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mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy
@mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
480 followers 1.2K following 670 posts
Editor of www.thinkbusiness.ie at Bank of Ireland | Former Editor of www.siliconrepublic.com | Former Tech Editor at Business & Finance | Fascinated by all things entrepreneurial, inspirational and technological.
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mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 17h
🎙️ In the latest ThinkBusiness #Podcast, #entrepreneur Brian Lee shares how his journey with Freshly Chopped shaped the launch of TRYKA - a community-first fitness league designed for everyone from beginners to elite athletes 🏃
#irish #fitness #community
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/try...
Podcast: TRYKA founder fit for a challenge | ThinkBusiness
TRYKA founder Brian Lee shares how building Freshly Chopped led to launching Ireland’s new fitness race league for all levels, from beginners to elite athletes.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
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mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 20h
Does AI contribute to the bottom line? AI adoption unlocks 17 workdays of productivity for Irish office workers, a new survey finds. But questions remain about whether it provides value for money for organisations
#ai #productivity #irish #business
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/ai-...
Does AI contribute to the bottom line? | ThinkBusiness
Irish office workers save 17 days a year using AI, Auxilion survey finds, with rising ethical concerns and lack of training impacting safe adoption.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 1d
💸 Stripe triples Dublin HQ space as Ireland’s internet economy surges
📈 With 70,000 Irish businesses now using Stripe – and 2,000 more joining monthly – cofounder John Collison says: “The Irish internet economy is sucking diesel.”
#irish #payments #business
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/str...
Stripe opens new dual HQ in Dublin | ThinkBusiness
Stripe opens new Dublin HQ at One Wilton Park, tripling office space as it supports 70,000 Irish businesses and deepens investment in Ireland’s tech economy.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
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mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 1d
💶 DevAlly raises €2m to transform digital accessibility compliance
With the European Accessibility Act now in force, fewer than 20% of companies are prepared. DevAlly is changing that — fast.
#Accessibility #InclusiveDesign #irish #startup #inclusivedesign
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/dev...
Dublin tech firm DevAlly raises €2m | ThinkBusiness
DevAlly raises €2m to expand globally and simplify accessibility compliance, helping businesses meet EU standards and build inclusive digital products.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 1d
🚀 Platform94’s mission to close Ireland’s scaling gap

Podcast: Marie Donnellan, CEO of Platform94, is leading a movement – not just a tech hub – in the West of Ireland

#irish #scalingbusiness #entrepreneurs #founders #business

www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/pla...
Platform94’s mission to close scaling gap | ThinkBusiness
Platform94 is transforming Ireland’s west into a scaling powerhouse with fractional C-suite talent, global networks, and support for high-growth businesses.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
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mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 1d
349k Irish organisations exposed to potential cyberattacks - Irish networks, including critical infrastructure bodies, face elevated cybersecurity risk, according to Centripetal
#irish #infosec #cybersecurity #business
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/iri...
349k organisations exposed to cyberattacks | ThinkBusiness
Centripetal reveals over cybersecurity vulnerabilities across Irish networks, with Dublin most exposed and ISPs identified as key attack vectors.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
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mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 1d
Kilshane Energy signs €300m turbine deal with Ansaldo Energia for North Dublin power station
#irish #energy #business #greentransition
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/kil...
Kilshane Energy fires up €300m turbine deal
Kilshane Energy signs €300m deal with Ansaldo Energia for 300MW gas turbine to power new North Dublin station, supporting Ireland’s energy transition.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 2d
How a rural Irish business is powering global payrolls - Podcast Ep 282: Payslip founder and CEO Fidelma McGuirk shares the remarkable story of building a global technology company from Westport, Co #Mayo
#irish #womenentrepreneurs #tech #ai #payroll
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/pay...
Mayo firm powers the future of payroll | ThinkBusiness
Discover how Payslip, founded in rural Ireland, is transforming global payroll with AI and automation for multinationals like Olympus, Just Eat, and Mango.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
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mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 2d
Budget 2026 delivered targeted supports for housing, SMEs, and entrepreneurs – but stopped short of bold reforms to simplify doing business in Ireland, writes Nicola Quinn, tax partner at PwC Ireland

#budget2026 #irish #business

www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/bud...
So, was Budget 2026 a pro-business Budget? | ThinkBusiness
Budget 2026 supports housing, jobs, and SMEs with targeted tax reliefs, but lacks bold reforms to simplify doing business in Ireland.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 3d
💬 Budget 2026: A Mixed Bag for Irish Businesses?

From VAT cuts and R&D tax credit boosts to CGT relief and AI funding, Budget 2026 delivers targeted support – but SMEs say they’re still sidelined

#budget2026 #irish #business

www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/ire...
Budget 2026: What businesses think | ThinkBusiness
Irish business groups react to Budget 2026: VAT cuts, R&D tax credit boost, CGT relief, AI funding and housing incentives spark mixed views across sectors.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 3d
Budget 2026: Key points for business owners - Ireland unveils €9.4bn budget focused on housing and wage reform – Government confirms minimum wage rise and VAT cuts for hospitality amid tight fiscal constraints
#budget2026 #irish #business
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/ire...
Budget 2026: Key points for business owners | ThinkBusiness
Ireland’s Budget 2026 raises minimum wage, cuts VAT for hospitality, boosts enterprise funding and R&D tax credits – key updates for Irish business owners.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 3d
A perfect SymPhysis: From Galway to global in cancer care revolution - #Podcast Ep 281: How two Galway University researchers are revolutionising end-of-life care for cancer patients
#medtech #HealthTech #funding #irish #business #innovation
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/sym...
A perfect SymPhysis: From Galway to global | ThinkBusiness
Galway’s SymPhysis Medical is transforming cancer care with Releaze, a device for malignant pleural effusion, backed by €5.6M and global expansion plans.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
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John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 4d
Supports and resources for young entrepreneurs in Ireland - Barry Walsh casts his eye on supports and resources for aspiring young entrepreneurs in Ireland
#FutureFounders #studententrepreneurs #founders #entrepreneurs
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/sup...
Supports for young Irish entrepreneurs | ThinkBusiness
Discover Ireland’s top youth entrepreneurship programmes, competitions, and accelerators empowering students to launch innovative and impactful start-ups.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
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mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 4d
Irish AI tax player Leapifai targets €500k - Fintech launches AI-powered tax compliance platform, targets €500,000 to expand into UK market
#irish #fintech #startups #ai #tax #funding
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/lea...
Irish AI tax platform Leapifai targets €500k | ThinkBusiness
Leapifai launches AI-powered tax copilot to deliver instant, statutory-backed insights. Now raising €500k to expand into UK market and boost sales.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
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mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 4d
German Doner Kebab chain comes to Ireland with 1,000-job target - First Irish store to open at Liffey Valley in November 2025, with plans for 30 locations and 1,000 jobs nationwide by 2035
#food #business #fastfood #genz #kebabs
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/ger...
German Doner Kebab grills a 1,000-job target | ThinkBusiness
German Doner Kebab opens first Irish store at Liffey Valley in November 2025, with plans for 30 locations and 1,000 jobs nationwide by 2035.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
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John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 4d
5 insights from the Dublin Leadership Summit 2025 -The recent Dublin Leadership Summit 2025 brought together leaders from business, sport and science to share lessons in resilience, growth and adaptation.
#irish #business #leadership
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/lea...
Insights from Dublin Leadership Summit 2025 | ThinkBusiness
Discover 5 powerful lessons from the Dublin Leadership Summit 2025, featuring insights on adaptability, resilience, scaling, sport leadership and opportunity.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 4d
My Business Life: David Lane, managing director of Ecclesiastical Insurance in Ireland, shares his life and business lessons
#irish #insurance #business #leadership
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/my-...
My Business Life: David Lane, Ecclesiastical | ThinkBusiness
David Lane, MD of Ecclesiastical Ireland, shares leadership insights, career lessons, and the company’s purpose-driven growth in this inspiring interview.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
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John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 7d
Irish EV revolution shifts gear and goes all business - #Podcast Ep 280: Ahead of the Nevo Electric Vehicle Show on 7 and 8 November we speak to Nevo’s Derek Reilly and Bank of Ireland’s Derek Kavanagh
#irish #EVs #electricvehicles #motors #irish #business
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/nev...
Irish EV revolution goes all business | ThinkBusiness
Podcast Ep 280: Ireland’s EV shift accelerates as businesses embrace electric fleets, driven by cost savings, infrastructure growth, and sustainability goals.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 7d
🚗⚡ Ireland races ahead of its EV milestone - but the real journey is just beginning.
With a 2030 target of 940,000 EVs, the road ahead demands accelerated infrastructure, real-time data, and collaborative innovation
#irish #EVs #autos #motoring #motors
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/ire...
Ireland overtakes its EV target … for now | ThinkBusiness
Ireland surpasses its EV target ahead of schedule. But EY urges faster infrastructure rollout to meet 2030 goals and support growing electric vehicle demand.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 7d
Org Group has taken a minority investment in HappyPath Labs, the award-winning Clonakilty-based tech firm transforming contact centre experiences through AI
#irish #cx #business #contactcentres #ai #funding
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/org...
HappyPath deal pops CX Fizz for Org Group | ThinkBusiness
Org Group invests in HappyPath Labs to boost CX innovation with AI-powered contact centre tech and expand global reach through strategic partnership.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 8d
A taste of what to expect at Blas 2025 - Ireland’s biggest celebration of food is back – and Blas na hÉireann 2025 is shaping up to be the most exciting showcase of Irish food producing talent yet
#irish #food #business #blas
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/bla...
A taste of Blas 2025 | ThinkBusiness
Blas na hÉireann 2025 returns with record entries, new categories, and a national spotlight on Ireland’s best food producers in Dingle this October.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
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mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 8d
🌍 Galetech Group to Create 65 Jobs as Part of Major Expansion 🌱
Cavan-based Galetech is doubling down on its commitment to the green economy with a 1000MW pipeline of renewable energy projects
#irish #cleanenergy #renewables #business #jobs #scalingbusiness
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/gal...
Galetech Group creates 65 jobs in expansion | ThinkBusiness
Galetech Group to create 65 jobs as it doubles in size, expands globally, and invests in e-fuels and a 1,000 MW renewable energy pipeline.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 8d
🔔 The Clock Is Ticking on Pension Planning

With Ireland’s auto-enrolment scheme launching in January, business owners are being urged to act fast to secure tax-efficient retirement strategies before default rules kick in.

#autoenrolment #tax #irish #business

www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/pen...
Business owners should act fast on pensions | ThinkBusiness
Business owners urged to act fast on pensions ahead of Ireland’s 2026 auto-enrolment deadline, with expert advice on tax-efficient wealth extraction strategies.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 8d
💡 Don’t fear AI – fear your competitors who are already using it
Paul Swift from Bank of Ireland and Mark Kelly from AI Ireland on why Irish firms need to grasp the AI nettle
#irish #business #SMEs #AI #tech
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/ai-...
How businesses can get ahead in the AI era | ThinkBusiness
Irish business leaders urged to embrace AI tools as Bank of Ireland and AI Ireland highlight practical use cases and competitive risks of falling behind.
www.thinkbusiness.ie
mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social
John Kennedy @mrjohnfkennedy.bsky.social · 9d
Irish biotech Aerska secures $21m in funding - Founded in Ireland, Aerska is focused on treating diseases of the brain and will use the funding to advance RNA-based brain medicines
#irish #business #biotech #medtech #funding #alzheimers #parkinsons
www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/aer...
Irish biotech Aerska secures $21m in funding | ThinkBusiness
Irish biotech Aerska raises $21m to develop RNAi brain medicines for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, expanding operations in Dublin and London.
www.thinkbusiness.ie