15TH MAY 2026 ROUND ROOM, MANSION HOUSE www.irishinvestorawards.ie #IIA2026
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Tom O’Brien Managing Partner
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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTOR MARKET
WELCOME On behalf of Forvis Mazars, I am delighted to welcome you to the 2026 Irish Investor Awards. Now in their third year, the awards have been a fantastic success and are firmly established on the sector’s social calendar. Tonight is about celebrating the collective successes of the Irish Deals Sector and recognising the people who make it what it is. In this regard, the awards bring together Ireland’s investment community – the investors, entrepreneurs and advisors – all of whom play a critical role in shaping the future of our economy.
Tom O’Brien
The past year has shown that while Ireland’s investment ecosystem is strong, it does not operate in isolation. Global uncertainty, shifting capital flows and geopolitical pressures have made the environment more complex, yet Irish dealmaking has remained remarkably resilient. This is reflected in the depth and quality of this year’s nominees. Despite more challenging conditions, private equity and venture capital firms continue to back strong teams, pursuing growth and transacting with ambition, discipline and confidence. The calibre of activity being celebrated tonight speaks volumes about the strength of the Irish market. This combination of challenge and strength really defines the environment we are operating in today. It also reinforces the importance of balance. While Ireland has benefited enormously from foreign direct investment, the continued growth of our indigenous SME and mid-market sector is critical to building a resilient and sustainable economy. The entrepreneurs, management teams and investors that back this sector are central to driving this growth. Tonight is also about recognising the trusted network of professional advisers that support our entrepreneurs and investors, and whose expertise helps businesses and investors navigate complex transactions in a risk-controlled manner. At Forvis Mazars, we are proud to work with many of you as you navigate change, embrace innovation and build for the future. Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees and winners and thank you for the vital role you play in supporting investment in Ireland. Enjoy the evening! Tom O’Brien Managing Partner Forvis Mazars
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IRISH INVESTOR AWARDS 2026
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTOR MARKET
CONTENTS WELCOME NOTE.......................................................................................................................................... 1 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS..................................................................................................2 TABLE OF CONTENTS...............................................................................................................................3 DEBT FUNDING DEAL OF THE YEAR < €10M............................................................................4 DEBT FUNDING DEAL OF THE YEAR > €10M............................................................................5 CORPORATE FINANCE ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR..................................................7 (Sponsored by Dunport Capital) INTERNATIONAL PE INVESTMENT IN IRISH COMPANY DEAL OF THE YEAR...........8 CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR........................................................................................9 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNMENTAL DEAL OF THE YEAR.........11 (Sponsored by Development Capital) DUE DILIGENCE TEAM OF THE YEAR......................................................................................... 12 DEAL OF THE YEAR (SUB €5M).......................................................................................................13 DEAL OF THE YEAR (€5M - €10M) ................................................................................................15 (Sponsored by Business Post) DEAL OF THE YEAR (> €10M)............................................................................................................. 16 PORTFOLIO DEAL OF THE YEAR.................................................................................................... 17 RISING STAR UNDER 30........................................................................................................................19 (Sponsored by IVCA) IRISH VC HOUSE OF THE YEAR....................................................................................................... 21 IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY HOUSE OF THE YEAR....................................................................... 21 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT.....................................................................................................................23 (Sponsored by Forvis Mazars) THANK YOU TO OUR JUDGES.......................................................................................................24 3
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTOR MARKET
DEBT FUNDING DEAL OF THE YEAR < ¤10M
Beach Point Capital
CKS Finance
Funding in Irish Medtech Sector Debt Financing
Funding of Charlies Childcare Limited
DunPort Capital Management Investment in Herdwatch
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Salica Investments Debt Investment in Cirdan Imaging Limited
Claret Capital Partners Investment in Neurent Medical
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTOR MARKET
DEBT FUNDING DEAL OF THE YEAR > €10M
AIB Financing of Embrace Community Services Ltd
BOI and Investec Debt Facilities to ORS advised by Clearwater
Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking
Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking
Debt provided as financing package for Towerbrook investment in GMC Utilities Group (Ireland)
Funding of Blacksheep’s Recapitalisation of Distilled Ltd
Claret Capital Partners
DunPort Capital Management
Investment in Deciphex
Funding of Cruinn Diagnostics
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www.dunportcapital.com
DunPort sources, executes and actively manages private debt investments on behalf of its investors. We are the leading provider of lower midmarket debt solutions in the Irish, UK and Benelux markets.
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTOR MARKET
CORPORATE FINANCE ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
Azets Ireland
Bay Advisory
CKS Finance
Clearwater
Deloitte Ireland LLP
Ernst & Young
IBI Corporate Finance powered by DC Advisory
KPMG Ireland
PKF Brenson Lawlor
RSM Ireland
TowerView
powered by
SPONSORED BY
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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTOR MARKET
INTERNATIONAL PE INVESTMENT IN IRISH COMPANY DEAL OF THE YEAR
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Apax Partners
Atlantic Bridge
Acquisition of D4H, advised by IBI Corporate Finance powered by DC Advisory
Investment in Equal 1
Basalt Infrastructure Partners Acquisition of Chemco advised by IBI Corporate Finance powered by DC Advisory
Exponent
Graham Partners
Graycliff Partners
Investment in Chanelle Pharma
Investment in Smithstown Engineering, advised by RSM and Deloitte respectively
Acquisition of Nualight via its portfolio company Fulham Co. Inc.
Kester Capital
Synova
Investment in Nutritics (Nutritics advised by Deloitte and Kester advised by IBI Corporate Finance powered by DC Advisory & EY)
Investment in Klearcom
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTOR MARKET
CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Addleshaw Goddard (Ireland) LLP
Browne Jacobson
Byrne Wallace Shields
Incorporating J R Sweeney LLP
Crowley Millar Solicitors LLP
Dentons Ireland
Flynn O'Driscoll LLP
McCann FitzGerald LLP
Philip Lee LLP
Pinsent Masons Ireland LLP
Taylor Wessing Ireland LLP
The Maples Group
Whitney Moore LLP
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GROWTH FUNDING FOR AMBITIOUS SMES
Congratulations to all nominees at the Irish Investor Awards!
information@developmentcapital.ie www.developmentcapital.ie
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTOR MARKET
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE DEAL OF THE YEAR
EIIS Management
AIB Capital Markets Financing of Lidl Ireland
Claret Capital Partners
EIIS Management Investment in Revive Environmental International
Investment in VIOTAS
Equitix
Foresight Group
Sale of Firmus Energy (Supply) by Equitix and Firmus Energy (Distribution) to Yuno Group advised by IBI
Investment into Little Rays
Origin Enterprises plc Sale of Scott Cawley Ltd to Origin Enterprises plc advised by IBI powered by DC Advisers
HitecVision and Reinova Partners Acquisition of Greencoat assets by Lirion Power advised by KPMG
Salica Investments Investment in Cirdan Imaging Limited
TowerView Investment in Fairways
SPONSORED BY
Waterland Private Equity Acquisition of Hometherm by NetZero Group
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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTOR MARKET
DUE DILIGENCE TEAM OF THE YEAR
Ernst & Young
KPMG Ireland
RSM Ireland
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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTOR MARKET
DEAL OF THE YEAR (SUB €5M)
EIIS Management
BGF Investment in CroíValve
Blackstone-backed Rover Group Acquisition of Gudog, advised by CKS Finance
EIIS Management Investment in Revive Environmental International
Foresight Group
Salica Investments
SME Equity Limited
Investment into Little Rays
Investment in Cirdan Imaging Limited
Investment in Invincible Software Holdings, backed by WorkCompass
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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTOR MARKET
DEAL OF THE YEAR (€5M - €10M)
BGF Investment in Clearsphere
BGF Investment in Granite Digital
Renatus Capital Partners Investment in Strata Financial
SPONSORED BY
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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTOR MARKET
DEAL OF THE YEAR (> €10M)
Atlantic Bridge
BGF
Erisbeg
Investment in Equal 1
Investment in CWC Group
Investment in Forte Pespa
Foresight Group
Graham Partners
Kester Capital
Investment in Hospital Services Limited
Investment in Smithstown Engineering, advised by RSM and Deloitte respectively
Investment in Nutritics (Nutritics advised by Deloitte and Kester advised by IBI Corporate Finance powered by DC Advisory & EY)
CAPITAL
MML Growth Capital Partners Ireland Ltd
Quintas Capital
Synova
Investment in The Petal Group
Investment in Klearcom
TowerView
Waterland Private Equity
Investment in Mitchell McDermott
TowerBrook Capital Partners Minority investment in GMC Utilities Group (Ireland) 16
Investment in Fairway
Investment in Cruinn Diagnostics, advised by EY (FDD & Tax) and IBI Corporate Finance powered by DC Advisory
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTOR MARKET
PORTFOLIO DEAL OF THE YEAR
Alliance Group Acquisition of Alliance Group by Dawn Meats Group, advised by IBI powered by DC Advisory
Foresight Group Investment in Hospital Services Limited
Black & White Engineering Acquisition of Homan O'Brien & Co. Ltd advised by Pinsent Masons
Fairstone Ireland Acquisition of Premier Financial
Goodbody Capital Partners
Waterland Private Equity
Sale of Johnson Hana
Acquisition of EEW Ltd by Bellew Group
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Proud supporter of The Irish Investor Awards 2026.
Wishing all delegates, guests and sponsors a fantastic evening in celebrating a buoyant year of investment and partnership. On behalf of IVCA management and council, we would like to congratulate all nominees on their recognition and achievement - to date!
www.ivca.ie | 353 (0)1 556 3274 | info@ivca.ie
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTOR MARKET
RISING STAR UNDER 30
Solley O'Connor
Hilary O’Driscoll
Goodbody Capital Partners
Interpath
Caoimhín Rafferty
Maria Traynor
KPMG Ireland
KPMG Ireland
CAPITAL
Liam Holland
Ross Halpin
Quintas Capital
SME Equity Limited
SPONSORED BY
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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTOR MARKET
IRISH VC HOUSE OF THE YEAR Winner to be announced on the night
IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY HOUSE OF THE YEAR Winner to be announced on the night
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Uncover the power to close deals. Find the way to the finish line.
John Bowe
Mark Mulcahy
Corporate Finance Partner
Financial Advisory Partner
In pivotal business moments, Forvis Mazars stands by your side. Our global team of advisory experts across M&A, transaction services and equity and debt funding have the knowledge and expertise to navigate the most complex and time-sensitive transactions. Our tailored, unbiased guidance allows you to make informed, confident decisions, ensuring a successful outcome for you and your business. Together, let’s write your business success story.
Move forward with Forvis Mazars. Audit | Tax | Advisory forvismazars.com/ie
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTOR MARKET
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises the contribution of an individual whose enduring impact has helped shape the Irish private equity and venture capital industry. Honouring the lasting impact on both the companies they invested in and the individuals they have worked with, this award recognises a lifetime of dedication and influence. This is a nominated category and the winner will be announced on the night.
SPONSORED BY
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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE IRISH PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTOR MARKET
THANK YOU TO OUR JUDGES A sincere thank you to our panel of judges for their time, expertise and thoughtful evaluation of this year’s submissions. The rigour and professionalism they brought to the process have been instrumental in maintaining the credibility and prestige of the Irish Investor Awards. Their collective insights not only shaped this year’s shortlist but also reinforced the awards’ standing within Ireland’s private equity and venture capital community. We are grateful for your commitment in helping us recognise and celebrate excellence in investment. Wishing everyone a fantastic evening as we honour the achievements of Ireland’s investor community and their advisory partners. John Bowe Corporate Finance Partner Forvis Mazars
2026 IRISH INVESTOR AWARDS JUDGING PANEL Anne Fleming Finance Director, Crownway Investments
Eleanor Blagbrough Co-Founding Partner, Blume Equity
Matthieu Boyé Group Head of PE, Forvis Mazars
Bryan Bourke Chairperson, AirNav Ireland
Gary McSharry Partner at McCann FitzGerald & Head of U.S. Office
Noreen Gallagher Board Advisor / Chair
Cathal Friel Managing Director, Raglan Capital
John Leahy Chairman of ENVEVO, JSM Group, GEV Windpower and Liftwerx
Cathy Bryce Managing Director, AIB Capital Markets David Carroll Founder / Investor / Board Member Edel Creely Non-Executive Chair Eimear Moloney Non-Executive Director Elaine Coughlan Partner in Atlantic Bridge
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John-George Willis Senior Advisor to Melior Equity Partners, Former Head of Corporate, Tughans Leo Hamill Founder of SISU Advisory, Former Managing Partner, Investec Ventures and Former Chair of the IVCA Marie Joyce CFO of Manchester Airports Group
Pat Flynn Founder and former Managing Partner, Flynn O’Driscoll Pat Gaynor Non-Executive Director and ex-Bank of Ireland Sarah-Jane Larkin Director General of IVCA Tom Wrenn Managing Partner, ECI Partners Tomás O'Leary Founder and CEO, Origina Zac Tsai Partner, Synova
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