The Impact Ireland 2025 Gala Dinner at The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, marked the finale of a week of global collaboration, innovation and impact investing. Hosted by Kieran McLoughlin and Alan Foy of Venturewave Capital, the evening brought together leaders from business, policy and culture to celebrate Ireland’s role as a hub for responsible capital and creativity.
Among the distinguished guests were An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Enda Kenny, Anne Finucane (Bank of America), The Edge (U2), and Lord Iveagh (Edward Guinness). The event highlighted Venturewave’s commitment to scaling measurable impact and its partnerships with institutions such as Bank of America, which reaffirmed its investment in the Impact Ireland Fund.
Kieran McLoughlin opened the evening by outlining the mission of the Global Advisory Council to align capital with conscience through “conscientious capitalism.” He described the Council’s work as a movement that “proves profit and purpose can move together.”
In his address, Enda Kenny reflected on Ireland’s transformation and praised the next generation of impact leaders: “This is a serious country with seriously capable people, and we know where we want to go.” An Taoiseach Micheál Martin reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to sustainable finance, open trade, and creativity, calling the nation’s multicultural progress “a source of strength and global leadership.”
Alan Foy closed the evening with a message that defined the week: “Our strength lies in our community in founders, investors and leaders who co-invest, collaborate and make things happen together. It’s not just about capital. It’s about people.”
The evening culminated in the presentation of the Impact Ireland Award 2025 to Patrick and John Collison, founders of Stripe, recognising their global contribution to entrepreneurship, responsible innovation and Ireland’s technology story.
