Why SPACs Are Booming
SPACs, or special purpose acquisition companies, have raised more than $100 billion so far this year compared to $83 billion last year and more than all that they have raised in their 30-year history, a recent Wall Street Journal report noted. SPACs have been one of the “most spectacular” developments in financial markets in recent years, according to Wharton finance professor Joao Gomes. He moderated [...]
One in four firms could fail after Covid – Central Bank
A quarter of smaller firms could fail as the pandemic evolves, according to a Central Bank survey. Over 70pc of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) - with 250 employees or less - experienced some fall in turnover in 2020. Hotels and restaurants bore the brunt of the downturn, while the wholesale trade and business services sectors were least affected, according to the research, conducted jointly [...]
EIIS could include VC money for start-ups
The Government is considering extending generous tax breaks to investment in startups affected by Covid in a planned expansion of the Employment Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS). The Department of Finance has invited stakeholders to take part in a two-day webinar at the end of the month to discuss the proposed changes to the scheme, which also include harnessing EIIS money for investment in renewable energy projects. [...]
Global emergency ‘stalling progress of women’s rights’
Campaigners are calling for an end to sexual harassment and sexual violence on International Women’s Day as 66pc of women said the pandemic had slowed Ireland’s march towards gender equality. A study released by campaign group Network Ireland found two-thirds of women felt the crisis had held up gender equality progress. Some 73pc who stated progress has stalled also felt a lack of equality is [...]
Irish startup scene remains strong even during Covid-19
The year 2020 was an immensely challenging one for business startups, but for Irish entrepreneurs, it was also a chance to show just how resilient and innovative they can be. Despite having to overcome issues such as remote working and lockdowns, many new startups found opportunity within the Covid-19 crisis, either by pivoting their business or finding solutions to problems faced by people and countries [...]
Most businesses expecting an improvement in activity as year progresses
Barriers to adopting new technologies threaten the recovery for SMEs, especially in hard-hit rural areas, according to new research conducted by University of Limerick economist Stephen Kinsella. The study found that nearly three in five small businesses have a willingness to invest in digitisation but face several hurdles including high cost, low trust in suppliers and a lack of in-house capabilities to implement digital strategies. [...]