Irish technology companies can now apply to be part of the 25th annual Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards.
Applications are now open for the 2024 edition of the Deloitte Fast 50 Awards.
The awards’ ranking are based on a company’s revenue growth over the past four years. They include a Rising Star Award that recognises a business that has demonstrated a promising growth trajectory and the potential for inclusion in the Fast 50 rankings in the years to come.
“Even though there are challenges, Ireland’s indigenous technology sector continues to exhibit robust growth in 2024”
Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 is one of Ireland’s foremost technology awards and a celebration of both innovation and entrepreneurship.
The list features both private and public listed technology companies that have demonstrated creative strategies, sound management practices and marketplace vision, driving them to achieve the status of high-growth leaders.
Growing Ireland’s indigenous tech sector
“As we celebrate 25 years of Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 awards, it is an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary growth of Ireland’s indigenous technology sector and the ongoing presence and contribution of large tech companies that call Ireland home,” said James Toomey, partner and Fast 50 programme lead at Deloitte.
“Even though there are challenges, Ireland’s indigenous technology sector continues to exhibit robust growth in 2024. Cloud computing, cybersecurity and data analytics are all areas that are rapidly expanding amid increased investment in artificial intelligence and greater reliance on cloud infrastructure.”
“The Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards is a performance benchmark for indigenous tech companies and the industry as a whole. I strongly encourage any interested tech company in Ireland to apply.”
Deloitte Fast 50 2023 winners
15 of the 50 companies ranked last year were first time winners.
Fintech company Swoop, led by Andrea Reynolds, ranked first as the fastest growing technology company, after ranking fourth in 2022. Swoop is a global platform supporting SMEs by bringing their business data into one place to garner insights and instantly match them to eligible finance, as well as assess their spend on cost categories such as energy, banking and FX.
Buymedia, led and founded by Fergal O’Connor, ranked fifth in 2023 and eighth in 2022. Buymedia is a data-driven platform that helps companies and agencies plan, manage and buy advertising.
“Ranking in the Fast 50 awards has brought us valuable brand recognition, in particular in the US, as Fast 50 is a globally recognised award,” said Andrea Reynolds, CEO of Swoop.
“As we continue to grow Swoop, this recognition abroad is incredibly valuable. For the team in Swoop, it’s an opportunity to pause and reflect on how far we’ve come, and this award gives them another boost to keep going.”
Fergal O’Connor, CEO, Buymedia, added: “Fast 50 sticks out to me due to its objectivity, as the rankings are based solely on the growth of the business. Ranking in the Fast 50 has been really helpful when we have been speaking to potential investors.”
2024 award categories
This year’s awards programme will include several award categories that companies can enter in addition to the overall ranking.
Growing New Technology Award in association with Google: This award recognises a company that has created or introduced a new or innovative product or service to international markets, which helped grow their business over the last four years.
Impact Award in association with Meta: This award recognises a company that has made a significant impact within the current year.
Women in Technology Advocate Award in association with NetSuite: This award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated through their actions that they are an advocate for increasing participation by, and promotion of, women in the technology sector.
Scale Up Award in association with Scale Ireland: This award recognises a company that has demonstrated an impressive ability to scale up/expand overseas over the last four years.
Financial Services Innovation Award in association with Financial Services Ireland: This award recognises a company with an innovative product or service that is having a disruptive impact within the financial services industry.
The Rising Star award in association with Enterprise Ireland: This award will recognise a company that has demonstrated a promising growth trajectory and the potential for inclusion in the Fast 50 rankings in years to come. Companies being considered for this award must have operating revenues accounting for a minimum of 2 years and less than 4 years.
Application details and further information about the programme can be found here
The closing date for entries is 27 September 2024 and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in Dublin on 28 November 2024.
Main image at top: Andrea Reynolds, CEO, Swoop Funding; James Toomey, partner and Fast 50 programme leader, Deloitte; Fergal O’Connor, CEO and Founder, Buymedia. Photo credit: Jason Clarke Photography
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