South and mid-west beating national average for women founders, finds AxisBIC

Women Entrepreneurs in Ireland Break Barriers: Investment and Innovation on the Rise

As the world prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th, Ireland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is witnessing a remarkable surge in the number of women-led startups securing investments and scaling their businesses. According to new data released by AxisBIC, a non-profit organization supporting innovative startups in Ireland’s south and mid-west regions, the landscape for women entrepreneurs is rapidly evolving, with significant progress being made in recent years.

The figures for 2025 paint a compelling picture: 35% of High Potential Start-Up approvals in the region were awarded to organizations founded or co-founded by women. Even more striking, 57% of Pre-Seed Start Fund approvals went to companies led by women. These statistics not only reflect a growing confidence in women’s entrepreneurial capabilities but also highlight the increasing recognition of their potential to drive innovation and economic growth.

AxisBIC’s research reveals that over the past five years, more than 50% of the participating businesses at its flagship event, the Entrepreneur Experience, were founded or co-founded by women. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of 25% to 30%, underscoring the organization’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the startup ecosystem. Moreover, these women-led businesses have collectively raised an impressive €42 million in investment, a testament to their ability to attract funding and scale their ventures.

AxisBIC’s role in this success story cannot be overstated. The organization works closely with entrepreneurs to develop robust business plans, secure investments, and manage business propositions. It also facilitates agreements between shareholders and investors, ensuring that startups have the support they need to thrive. Beyond these core services, AxisBIC provides access to a vast network of partners, local authorities, universities, investors, business bodies, and seasoned entrepreneurs both in Ireland and internationally. This network serves as a critical resource for emerging founders, offering mentorship, coaching, and advice to help them navigate the challenges of building a business.

Among the standout women-led startups that have benefited from AxisBIC’s support are Rosanne Longmore’s femtech company Coroflo, Peigín Crowley’s health and wellness brand Ground Wellbeing, and Rena Maycock’s mobile phone child protection company Chirp. These companies exemplify the diversity and innovation that women entrepreneurs bring to the table. For instance, Coroflo recently made history at CES 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious tech events, by winning four awards—a remarkable achievement that highlights the global impact of women-led innovation.

Larry O’Donoghue, CEO of AxisBIC, emphasized the organization’s commitment to advancing women-led startups. “At AxisBIC, our dedication to supporting and advancing women-led startups is underpinned by a strong ‘Give to Gain’ ethos,” he said. “The organization draws on an extensive network of experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and partners who mentor, coach, and advise emerging founders.” O’Donoghue also highlighted AxisBIC’s collaboration with the four Irish Business Innovation Centres to support Enterprise Ireland’s newly established accelerator programme, NextWave. This national women’s founder accelerator is designed to empower women founders to validate, build, and scale their businesses with confidence.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, AxisBIC is co-hosting a webinar titled “Forging Collaboration and Sharing Entrepreneurial Success Stories to Balance the Scales.” The event, scheduled for March 10th, will bring together women entrepreneurs from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Ireland, and Slovenia. This international collaboration underscores the global nature of the movement to support women in entrepreneurship and highlights the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences across borders. Interested participants can register for the webinar on the AxisBIC website.

The progress being made by women entrepreneurs in Ireland is not just a local phenomenon but part of a broader global trend. As more women break into traditionally male-dominated industries and secure funding for their ventures, they are challenging stereotypes and paving the way for future generations of female founders. The success of women-led startups is also a reminder of the untapped potential that exists when diversity and inclusion are prioritized in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s clear that the future of entrepreneurship is increasingly female. With organizations like AxisBIC leading the charge, women entrepreneurs are not only breaking barriers but also driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to economic growth. The momentum is undeniable, and the impact is far-reaching. As the world continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the rise of women entrepreneurs is a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.

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