Leo Hamill, managing partner of Investec Ventures Ireland, has been elected chairperson of the Irish Venture Capital Association.
He replaces Nicola McClafferty, partner Molten Ventures, who has completed her term of office.
The Irish Venture Capital Association is the representative organisation for venture capital and private equity firms in Ireland.
Last year venture capital investment into Irish tech start-ups and SMEs reached a record €1.3 billion, up 44% from €925m the previous year.
Despite taking office following significant falls in the value of global tech stocks and mounting international uncertainties, Mr Hamill says he remains optimistic about the prospects for Irish start-ups looking to raise funding over the next few years.
"Good Irish companies, especially in the tech sector, will always be able to raise funds.
"A number of Irish venture capital managers have recently completed funding rounds themselves, while the Government's timely €90m Irish innovation seed fund should start to come on stream later in the year," he added.
Mr Hamill has worked for 17 years in the venture capital industry.
He is a non-executive director of Rainmaker Business Technologies, TerminalFour Solutions, Diona and Davra.
