Ciaran Burke (Swoop)
Overview
Ciaran Burke is a prominent entrepreneur and the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Swoop, a fintech platform specializing in providing comprehensive funding solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Founded in 2018, Swoop has made significant strides by easing the complexities of financing for business owners through various funding streams, including debt, equity, and grants. Burke’s leadership has been instrumental in propelling Swoop to its status as a global player in the fintech industry, reaching markets across several continents.
Recent Developments
Ciaran Burke has been actively involved in several key developments and achievements in the fintech realm over the past few years. Here are some notable recent events:
- August 2025: Burke represented Swoop at the National Fintech Summit in Dublin, discussing fintech solutions and barriers to adoption in various markets (Source).
- June 2025: Swoop secured over $2 billion in SME financing under Burke's guidance, significantly transforming access to capital for businesses globally. He shared insights into the pitfalls and opportunities in alternative funding (Source).
- May 2025: Ciaran Burke was featured discussing the financial challenges businesses face and how Swoop's innovative solutions help overcome these obstacles (Source).
- August 2024: Swoop, under the co-leadership of Burke, won the prestigious Deloitte Fast 50 award, highlighting their rapid growth and innovation in the fintech industry (Source).
- June 2024: Burke participated in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year CEO retreat, marking notable participation among Ireland’s top entrepreneurs (Source).
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ciaran Burke |
| Born | Not publicly specified |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Occupation | Chief Operating Officer at Swoop |
| Known For | Co-founding Swoop, Fintech leadership |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | BESS from Trinity College Dublin |
Early Life and Education
Ciaran Burke grew up in Ireland, where he displayed early aptitude in business and economics. He pursued higher education at Trinity College Dublin, earning a degree in Business, Economics, and Social Studies (BESS). During his academic journey, Burke developed a strong foundation in strategic business management, which later played a crucial role in his entrepreneurial pursuits.
After completing his education, Burke ventured into management consulting with KPMG. It was during this time that he honed his skills in growing businesses and building effective financial strategies. His exposure to diverse business challenges inspired him to create solutions that could simplify and optimize financial access for SMEs, leading to the inception of Swoop.
Career and Notable Achievements
Ciaran Burke’s career trajectory reflects a focus on innovation and growth in the fintech sector.
- Early Career: Began at KPMG as a management consultant, where he acquired significant insights into business operations and community building.
- 2013-2018: Founded Hiive, a professional creative network connecting over 150,000 creatives and 4,000 businesses. His leadership facilitated community growth and resource sharing.
- 2018-Present: Co-founded Swoop alongside Andrea Reynolds. Under Burke’s guidance, Swoop has facilitated over $2 billion in SME funding globally.
- 2023: Swoop won the Deloitte Fast 50 award, celebrated for their rapid growth and technological innovation in funding solutions.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Ciaran Burke continues to innovate in the fintech sector at Swoop, overseeing operations and technological advancements. His work is pivotal in making financial services more accessible and less cumbersome for SMEs around the world. Swoop’s unique platform provides tailored financial solutions, earning the company partnerships with significant industry players like Microsoft and Sage.
Burke’s commitment to integrating technology with finance has transformed how businesses access capital, thereby contributing to economic growth across various regions.
Conclusion
Ciaran Burke’s contributions to the fintech landscape have significantly impacted the accessibility of financial resources for SMEs globally. His vision and leadership at Swoop have not only simplified funding processes but also empowered numerous businesses to achieve their financial and operational goals. As the fintech industry evolves, Burke's initiatives will likely continue to play a critical role in reshaping financial ecosystems and fostering entrepreneurship.