Significant Increase in Female-Led Companies in the South and Mid-West

Why It Matters

The surge in female‑led ventures expands the talent pool, attracts diverse capital, and strengthens Ireland’s innovation ecosystem, positioning the region as a leader in inclusive entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways

• Female-led HPSU approvals hit 35% in 2025
• Female-led PSSF approvals reached 57% regionally
• Female startups raised €42 million investment total
• AxisBIC hosts International Women’s Day webinar with global founders
• NextWave accelerator supports women founders nationwide

Pulse Analysis

AxisBIC’s recent data underscores a rapid shift in Ireland’s Mid‑West and South‑West startup landscape, where women now account for more than a third of High Potential Start‑Up (HPSU) approvals and over half of Pre‑Seed Start Fund (PSSF) approvals in 2025. This surge outpaces the national average of roughly 25‑30 percent female‑founded firms, signalling that targeted support mechanisms are beginning to close the gender gap in early‑stage entrepreneurship. By fostering a pipeline of female‑led ventures, the region is positioning itself as a hub for inclusive innovation and attracting diverse capital.

Female‑led companies in the region have collectively secured €42 million in investment, a testament to AxisBIC’s hands‑on approach that blends mentorship, investor readiness training, and strategic planning. Notable successes include Valentia Island Vermouth, which captured both PSSF and HPSU funding after being named the most investible company at the 2025 Venture Academy, as well as health‑tech firms like Coroflo and wellness brand Ground Wellbeing. These wins illustrate how a robust support network—spanning local authorities, universities, and international partners—can translate early‑stage capital into scalable growth.

The momentum is further amplified by national initiatives such as Enterprise Ireland’s NextWave accelerator, a dedicated programme that equips women founders with validation tools, scaling frameworks, and cross‑border mentorship. AxisBIC’s International Women’s Day webinar, featuring entrepreneurs from Ireland, the Caribbean, and Slovenia, demonstrates a commitment to transatlantic knowledge exchange and to balancing the scales of opportunity. As more female founders access capital and networks, the ecosystem is likely to see heightened innovation output, diversified product portfolios, and stronger economic resilience across the Irish tech sector.