Granite has secured a $10 million capital injection from BGF, marking a major milestone for the Cork-based digital services firm. The funding will be directed toward expanding operations beyond Ireland, pursuing targeted acquisitions, and strengthening its presence in fast-moving global markets, particularly the United States. The backing signals growing confidence in Granite’s growth trajectory and its position within Ireland’s technology sector.
Founded in 2008, Granite has grown steadily into a major provider of enterprise-level digital services. It now employs more than 170 digital practitioners across Cork, Dublin, Galway, Belfast, New York, and Dubai. The new funding is intended to strengthen the company’s service offering, enhance its technical capability, and build on a track record that includes eight acquisitions since 2020. Those deals have helped expand sector expertise, revenue streams, and delivery capacity.
Scaling a Proven Digital Model
The investment from BGF reflects confidence in Granite’s business model, which is built around long-term client partnerships and ongoing adaptation to changing digital demands. As organisations across multiple sectors face rising expectations around online performance, data use, and user experience, Granite has positioned itself as a partner capable of managing complexity at scale.
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That wider shift helps explain the importance of Granite’s strategy. As organisations modernise, they require partners that understand both technical delivery and user behaviour. The investment allows Granite to build further on that expertise while maintaining focus on enterprise clients and complex digital programmes.
Focus on the US and Strategic Acquisitions
A central pillar of Granite’s expansion plan is deeper penetration of the US market. The company has already established a presence there and has seen early success, including being shortlisted for Best Large Agency of the Year at the 2025 US Agency Awards. This recognition signals Granite’s ability to compete in a highly competitive and mature digital services market.
The new funding is expected to accelerate further acquisitions, particularly those that add specialist capability or sector knowledge. Granite has demonstrated an ability to integrate acquired businesses effectively, preserving delivery quality while expanding its overall offer. This approach has allowed the company to grow without losing its core identity or client focus.
As AI expansion plans become a major priority throughout the UK, Granite plans to continue investing in artificial intelligence and advanced digital platforms. Demand for AI-driven solutions is increasing across sectors, and the company aims to embed these tools into its service model to support clients facing more complex digital challenges.
Leadership, Governance, and Board Changes
Granite has also strengthened its executive leadership as part of this next growth phase. Joy Marcus has been appointed as Non-Executive Chair, bringing more than 20 years of senior leadership experience across digital media and technology. Based in the United States, she has previously held executive roles at organisations including Condé Nast, MTV Networks, Barnes and Noble, DailyMotion, and Time Warner, the former owners of Warner Bros.
Her appointment is designed to add governance strength and provide strategic insight as Granite expands internationally. Her US-based network and operational background are expected to support growth in North America while helping the company navigate the demands of scaling across multiple regions.
Marcus takes over from Alf Smiddy, who has served as chair since Granite was founded. His leadership played a key role in shaping the company’s early development and long-term direction, and the transition marks a significant moment as Granite enters a new phase of its journey.
Confidence from Investors and Management
BGF views Granite as a strong example of a founder-led business with the ambition and structure required for international scale. The investment aligns with BGF’s broader focus on supporting Irish tech-enabled companies that are ready to expand beyond domestic markets while maintaining strong operational foundations.
Granite’s leadership sees the funding as a direct investment into client partnerships and future capability. Expanding into competitive regions such as the United States and the Middle East is seen as essential to staying ahead, while continued investment in digital innovation and AI is intended to ensure clients remain well-positioned in their own markets.
The investment remains subject to approval from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, but once completed, it is set to accelerate Granite’s ambition to deliver world-class digital services across multiple global markets while retaining its Irish roots and enterprise focus.
