Irish VC Funding Dips 10% as AI Dominance Debate Rattles the Sector

Irish venture capital funding dropped 10% in the first half of 2026, with just €578.4 million deployed into SMEs according to the latest IVCA figures. Life sciences and fintech led the charge at 26% each, while AI and machine learning represented a modest 7% of the total. Seed funding fell 23% to €50 million, and the €3-5m deal bracket collapsed 58% year-on-year — a stark signal of capital caution. Two standouts, Fonoa (€94.4m) and Cloudsmith...