PSSF
Secure up to €100k to Validate, Build, and Fund Your Startup via the Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF)
AxisBIC supports ambitious founders in Clare, Cork, Kerry, and Limerick to develop strong PSSF applications and secure funding.
What is The Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF)?
Enterprise Ireland’s Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) is an investment program that provides early-stage start-up companies with funding to help them develop their products or services and reach key milestones.
Through the Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) a company can apply for either €50,000 or €100,000 investment, in the form of a Convertible Loan Note (CLN) instrument.
Who is it for?
The Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) is designed to accelerate the growth of early-stage start-up companies in Ireland that have the capacity and ambition to succeed in global markets.
It aims to support these companies in covering operational costs, developing market-ready products or solutions, conducting product testing, and building critical skill sets within their teams. The fund also helps companies reach key technical and commercial milestones required to attract future Seed Funding within 6 – 18 months.
At AxisBIC, our team works directly with founders to prepare, strengthen, and support your PSSF application.
AxisBIC, alongside the IrishBICs, organise monthly online Application Support Workshops in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland. These workshops are interactive and participation is welcomed from entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, including those based internationally and looking to start a business in Ireland. Workshops are free to attend but advance registration is required.
Why Work with AxisBIC for your Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) Application?
We work closely with founders to make sure their PSSF application is not just complete — but competitive. On average XX% of all AxisBIC client applications to the PSSF are approved. Some of our clients who have secured PSSF investment are Great Island Films; Emotions; OneBill and Seriously Sound Food among many others.
AxisBIC has a proven track record of successful PSSF applications and a close working relationship with Enterprise Ireland, helping founders secure early-stage funding and move confidently toward their next phase of growth.
Our team of experienced Startup Consultants understands exactly what Enterprise Ireland is looking for and how to help you meet those expectations.
- We offer honest feedback on your business model, pitch, and financials to strengthen your application
- We’ll guide you through market validation, customer discovery, pricing, and preparing for follow-on investment
- We provide ongoing mentoring beyond the application, helping you focus on what’s next for your business
We combine deep knowledge of the PSSF process with honest, founder-first support to help you build a stronger, fundable business.
Check Your Eligibility & Start Your Application Today
To learn more about the PSSF fund, visit the Enterprise Ireland website
FAQ
Who is Eligible for the Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF)?
- Incorporated & operating in Ireland < 4 years
- MVP/Beta with early customer validation
- Innovative, scalable, with international potential
- Founding team with relevant, complementary skills
- Targeting follow-on funding in 6–18 months
How long does the PSSF application process take?
Once your draft is ready and you submit online, Enterprise Ireland typically reviews applications within 6–8 weeks. You’ll also need to submit your 4-minute video pitch within 48 hours of your initial submission. The whole preparation process with us can take 2–6 weeks, depending on how application-ready your business is when we meet..
What costs can PSSF cover?
PSSF funding supports technical and commercial milestones that help you get investor-ready, such as:
- Product development and testing
- Key hires for technical or operational roles
- Market research and validation activities
- IP protection costs
Note: Sales/marketing campaigns, Irish travel costs, or overseas travel for overseas-based staff are not eligible under PSSF.
What if my MVP isn’t fully launched yet?
You can still apply if you have a working prototype or beta version and some early customer validation (e.g., trials, pilot feedback, or letters of intent). The application should clearly outline how PSSF funding will help you complete development, validate the market, and move toward raising follow-on investment within 6–18 months.