Wexford Entrepreneur Shortlisted for EY International Entrepreneur of the Year Award

A business leader from County Wexford has been named among the finalists for the prestigious EY International Entrepreneur of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding innovation, leadership, and global impact in entrepreneurship. The announcement highlights Ireland’s growing reputation as a hub for high-potential startups and scale-ups driving economic growth and technological advancement.

The EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme, now in its 37th year globally, identifies and celebrates entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence in areas such as financial performance, strategic direction, innovation, and personal integrity. Winners are selected through a rigorous multi-stage process involving regional, national, and international judging panels composed of business leaders, academics, and past award recipients.

Who Is the Wexford Finalist?

The Wexford-based entrepreneur shortlisted for the international award is Pat Phelan, co-founder and CEO of Trustev, a fraud prevention technology company that was acquired by TransUnion in 2018. Phelan, a native of Modern Ross, County Wexford, has since become a prominent figure in Ireland’s tech and investment landscape, actively supporting early-stage startups through mentorship and angel investing.

After Trustev’s acquisition, Phelan co-founded Cardless, a fintech startup focused on enabling retailers to offer branded credit and payment solutions without the need for traditional bank partnerships. Cardless has raised significant venture capital and partnered with major U.S. Retailers, positioning itself as a disruptor in the embedded finance space.

Phelan’s inclusion in the EY International Entrepreneur of the Year shortlist follows his recognition as the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Ireland 2023 winner in the Technology category, which qualified him for the global competition.

About the EY International Entrepreneur of the Year Award

The EY International Entrepreneur of the Year Award is the pinnacle of the global EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme, which operates in over 60 countries and regions. National winners are invited to compete at the international level, where they are evaluated on their ability to scale businesses across borders, create sustainable value, and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Judges assess candidates based on:

• Entrepreneurial spirit and leadership
• Financial performance and growth
• Innovation and differentiation
• Strategic direction and vision
• Integrity and influence
• Global impact and market potential

The international award ceremony is typically held in Monte Carlo, bringing together finalists from around the world to celebrate entrepreneurial excellence. Past global winners include founders of companies such as Spotify, Airbnb, and Stripe, underscoring the award’s prestige in identifying future industry leaders.

Why This Recognition Matters for Wexford and Ireland

Phelan’s shortlisting shines a spotlight on the entrepreneurial talent emerging from regions outside Ireland’s traditional tech corridors. Although Dublin remains the epicenter of startup activity, success stories like Phelan’s demonstrate that innovative ventures can thrive in provincial areas with the right support, access to talent, and global ambition.

His journey—from founding a fraud detection startup in Wexford to building a global fintech player and reinvesting in the ecosystem—exemplifies the cycle of entrepreneurship that drives long-term economic resilience. Ireland continues to rank highly in global innovation indices, supported by policies encouraging R&D, foreign direct investment, and a skilled workforce.

According to the Enterprise Ireland 2023 Annual Report, client companies achieved over €19 billion in exports, with high-potential startups contributing significantly to growth in sectors such as ICT, medtech, and sustainable technologies.

What’s Next for the Finalist?

The international winner will be announced at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year Awards ceremony later this year. Regardless of the outcome, Phelan’s inclusion among the global finalists affirms his impact as a builder, investor, and advocate for responsible innovation.

In recent interviews, Phelan has emphasized the importance of fostering ambition and resilience in Irish entrepreneurs, advocating for greater access to growth capital and a culture that embraces calculated risk-taking.

As Ireland aims to strengthen its position as a European leader in tech entrepreneurship, recognition of figures like Pat Phelan serves both as validation and inspiration for the next wave of founders aiming to build globally competitive companies from Irish soil.

Key Takeaways

• Pat Phelan, a Wexford-native entrepreneur and co-founder of Trustev and Cardless, has been shortlisted for the EY International Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
• He previously won the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Ireland 2023 award in the Technology category.
• The award recognizes excellence in innovation, leadership, financial performance, and global impact.
• Phelan’s achievement highlights the growing strength of entrepreneurial talent outside Dublin.
• His post-exit work in fintech and angel investing contributes to Ireland’s innovation ecosystem.

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