Awards reflect strength of finance industry
Now in its second year, the Irish Investor Awards, in association with Forvis Mazars, recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in private equity and venture capital investment. And judging by this year's winners, that sector is showing remarkable resilience and strength in an uncertain world.
John Bowe, corporate finance partner at Forvis Mazars, who host the awards, commented: 'The Irish Investor Awards are an awards night for private equity and venture capital firms that are investing in Irish companies, founders and management teams that are growing leading companies out of Ireland. They are backing teams to take risk, drive innovation and build champions across all sectors in the Irish economy.
'The awards also highlight a vital part of the ecosystem: the professional advisers and debt funders who make deals happen. Whether it's legal, tax, audit or corporate finance support, these professionals provide the structure and insight that allow deals to get done. Forvis Mazars is honoured to celebrate those individuals and firms who are shaping the future of investment in Ireland.'
This year, the awards ceremony was held on 9 May, in the Round Room of the Mansion House in Dublin. Many of the top leaders in the finance industry attended the exclusive black-tie gala event, which honoured outstanding achievements, innovation, and dedication across 15 categories. Finalists gained the opportunity to network with peers and industry leaders, forging valuable connections in a distinguished setting.
Once again, the event attracted a strong volume of high-calibre submissions, reinforcing the relevance and stature of the awards within the financial community. Winners and finalists were selected by a distinguished panel of 22 judges, comprising some of the most respected and recognisable figures in the financial sector. This year's judges were particularly impressed by the strength of the entries and industry as a whole.
Sarah Jane Larkin is the director general of Irish Venture Capital Association and one of the high-profile judges of the Awards. 'Last year over €41.5 billion was invested in Irish companies through funds that were based here in Ireland,' she said. 'So the industry has changed and grown, and with all of the geopolitical movements at the moment, it's set to grow further in the years ahead.'
Jill Thornton is event coordinator of the Irish Investor Awards with Ashville Media. 'We extend our sincerest gratitude to the esteemed panel of judges for their dedication and expertise in evaluating this year's submissions,' she said. 'Their rigorous assessment process has ensured that only the most deserving winners have been selected, reflecting the highest standards of achievement and innovation in private equity and venture capital investment.'
There was an air of excitement at the event when the finalists convened to find out who were the winners of the coveted awards. The event was hosted by renowned Irish broadcaster Anton Savage, with keynote speeches delivered by Jack Chambers, the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, and Tom O'Brien, managing partner and head of financial advisory at Forvis Mazars. Both commended the remarkable accomplishments of the award recipients and highlighted the Irish Investor Awards' growing prominence as a key fixture in the investment calendar. 'I was honoured to address the Irish Investor Awards 2025 on Friday where we recognised the highest standards across so many areas of business, finance and the investment community,' Chambers said following the event. 'I took the opportunity to thank all those who contribute so much to our economy, support employment and drive growth and innovation in critical sectors.'
Awards on the night were handed out in categories such as Deal of the Year (sub €2.5 million, €2.5-€10million, and €10million+); Environmental, Social and Governance Deal of the Year; Portfolio Deal of the Year, Irish Private Equity House of the Year; and Rising Star Under 30.
A standout moment was when the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was given by John Bowe to Denis O'Brien, founder of Digicel and Communicorp, took to the stage to receive his award. 'We're particularly proud to recognise Denis O'Brien's enduring legacy through the Lifetime Achievement Award,' he said.
After another successful year, it's clear that the Irish Investor Awards are here to stay, having cemented their reputation as a premier occasion within Ireland's financial calendar – and a very welcome way to shine a spotlight on the individuals and firms driving innovation, growth and excellence across private equity and venture capital.
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