Tag: equity

KPMG’s Global Tech Innovator 2026 opens for entries

KPMG in Ireland has opened entries for the 2026 Global Tech Innovator (GTI) competition. Now in its sixth year, KPMG is inviting ambitious Irish technology and tech‑enabled companies to compete for the chance to represent Ireland at the global final in Lisbon this November.
Commenting on the 2026 launch, Anna Scally, Global Head of Technology, Media, and Telecommunications at KPMG said:
“Dublin healthtech company Akara’s achievement in Lisbon was one of the competition’s strongest years for Ireland. Akara finished as first runner up at the 2025 global final and it showed the world that Ireland punches well above its weight in
technology. We now want to find the next Akara, an ambitious Irish tech founder ready to compete on the world stage.”
Reflecting on last year’s journey, Niamh Donnelly, co-founder and CTO of Akara, said:
“Winning the Irish competition validated years of hard work and confirmed that what we’re building at Akara genuinely matters. But representing Ireland on the global stage and finishing as first runner up out of 21 of the world’s most promising tech startups has opened doors we couldn’t have imagined. For Akara, this competition wasn’t just an award, it was a launchpad.”
Who can enter?
The competition is open to pure technology or tech enabled, tech driven, or tech led businesses which have operated for seven years or less, have generated revenue of between USD $1–15m, or have raised at least $500,000 in equity, and are registered and based in Ireland or Northern Ireland.
Shortlisted entrants will pitch their innovations and present their growth ambitions to a panel of judges – including successful entrepreneurs and investors – for the chance to be crowned Ireland’s winner and to compete at the global final.
Applications must be submitted by 22nd of May 2026 and you must be available to appear in-person for the Ireland final, which will be held in Dublin on the 30th of June 2026.
Benefits for the Irish winner include:
  • National and global exposure: Showcasing your innovation to industry experts, investors, partners, and customers; boosting local profile via media and social coverage. The Irish winner advances to compete globally in Lisbon in November.
  • Networking opportunities: Connecting with fellow tech innovators, join local and global peer networks, collaborating, and gaining insights from seasoned professionals.
  • Mentorship and growth: Accessing KPMG mentors and advisors for guidance on scaling; receiving ongoing feedback from judges and peers to refining your innovation and presentation skills.
Previous Irish finalists
Ireland’s track record Irish finalists and winners to date reflect the breadth of the country’s innovation, from Niamh Donnelly of Akara (2025 Irish winner) and Emma Meehan’s Precision Sports Technology (2024 Irish winner) to Conor Sheridan’s AI powered hospitality platform Nory, Barry Lunn’s accident prevention firm Provizio, and Terry Canning’s Belfast based CattleEye, the world’s first hardware independent autonomous livestock monitoring platform.
To enter, find out more about the competition and watch all the previous Irish finalists’ pitches, visit www.kpmg.ie/GTI

Pay equity a top challenge for nearly a third of employers in Ireland

SD Worx Ireland, a leading payroll and HR solutions provider, today announces the results of its latest research which found that 30% of employers in Ireland cite pay equity as a top challenge when it comes to rewarding employees. To tackle this, nearly three-quarters (74%) of Irish organisations say they are investing in pay equity initiatives.

The independent study was commissioned by SD Worx and carried out by iVOX among 1,000 employers in Ireland to gain insights into how organisations are rewarding their employees and addressing gender pay inequity in a changing and competitive talent landscape.

The EU Pay Transparency Directive, which came into force in 2023, requires Irish organisations to report and provide transparency across key areas including pay equity and gender pay gaps. SD Worx’s research found that some 49% of employers in Ireland are committed to pay transparency, which would see the pay level of employees being made available to employees of similar grade in the organisation. Moreover, 43% of organisations cite pay transparency as a top challenge when rewarding employees.

As the war for talent continues to rage, businesses are adopting more strategic approaches to rewards. More than half (51%) of employers say their reward policy plays an essential role in their reputation as an employer. As such, 31% are offering flexible wage payment dates, which could include paying employees early, or paying on special request.

Some employees have the flexibility to choose how they would like to be rewarded, and 31% of employers say that workers can put together their own reward package based on an allocated budget. Aside from salary, employee rewards offered by Irish employers include bonuses and commission (53%), health and wellness benefits (48%), and vouchers (45%).

The survey suggests that the rising cost of doing business is having a significant impact on employers. Over half (51%) say that their organisation is struggling to strike a balance between attractive rewards and manageable labour costs. The same number of employers state that total wage costs are on the rise, while 42% cited wage cost pressures as another key challenge when it comes to rewarding employees.

Eimear Byrne, Country Leader, SD Worx Ireland, said: “Tackling pay inequity needs to be at the forefront of employers’ agendas in Ireland, as equal pay for equivalent work should be the rule, not the exception. Businesses of all sizes must establish structures to effectively manage their pay transparency obligations, especially as mandatory gender pay gap reporting is extending to organisations with more than 50 employees in 2025.

“Businesses must place their team members at the core of all business decisions – particularly in relation to rewards and remuneration. Not only will this lead to happier, engaged, and productive employees who are more likely to stay long-term, it will also set organisations apart as they look to attract new, skilled workers.

“The ever-increasing cost of doing business is being felt across the board, and our research shows that Irish employers are finding it difficult to balance what employees want and need with what the business can reasonably afford to do. To navigate these challenges effectively, organisations need to be capable of delivering transparent reporting and supporting wage cost projections. These tools are essential for businesses to ensure sustainable success.”

How Private Equity Investors are Driving Growth in 2023

Overview of Private Equity Investment in 2023 

Katten’s 2023 Middle-Market Private Equity Report says that even though there are some hard times with money, private equity investors are still optimistic. They asked 100 people in the US to see how funds can make money and find growth opportunities in the next year.

Financial Services and Technology as Potential Opportunities for Private Equity Investors 

The survey found that dealmakers had different views on the 2023 mergers and acquisitions market. 40% expected no change, 33% expected an increase, and 26% expected a slowdown. However, they all agreed on some potential areas for growth. 54% of people said that the financial services industry has the best chance for success this year. Technology was second with 47%.

In addition, survey participants expressed optimism about the effectiveness of all-equity deals in creating successful deals in the next year

They cited all-stock deals as the most important factor, and most predict an increase in the number of such deals in the future one of the investment is gaining popularity India online casino game among players from around the world and provides an opportunity to earn a return on investment

Benefits of All-Equity Deals for Private Equity Firms in 2023 

Even though it has been a tough year, some investors are still finding good deals in the market. Our clients are also putting up a strong fight to secure deals, even with a cautious approach and outlook. Christopher Atkinson thinks investors are trying very hard even though the market is difficult right now.

Strategies to Unlock Value Amid Global Economic Headwinds 

Today trying to gain an advantage in the limited credit market in any way possible. Before, buyers wanted to be special by getting insurance for their deals. Now almost everyone is doing this. Now, the main goal is to make sure the sale of your home goes through quickly and without any problems. This is even more important because the market isn’t as stable as it used to be.

The private equity market is having a hard time. It is difficult to get enough money for deals and prices for things are going up, which makes it even harder. Interest rates are also getting higher. These challenges are influenced by macroeconomic trends and government policies. Investors may not buy a home because of rules and laws, money worries, and extra research.

Considerations when Investing in Tech with Private Equity Funds in 2023 

David Washburn, co-chair of Katten’s Mergers & Acquisitions/Private Equity practice, stated that although there are obstacles in the M&A industry, middle-market private equity firms have shown resilience in the past. He believes that even in a year of ups and downs, dealmakers with available funds can still find success and complete transactions. This is especially true for those who are willing to take risks by investing in companies with lower valuations, exploring new industries, or using different methods for acquisitions.

Private equity firms mostly have investments in financial services (58%), real estate (48%) and technology (43%)

Because of inflation, they are planning to put their money in more places. They want to invest in making things (50%), taking care of people’s health (46%), insurance (44%) and technology (43%).

How to Make the Most Out of Your Investments with a Professional Advisory Team 

After signing an agreement, two out of three people are more sure that the deal will happen like it was supposed to. 18% of dealmakers are significantly more confident than they were at this time last year. 

Most investors expect the same level of due diligence in the next 12 months as in the previous year

Most people who make deals said that buyers and sellers agree with important parts of the deal. When selling a home, make sure to check that no changes were made without permission. You should also get permission from the government. Double check everything is ready before it closes. This has stayed the same in the last year. This year, they have to do this even more.

Closing Thoughts on Private Equity Investment Opportunities in 2023

Kimberly Smith works at Katten. She said 2022 was a difficult year for companies who buy small businesses and invest in them. Despite economic, regulatory, and geopolitical challenges, investors still moved forward. To be successful in the future, people who make deals will need to consider different ways to finish them. This might involve exploring new deal terms, capital deployment methods, or investment sectors.  

 

Opportunities for dealmaking still exist, no matter how sponsors decide to adjust to the rapidly changing M&A environment.