Europe can translate AI advances into economic value while building essential skills, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks.
Ireland’s AI sector benefits from a robust domestic investment environment.
