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The programme

Innovative High Potential Start-up Funding (iHPSU)

The Enterprise Ireland Innovative High Potential Startup Fund provides critical early-stage seed funding for innovative, scalable Irish businesses. Structured as an equity investment by Enterprise Ireland, it is made alongside private investment from angels or VCs.

WestBIC works in partnership with Enterprise Ireland to help potential iHPSU companies become investor ready, supporting them through the preparation of key application documents, including the iHPSU Application Form and the Financial Data Sheet (FDS).

Official iHPSU details (opens in a new tab)
Team reviewing strategy and documents together at a table

Fit

Who is it for?

iHPSU is for Enterprise Ireland clients who are investor ready, with traction and committed private capital.

  • If you are already an Enterprise Ireland client that meets the eligibility criteria, have demonstrated sufficient commercial and technical traction to date, and have firm commitments from private investors, you can discuss applying for iHPSU funding with your Client Advisor.
  • You should have ambition for your start-up to scale to a minimum of 10 employees and €1M in revenue (inclusive of exports) within 3 years of receipt of iHPSU funding, and have demonstrated significant proof points at the time of application that you are on track to achieve this.

Team scale

10+

Employees (target)

Revenue

€1M

Within 3 years

Investment

Equity

EI + private capital

Eligibility and process details can change — always confirm requirements with your Enterprise Ireland Client Advisor and the official Enterprise Ireland iHPSU information.

Read programme information on Enterprise Ireland (opens in a new tab)

Advisory

WestBIC's iHPSU support

WestBIC works closely with founders at every stage of the investment readiness journey, providing hands-on, personalised support to give your company the best possible chance of securing investment.

Advisor and founder in discussion during an investment readiness session

  • Financial modelling & forecasting

    We develop a customised financial model tailored to your business, helping you present credible, investor-ready projections.

  • Investor readiness

    From reviewing your investor memorandum and pitch deck to providing detailed feedback and setting up pitching opportunities, we prepare you to make a strong impression with investors.

  • Enterprise Ireland application support

    We liaise directly with your Enterprise Ireland Client Advisor and provide multiple reviews of your HPSU form, a core element of your application alongside your FDS and term sheet.

  • Due diligence & data room preparation

    We get you ready for investor scrutiny, guiding you through data room set-up and due diligence preparation so you know exactly what's expected.

  • Expert referrals

    Where specialist advice is needed, we can recommend trusted professionals in legal, tax, and other areas relevant to your fundraising journey.

  • Ongoing support

    Our relationship doesn't end at application. We provide additional guidance post-HPSU approval wherever it's needed.

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Outcomes

iHPSU success stories

We are adding video and written testimonials from recent WestBIC iHPSU clients — explore our founders and get in touch if you would like to share your story.

Browse our founders Share your story
Colleagues collaborating during a team workshop

Next step

Want to learn more?

WestBIC region

If you are based in Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, or Westmeath, use our contact form — we will help you assess fit and prepare your application.

WestBIC contact form

Elsewhere in Ireland

If you are outside our region, visit the Irish BICs website to find your local BIC and the right contact for your county.

Irish BICs network