Figures released today show that Irish technology companies raised €61m in venture capital funding in the first three months of 2006.
This was 27% down on the same period last year, but a jump of 70% compared with the final three months of 2005, according to Ion Equity.
Director Ulric Kenny said initial indications for 2006 were strong, pointing to six first-time fundings by early stage companies in the first quarter.
Four of the five largest deals in the first quarter involved telecoms companies, with Irish Broadband raising €25m and mobile messaging company Anam Mobile raising €14m.
International investment accounted for 25% of the funds raised, down from 50% in the same period last year.
