Ireland less attractive

Ireland has fallen out of the top 20 most attractive global countries for venture capital and private equity investment, according to the Global Venture Capital and Private Equity Country Attractiveness Index.

The index was completed by the IESE Business School in association with Ernst & Young, and ranked Ireland in 21st position, down five places from 16th a year ago.

The index is based on what investors cite as most important to them including economic activity, the depth of capital markets, taxation, investor protection and corporate governance, the human and social environment and entrepreneurial culture and opportunities.

The index explained Ireland failed to meet the top 20 because of poor access to credit and a low risk appetite for investors.