More than 100 Irish and international venture capital companies are expected to attend the annual conference of the Irish Software Association (ISA). It takes place in University College Dublin next Thursday.

As well as providing opportunities for Irish software executives to meet venture capitalists from home and abroad, the conference will include a session on raising finance. The ISA recently estimated that the industry will need to raise £500 million in venture capital funds over the next five years.

The conference will consider how to break into the lucrative US market, industry trends, and the impact of the World Wide Web on the industry. Details are available from the ISA at 01605 1582 or email: isa@ibec.ie