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- Irish RegTech Customs Window Raises €800k to Expand into UK Market
Irish RegTech Customs Window Raises €800k to Expand into UK Market
Funding supports AI-driven customs compliance solution amid rising post-Brexit regulatory demands
Customs Window Technologies, a rising Irish RegTech firm addressing the increasingly complex customs compliance landscape, has announced the closure of an €800,000 seed funding round. This funding round, led by private investors and supported by Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) program, marks a significant milestone for the company as it prepares to scale its presence in the UK market.
Tackling Customs Compliance Complexity with Innovative Solutions
Founded in 2022 by Brian Murphy and Johnny Dunne, Customs Window Technologies offers a comprehensive digital solution to streamline customs declaration processes and ensure compliance with regulatory demands. Headquartered at NexusUCD in Dublin, the company’s platform leverages advanced process automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to manage the large volumes of data required for customs declarations. This automation not only reduces the time and cost of compliance for clients but also enhances data security and reduces the risks associated with international customs protocols.
With e-commerce growth and regulatory changes resulting from Brexit, Customs Window is meeting a critical need in Ireland, the UK, and Europe. In Ireland, customs declarations surged from under 2 million in 2020 to over 54 million in 2023, largely driven by post-Brexit regulations and growing EU compliance standards. As the UK’s regulatory requirements are expected to evolve further in 2025, the UK market represents a key expansion opportunity for the Dublin-based start-up.
Funding to Drive UK Market Entry and Strategic Growth
This latest round of funding will enable Customs Window to establish its footprint in the UK, with plans to help e-commerce platforms, logistics companies, and other enterprises manage and simplify the customs declaration process. The funding follows the company’s earlier €100,000 secured from Enterprise Ireland’s Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) and reflects growing investor confidence in the firm’s capabilities and vision. Notably, Mike Stalley, founder of tax compliance software firm Fiscal Reps, which he sold to Sovos in 2017, is among the private investors in this round. Stalley will serve as an advisor, guiding Customs Window’s UK and international growth strategy.
Johnny Dunne, CEO and co-founder, expressed gratitude for the support from both private and EIIS investors as well as Enterprise Ireland. “This funding enables us to bring our innovative solution to the UK market, where customs compliance challenges continue to intensify,” said Dunne. He emphasized that the expansion into the UK aligns with Customs Window’s vision to support organizations in navigating the complex world of customs compliance through efficient and scalable technology.
A Solution Built for Modern Customs Challenges
Customs Window’s platform was developed not only in response to Brexit but also to address a lack of accessible solutions for managing the ongoing compliance requirements in customs. According to Brian Murphy, COO and co-founder, the company’s system provides a much-needed resource for companies facing increasing regulatory requirements long after goods are delivered. “Customs compliance is a persistent responsibility that doesn’t end once goods are shipped,” said Murphy. “Our system mitigates compliance risks by automating the customs declaration process and securing vital data.”
The platform also offers an open API, enabling seamless integration for e-commerce and logistics clients who require a faster, more efficient customs process. By automating data processing and ensuring real-time compliance, Customs Window’s solution improves declaration clearance rates and strengthens reporting accuracy. The company’s integrated platform addresses the many layers of customs declaration demands, including complex datasets and frequent regulatory updates, and reduces the stress on compliance teams, enhancing operational efficiency for its clients.
Partnering with University College Dublin to Accelerate AI-Driven Innovation
Currently, Customs Window is part of University College Dublin’s inaugural AI Ecosystem Accelerator Program, a collaborative initiative by NovaUCD and CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for Applied AI. Participation in this program highlights the company’s focus on leveraging AI to address intricate challenges within the customs industry. The accelerator program offers Customs Window valuable resources to refine its technology and bolster its position as a RegTech leader in AI-driven customs compliance solutions.
Enterprise Ireland’s Commitment to Supporting Irish Innovators
Anne Lanigan, Divisional Manager for Technology & Services at Enterprise Ireland, expressed confidence in Customs Window’s capacity to succeed internationally. “Irish entrepreneurs are increasingly recognized for tackling global challenges with innovative solutions, and Customs Window is a strong example of this,” Lanigan said. She praised the company’s approach to addressing customs complexities and reiterated Enterprise Ireland’s commitment to helping Irish start-ups scale globally. “Through our Pre-Seed Start Fund and HPSU program, we are proud to support Customs Window as it enters this new growth phase.”
Customs Window Technologies’ successful seed funding round marks a critical step in the company’s growth trajectory, positioning it for a successful entry into the UK market. With strong support from private investors and backing from Enterprise Ireland, the firm is poised to bring a streamlined and effective customs solution to an expanding client base. As regulatory demands in the UK and across Europe continue to grow, Customs Window’s advanced AI-driven platform is well-timed to support companies in navigating this evolving landscape.