Tag: #Irish

Telco company Circet boosts Irish & UK fleet safety and sustainability with Geotab and Lytx

Circet, a European leader in telecommunications infrastructure services, has improved safety, reduced emissions and cut operational costs by adopting a fully integrated telematics solution from Geotab Inc. (“Geotab”) and Lytx® Inc. (“Lytx”). In just three months, Circet and Geotab partnered to connect 3,000 vehicles across Circet’s mixed fleet in Ireland and the UK, representing the biggest deployment of its kind in such a short installation window.
Circet’s fleet, which includes diesel and electric light and heavy commercial vehicles, required a solution capable of handling wide variability in makes, models and drivetrains. The combination of Geotab’s global telematics data platform integrated deeply with the Lytx Surfsight™ video safety platform has given the Circet operations team full visibility into its entire fleet, delivering immediate impact.
Within the first three months of this year, Circet recorded a 16% improvement in its company-wide driver safety score. Key safety metrics such as harsh braking, acceleration and cornering all improved, contributing to an average driver score 42% better than industry benchmarks. These improvements are largely due to the use of Geotab’s Driver Safety Scorecard and near real-time driver feedback from the Lytx Surfsight dash cams, which alert drivers to risky behaviours and send incidents to the operations team for review.
Fuel efficiency has also improved. Circet’s diesel vehicles are now operating at an average efficiency of 10 litres per 100 kilometres, 10% better than peer group leaders. Circet’s transition to electric vehicles is delivering further savings. Over the first three months of 2025, electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for 3% of total fleet trips, covering more than 263,000 miles (424,000 kilometres). According to Geotab’s Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment (EVSA), Circet stands to save approximately €450,000 annually by expanding its electric fleet and swapping ICE vehicles for EV where appropriate.
 
Based on results across all vehicle types so far this year, the Geotab and Lytx Surfsight solution could deliver over €2.7 million in fuel savings each year.
Ray Verschoyle, Head of Transport Compliance at Circet said: “The combined Geotab and Lytx Surfsight solution has transformed how we manage our fleet. We now have the data we need to improve safety, cut fuel use, lower maintenance costs and operate more sustainably. Their focus on innovation and ability to integrate with our systems made them the perfect partners for our needs.”
Aaron Jarvis, Associate Vice President, EMEA at Geotab, added; “Circet chose Geotab because we offer more than just an off-the-shelf solution. Our continuous investment in product development, combined with strong local service and support, gave them confidence in our long-term value. Our partnership with Lytx allows us to deliver fully integrated safety solutions, and our open platform meant we could align closely with Circet’s internal systems and processes. It’s another example of how Geotab’s ecosystem can support a customer’s needs today while future-proofing business operations.”
 
Deep integration to meet sustainability goals
The Circet deployment includes Geotab telematics devices and Lytx Surfsight dash cameras with road-facing lenses, and the option of driver-facing ones, too. This hardware is backed by software integration with the Geotab platform, allowing Circet to unify vehicle tracking, video footage and safety data in one system. The rollout was supported directly by Geotab’s local project team, who provided in-person training and implementation support to ensure a smooth transition.
Geotab’s data also supports Circet’s sustainability goals. The company is using Geotab’s certified Scope 1 emissions calculation tools to track fuel consumption and emissions reductions across both diesel and electric vehicles. This structured, data-driven approach is essential as Circet prepares for stricter ESG reporting requirements under EU legislation. With EV driving requiring different skills from traditional combustion vehicles, Circet has used Geotab data to inform driver training, aiming to extend EV range and reduce charging demand. This in turn helps lower Scope 2 emissions and manage charging infrastructure more efficiently.
With these results in safety, efficiency, and emissions reduction, Circet is already seeing a return on its investment. The integrated Geotab and Lytx Surfsight solution is not only improving current operations but also positioning the company for long-term compliance, cost control and growth as it shifts to a low-emissions fleet.
The Circet team is now looking to utilise its vehicle data across various business systems and processes with additional integrations into their business reporting tools, internal databases and future plans to feed other key business systems.

The Strategic Importance of Centres of Excellence in the IT Industry and at Noesis

At the start of another exhilarating Formula 1 season, it’s fascinating to draw parallels between the high-speed world of racing and Ireland’s rapidly accelerating IT sector. While Ireland may not have an extensive Formula 1 history, it is making significant strides in a different kind of global competition, innovation and digital transformation within the IT industry.

Ireland’s IT sector has long been recognized as a hub for innovation. The country’s strategic location, pro-business policies, and access to the European market have attracted major global players. However, the true differentiator lies in the local talent, highly skilled, creative professionals who bring a unique perspective to the challenges of modern IT. Its tech-savvy workforce continues to make tech innovation thriving and at Noesis Ireland, we are proud to contribute to this dynamic ecosystem. 

At Noesis, we deeply appreciate the parallels between precision, performance, and continuous improvement, principles equally vital in technology and motorsport. Our Dundalk Centre of Excellence (CoE) represents the personification of these values, harnessing Ireland’s outstanding local talent to drive cutting-edge innovation in artificial intelligence, software development, quality assurance, low-code development, and data analytics.

Much like an F1 team’s pit crew, which fine-tunes every element for maximum efficiency, our Centre of Excellence is structured to ensure seamless integration of expertise, best practices, and emerging technologies. It serves as a hub where the latest advancements in IT are developed, tested, and deployed at speed, allowing our clients to stay ahead of the competition.

Strategically positioned between Dublin and Belfast, Dundalk offers a unique advantage. It allows us to tap into the talent and innovation potential of both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Its proximity to prominent universities, dynamic tech startups, and leading enterprises creates a thriving collaborative ecosystem, which helps us produce agile, scalable solutions designed for global impact.

Nelson Pereira CTO Noesis and Ricardo Batista MD UK&I Noesis

Our Dundalk CoE is more than just an operational hub; it is a powerhouse of collaboration and expertise. It specialises in key technology domains, including artificial intelligence, software development, quality assurance, low-code development, and data analytics. By consolidating knowledge and fostering continuous improvement in these areas, we ensure that our solutions remain innovative, adaptable, and impactful across industries.

Just like in Formula 1, where teams rely on real-time data, strategic decision-making, and continuous iteration, Noesis leverages the CoE model to enhance efficiency and deliver cutting-edge solutions. Whether it’s optimising software performance, ensuring seamless automation, or delivering scalable AI-driven insights, our CoE provides the agility and expertise needed to meet the evolving demands of the digital world.

Additionally, the CoE is pivotal in adapting to today’s hybrid work environment. It balances remote flexibility with essential physical collaboration, creating a space for meaningful innovation and team cohesion. This approach mirrors a well-coordinated pit crew, each member contributing precisely to the overall performance and success.

Ireland has long been a hub for technological advancement, and the Dundalk CoE further cements its position on the global stage. As Noesis continues to push the boundaries of IT excellence, we remain committed to fostering innovation, delivering cutting-edge solutions, and driving success—both for our clients and for Ireland’s growing reputation in the digital economy.

Just as an F1 team never stops refining its approach to gain an edge, we at Noesis embrace that same relentless pursuit of progress. Through our Centre of Excellence in Dundalk, we are accelerating Ireland’s digital transformation, ensuring that the country remains a leading force in global IT innovation.

Our vision is clear, to harness the power of Irish expertise to solve the world’s most pressing IT challenges, meeting and exceeding our clients’ needs and making their businesses better. Whether it’s enhancing operational efficiencies, driving digital transformation, or championing sustainability, our Centre of Excellence, here in Ireland and across the Noesis network, stands as a testament to what can be achieved when local innovation meets global ambition.

By Ricardo Batista, MD Noesis UK and Ireland

Four in ten Irish businesses have suffered a cyber-attack in the last five years

Four in ten (40%) Irish businesses have suffered at least one cyber-attack in the last five years, with companies facing financial loss as a result.

Research from insurance broker and risk management company Gallagher in Ireland has revealed that more than one in eight (88%) Irish businesses have suffered financial loss and commercial disruption due to a cyber-attack in the last five years.

Gallagher commissioned a survey of 300 business decision makers across the UK & Ireland, 100 of whom are based in Ireland.

Businesses that have experienced a cyber-attack in the last five years reported additional consequences as a result including:

  • the loss of intellectual property (26%)
  • supply chain disruption (23%)
  • reputational damage (23%)
  • ransom payment demands (20%)

Laura Vickers, Director, Gallagher in Ireland spoke of the findings,

“Given what we can see from the widespread impact of cybercrime, it is unsurprising that almost every Irish business leader we asked (93pc) said they are concerned about the rise in cyber-crime and the potential impact it could have on their company”.

The Top 3 in Corporate Cybercrime

  • Cyber extortion, whereby cyber criminals threaten to harm a business or steal sensitive information unless a sum of money is paid, was the most common type of attack carried out on Irish businesses, with 37% saying they had been targeted.
  • Phishing attacks, where individuals are tricked into following a malicious link or downloading an infected email attachment, was the second most common attack with 31% suffering this type of incident in the last five years.
  • Followed by what is termed “Man-in-the-Middle (MiTM) attacks”, where the perpetrator intercepts and alters communication between two parties without their knowledge – 23pc of business leaders said their organisation had fallen foul of this.

In Ireland the Gallagher report reveals that large businesses, those with annual turnover exceeding £10m, have been particularly vulnerable, with 57% experiencing cyber-attacks during this period. Mid-sized companies also show substantial exposure, with 39% reporting attacks. Comparatively, smaller businesses have been less frequently targeted, with only 9% experiencing attacks.

Prepare and Respond

Despite the increasing risk of cyber-attacks, 90% of Irish business leaders express confidence in their ability to recover quickly. This optimism may stem from the fact that 94% of businesses have a cyber insurance policy, with 89% confirming their coverage includes risk management, including vulnerability scans and threat monitoring,to mitigate potential threats.

However, the Gallagher survey also highlights areas of concern within Irish business

  • Just 39% of companies provide cybersecurity training for staff, leaving many employees susceptible to phishing and malware attacks.
  • Only 41% conduct regular system vulnerability scans, increasing the risk of undetected weaknesses being exploited by cybercriminals.
  • Less than half (48%) have multifactor authentication (MFA) in place for remote workers, potentially exposing their systems to unauthorized access.
  • Only 42% of business decision-makers are aware that reporting a cyber-attack to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is a legal requirement. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to €10 million or 2% of global turnover.

Ms. Vickers went on to comment,

“While it’s encouraging to see businesses investing in cyber insurance and risk management, security measures must go beyond just financial protection. Many businesses are still vulnerable due to gaps in employee training, system monitoring, and access controls. Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and companies that fail to strengthen their security posture risk serious financial and reputational damage.

Equally concerning is the lack of awareness around reporting obligations. Failure to report an attack could lead to significant fines, compounding the financial losses from a breach. Businesses must take a proactive approach, not just in purchasing insurance, but in implementing robust cybersecurity practices and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.”

Ireland’s Esports Boom: How Competitive Gaming is Taking Over

Esports in Ireland is thriving. Once a niche interest, it’s now pulling in massive audiences, serious investment and a new generation of competitive players. Whether it’s grassroots tournaments in local gaming hubs or Irish players making waves on the international stage, the scene is evolving fast.

Advancements in technology are accelerating this growth. Digital wallets and online payment systems make it easier than ever for players to stay competitive, instantly accessing new content and premium features. With the rise of in-game economies, safe and convenient transactions are a key part of the modern esports experience.

Irish Esports is on the Rise

Across the country, gaming communities are more active than ever. Local tournaments are popping up everywhere, from Dublin to Galway, bringing together casual and pro-level players alike. Universities are launching esports societies, giving students a structured path into competitive gaming. Streaming platforms are turning Irish gamers into global stars, opening doors that didn’t exist just a few years ago.

For players looking to stay ahead, in-game purchases play a big role—customisation, upgrades and competitive advantages all come into play. Without using a credit card, which risk exposure to theft and identity fraud, an alternative like a PSN card for PlayStation makes it simple to top up accounts, grab premium content and ensure players are ready for high-stakes matches.

Building an Esports Infrastructure

Esports in Ireland isn’t just about players—it’s about the entire ecosystem. Dedicated gaming arenas are starting to appear, giving teams and solo competitors proper spaces to train and compete. Investors are paying attention, too, with both private companies and government initiatives looking to put Ireland on the map as a European esports hub.

From Hobby to Mainstream Sport

Gaming has turned from a hobby to a cultural movement. Traditional sports clubs are getting involved, adding esports teams to their rosters and giving gaming the same respect as physical sports. Major events like Insomnia Dublin and Celtic Throwdown are drawing thousands, proving that the demand for high-level gaming experiences is only growing. The 2024/25 Ireland Esports Collegiate Series, for example, saw a 36% increase in competing teams and a 17.7% rise in registered players across various games, indicating a growing interest among students.

What’s Next for Irish Esports?

With more investment, more players and more recognition, Ireland’s esports future looks bright. Bigger tournaments, better infrastructure and more Irish players competing at the highest levels are all on the horizon. What was once an underground scene is now a full-fledged industry, and it’s only just getting started.

SumUp launches SumUp Pay, offering 0,5% cashback for Irish customers

Global fintech leader, SumUp, has today announced it is expanding its offering with the launch of SumUp Pay for consumers in the Irish market. Through diversifying its offering, SumUp looks to support both the consumer and merchant, reinforcing its commitment to the Irish entrepreneurial landscape and wider economy. This new solution permits online and in-store payments with a virtual Mastercard and the ability to earn 0,5% cashback on every purchase, earning up to €10 per calendar month.

With SumUp Pay, the company now enables consumers to create a free account, accessible via the mobile app, enabling full financial autonomy. Users can instantly access a free virtual Mastercard and top up their account via card or bank transfer. SumUp Pay allows for secure, fee-free payments worldwide, with transactions deducted directly from the balance and verified through biometric authentication like Touch or Face ID.

SumUp Pay offers a straightforward cashback system, giving users 0,5% back on every purchase, with no minimum spend or restrictions. Unlike other services, there are no conditions to meet; users can earn up to €10 per month simply by making everyday purchases at any retailer, both online and at brick and mortar shops.

Other features of SumUp Pay include the ability to easily split bills or send money to friends directly within the app. The peer-to-peer payment feature also supports free instant SEPA transfers, ensuring that funds arrive within minutes. Additionally, SumUp Pay can act as a personal financial coach, helping its users track expenses. The “Space” feature allows users to organise their money by creating multiple spending categories for saving, planning, or limiting expenses. This streamlined management is complemented by detailed reports, enabling users to monitor their spending, set monthly goals, and gain real-time insights into where and how they are spending their money.

“With SumUp Pay, we are providing a simple and accessible solution for managing daily finances. Our goal is to help users regain control of their money while offering tangible benefits such as instant, no-strings-attached cashback. A satisfied consumer becomes a loyal customer, and a loyal customer brings success to merchants,” added Erik Schünemann, Product Lead at SumUp on today’s announcement.

Niall Mac an tSionnaigh, CEO of SumUp Ireland commented: “With the rising cost of living in Ireland, at SumUp we are focused on making life a little easier for both consumers and merchants. We’re committed to providing simple, valuable payment solutions for businesses, while also looking out for the people who shop with them. Our goal is to create a marketplace where everyone is supported, cared for, and able to thrive, helping to build a more self-sufficient, connected community for all.”

Following successful launches of SumUp Pay in other key markets, and building on the momentum of innovations like Cash Advance in the Irish market, SumUp continues to work towards an inclusive ecosystem that bolsters the economy and empowers consumers and merchants alike.

Personalised Digital Advertising: A Key Driver of Growth for Irish SMBs

A new study by the Centre for Information Policy Leadership (CIPL), based on research by Public First, reveals the crucial role of personalised digital advertising in supporting the competitiveness and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) across Europe with a key focus on Ireland. The report, commissioned by Google, surveyed over 4,287 SMBs across the EU (including 263 in Ireland) and highlights the significant benefits of personalised digital advertising for SMBs, as well as the potential negative consequences of restricting its use.

 

Key Findings:

  • Competitive Advantage: 76% of small businesses in the EU say personalised digital advertising enables them to compete with larger businesses. In Ireland this number is even higher with 96% agreeing that personalised digital advertising helps level the playing field, allowing them to reach specific audiences with limited marketing budgets.

  • Revenue Growth: 96% of Irish  SMBs report increased overall revenue over the past year, and stated that this growth can be directly attributed to personalised digital advertising.

  • Customer Acquisition: 62% of Irish SMBs believe that finding new customers would be ‘difficult or impossible’ without personalised digital advertising, underscoring its critical role in expanding their customer base. 41% of  SMBs in Ireland report that digital advertising has allowed them to find new customers.

  • Access to New Markets: A third of Irish SMBs (32%) reported that digital advertising helps them to market their products or services in new markets or regions.

 

The Importance of Personalised Digital Advertising for SMBs

SMBs often have very specific audiences and operate with limited marketing budgets. Personalised digital advertising allows them to reach their customers more effectively, expand into new markets, and compete with larger businesses. By tailoring advertisements to individual interests based on browsing history or set preferences, SMBs can achieve a higher return on investment compared to contextual advertising. 44% of Irish SMBs surveyed reported personalised digital advertising to be more effective at reaching their relevant audience, and 41% reported it as more effective at improving their return on ad spend, when compared to contextual advertising.

 

The Impact of Limiting Personalised Advertising

The study also examined the potential consequences of restricting or eliminating personalised digital advertising. The findings indicate significant negative impacts on SMBs in Ireland and across the broader European economy:

 

  • Higher Costs and Lower Revenue: If personalised digital ads were no longer permitted, 41% of  SMBs in Ireland anticipate increased marketing costs, and 37% anticipated decreased revenue.

  • Price Increases: 57% of SMBs surveyed in Ireland claim that they would increase the prices of their products/services if they could no longer use personalised ads.

  • Difficulty Reaching Customers: 62% of SMBs believe that it would be difficult or even impossible to find the customers their business needs without personalised digital advertising.

  • Job Losses and Relocation: 30% of surveyed SMBs in Ireland cited reducing staff as one of the ways their business would cut costs if they could no longer use personalised digital ads with 20% indicating they would relocate or reduce offices and facilities to reduce costs if they could no longer use personalised digital ads.

 

Suzanne McElligott, CEO of IAB Ireland said:

 

“IAB Ireland’s members collaborate to help advertisers drive growth through digital advertising.  Our engagement with Irish SMEs has grown dramatically over recent years reflecting SMEs’  increasing reliance on digital advertising as a business driver. The CIPL study’s evidence-based findings with 96% of SMEs  attributing their revenue growth to personalised advertising, reflect our experience. SMEs are a major contributor to Ireland’s economy and as we seek to protect Ireland’s competitiveness and foster economic growth, it is important that our regulatory environment facilitates Irish businesses embracing the benefits of digital advertising.”

 

Report Recommendations

The report emphasises the need for a balanced approach that supports innovation and protects fundamental rights. Policymakers should ensure that new legislative initiatives build on existing frameworks and avoid creating additional complexity. Extensive impact assessments should be conducted to evaluate the potential economic and compliance burdens for all market players. The focus must be on simplification: streamlining existing rules, ensuring legal certainty, and removing redundant or conflicting obligations. Organisations should proactively implement robust accountability measures and demonstrate how they safeguard individual rights when deploying digital advertising. Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) and Privacy-Preserving Technologies (PPTs) can be deployed to enable businesses to deliver targeted advertising while minimising data exposure and enhancing user trust.

 

Bojana Bellamy, President, CIPL said:

 

“Our research shows that digital advertising, particularly personalised digital advertising, plays a crucial role in Europe’s digital economy by supporting SMBs, enhancing access to content, and contributing to a positive user experience.”

 

Conclusion

Personalised digital advertising is a vital tool for SMBs, driving growth, enabling competition, and supporting access to content. By adopting a balanced regulatory approach and embracing new technologies like AI, Ireland can ensure that businesses and individuals continue to benefit from the digital economy.

Data sheet

McDonald’s Ireland Introduces Irish Language Ordering Nationwide

McDonald’s Ireland has announced the nationwide rollout of Irish language ordering across its self-service kiosks in restaurants throughout the Republic of Ireland. Following a successful trial period in McDonald’s Westside Shopping Centre, Galway in January of this year, customers across the country can now place their orders as Gaeilge, making the iconic McDonald’s experience more inclusive and accessible for Irish speakers.

This initiative is part of McDonald’s Ireland’s ongoing commitment to embracing and celebrating Ireland’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage. The introduction of the Irish language option will allow customers to seamlessly navigate the menu, customise their orders, and complete transactions in Irish at the touch of a button.

At the launch of the Irish Language Kiosks on Shop Street in Galway, Dáithí Ó Sé said: “It is fantastic to see McDonald’s supporting the Irish language at this level. This initiative gives people the opportunity to use the language naturally in their daily lives, which is so important for the future and development of Irish. This is a great step forward for Irish speakers and for the wider community in Ireland.”

Commenting on the launch, Aaron Byrne, Franchisee of McDonald’s Westside Shopping Centre in Galway, said: “We are thrilled to introduce Irish language ordering to our self-service kiosks nationwide. The overwhelmingly positive response from our Galway trial highlighted the demand and enthusiasm for this initiative. As a brand that is deeply rooted in Irish communities, we are proud to support the Irish language and provide our customers with the option to engage with us in the language of their choice.”

The trial in Galway saw strong uptake from customers, reinforcing the importance of language accessibility and McDonald’s commitment to evolving its customer experience to meet the needs of local communities. The nationwide rollout to McDonald’s 95 restaurants in the Republic of Ireland ensures that Irish speakers, learners, and those passionate about the language can enjoy a seamless and fully immersive experience in McDonald’s restaurants across the country.

This development aligns with McDonald’s broader inclusivity and community engagement efforts, reinforcing its commitment to reflecting the culture and traditions of the communities it serves.

Irish fintech increased almost 300% in 2024

2024 was a positive year for the Irish fintech market, with funding reaching $237.95 million across 25 deals; this was a significant increase (291%) compared to last year were $60.83 million was raised across 11 deals, according to the Pulse of FinTech H2’24—a bi-annual report published by KPMG highlighting global fintech investment trends.

The data includes the $109 million buyout of Dublin-based software company SoftCo by Keensight Capital, making it the largest fintech deal in Ireland in 2024. Other notable deals for the period were ones by mobile payment platform CleverCards and CreditLogic, a Dublin-based fintech both raising just over $8.6 million and $3.7 million respectively.

But fintech levels in Ireland was an outlier. Global investment dropped from $119.8 billion across 5,382 deals in 2023 to a seven-year low of $95.6 billion across 4,639 deals in 2024. A perfect storm of factors combined to soften investor appetite, including macroeconomic challenges, geopolitical conflicts and tensions, a year of elections in major jurisdictions, and concerns about valuations and the lack of exits.

Fintech investment in EMEA region sinks to $20.3 billion—lowest total since 2016

Fintech investment in the EMEA region fell from $27.6 billion across 1,833 deals in 2023 to just $20.3 billion across 1,465 deals in 2024. H2’24 also saw a significant drop compared to H1’24—from $13 billion across 820 deals to just $7.3 billion across 645 deals.

Irish fintech ecosystem shows resilience

Commenting on fintech activity in Ireland during 2024, Ian Nelson, Head of Financial Services & Regulatory at KPMG in Ireland, said: “The Irish fintech sector’s remarkable growth in 2024, with a staggering 291% increase in investment to $237.95 million, underscores its resilience and potential. Despite global investment falling to a seven-year low, Ireland’s innovative spirit and robust ecosystem have set it apart as a beacon of progress in a challenging economic landscape.”

Nelson adds, “Early-stage deals are thriving, driven by interest in AI and innovative business models. This growth is even more impressive given the macroeconomic challenges, geopolitical conflicts, and election uncertainties that have dampened investor appetite globally, and a testament to the strength and adaptability of our fintech ecosystem.”

Focussing on H2’24, Ireland’s fintech sector recorded $97.15 million in M&A, venture capital and private equity transactions across five deals. This reflects a significant increase from the $1.61 million for the same period last year.

Global Highlights 2024 

  • Global fintech investment fell from $119.8 billion across 5,382 deals in 2023 to $95.6 billion across 4,639 deals in 2024.
  • The Americas attracted $63.8 billion in fintech investment across 2,267 deals in 2024, of which the US accounted for $50.7 billion across 1,836 deals; the EMEA region attracted $20.3 billion across 1,4645 deals, while the ASPAC region attracted $11.2 billion across 896 deals.
  • Global M&A deal value fell from $60.2 billion to $49.6 billion between 2023 and 2024; while H2’24 was softer than H1’24, M&A deal value rose from $7.4 billion to $14.2 billion between Q3’24 and Q4’24.
  • PE investment declined significantly, falling from $10.5 billion in 2023 to just $2.6 billion in 2024, while VC investment saw a modest drop from $49.2 billion in 2023 to $43.4 billion in 2024.
  • Payments was the strongest area of fintech investment globally in 2024, with $31 billion in investment compared to just $17.2 billion in 2023; other sectors that saw investment rise year-over-year included digital assets and currencies —from $8.7 billion to $9.1 billion, regtech—from $4.4 billion to $7.4 billion, proptech—from $1.9 billion to $3 billion, and wealthtech—from $190 million to $400 million.
  • Corporate VC-participating investment globally fell from $26 .9 billion in 2023 to $19.6 billion in 2024; only the EMEA region saw corporate investment in VC deals rise—from $5.1 billion to $5.8 billion year-over-year. The Americas saw CVC drop from $13.8 billion to $9.9 billion, while ASPAC saw CVC investment drop from $8.0 billion to $3.9 billion.

EMEA Trends to watch for in H1’25

  • Continued investment in regtech given the ongoing evolution of regulations and the complexities associated with compliance.
  • Growing interest in the development of AI agents able to act independently, particularly in areas like AML and financial crime detection.
  • Increasing regulatory burden acting as a potential driver for consolidation.
  • Continued focus on secondary transactions given subdued IPO environment
  • Further development of the digital euro and its ecosystem changing the game for investment, use case development, and the enhancement of an ISV ecosystem.

Report

TuneClub is an Irish founded music tutorial app

TuneClub, a revolutionary music-learning platform, is launching to transform how musicians learn, connect, and participate in live music. By blending structured digital learning with real-world music experiences, TuneClub equips learners with the tools and confidence to engage in sessions, master new skills, and make meaningful musical connections.

To celebrate its launch, TuneClub presents The Sugarloaf Sessions, an innovative new festival debuting in Bray, Co. Wicklow from 25th – 27th April 2025.

To support and encourage music educators and event organisers to develop more opportunities, TuneClub is also unveiling a €250,000 Creator Fund to foster innovative learning-driven music experiences that blend online preparation with in-person engagement.

TuneClub: A Phygital Approach to Music Learning 

Open to both learners and creators, TuneClub is a phygital (physical + digital) platform, designed to bridge online learning with live participation. Learners prepare in advance with structured pathways, interactive tools, and personalised feedback, so that they arrive at live sessions more confident and engaged.

Creators–including event organisers, music educators and artists–can monetise their expertise, blending digital learning with physical events and tapping into the Creator Fund.

The Sugarloaf Sessions 

From 25-27th April, The Sugarloaf Sessions is an exciting new learning experience designed for adult learners. Using the TuneClub app, learners start their learning journey at home before bringing their skills to life in an immersive, in-person event with fellow musicians in Bray. Students will learn tunes – and a whole lot more, including how to develop their session playing skills from skilled performers.

The Sugarloaf Sessions will be delivered by a team of expert tutors including Tim Doyle and Rachel Duffy. Dr. Liz Doherty, CEO of I Teach Trad, is advisor to the project, providing professional development training to the teaching team. If you are an adult learner, keen to level up your skills and improve your session playing, this is an experience not to be missed!

Early bird registration is now available at €150 from www.tuneclub.com  

TuneClub’s €250,000 Creator Fund 

TuneClub is investing €250,000 to help experience creators to integrate digital learning into real-world music experiences. The platform is lowering the barrier for music educators, innovators and event organisers to incorporate a digital learning aspect into their events, ensuring participants arrive better prepared, more engaged, and ready to play.

The fund is open to:

  • Music educators & masterclass hosts eager to scale their teaching into structured digital courses.
  • Festival & event organisers looking to enhance participation engagement through pre-event learning.
  • Innovators in music education creating curated masterclasses, concert-led workshops, or music travel adventures.

Applications are open for direct or co-funding support, with the successful applicants receiving financial support to access TuneClub’s digital infrastructure for learning materials, ticketing, and community-building. Events may be fully hosted on TuneClub or co-promoted across the platform’s growing user base, connecting creators to a wider international audience.

Gabe Moynagh, founder of TuneClub commented “Our vision is to make music learning more immersive, social, and rewarding. We don’t want learners just practicing in isolation—we want them gearing up for real sessions, festivals, and meaningful performances.”

He continued “We want learners to arrive ready to focus on expression and collaboration instead of feeling left behind in sessions. By integrating digital preparation with live experiences, we’re giving both learners and creators a new way to engage with music.”

With The Sugarloaf Sessions, TuneClub App, and TuneClub Creator Fund, the platform is redefining how, when, and where people learn and play music together.

For details, visit www.tuneclub.com or contact info@tuneclub.com