Paul Keenan

Executive Chairman

A founding partner of Capnua, Paul specialises in providing corporate finance advice to entrepreneurs and large privately-owned businesses on MBO’s, mergers & acquisitions and restructuring.

With over 30 years’ experience and more than 250 deals under his belt, Paul is one of the most recognised names in Irish corporate finance, with very good contacts. Prior to setting up Capnua, Paul was Managing Partner of BDO Ireland from 2004 – 2008, during which time the firm achieved annual double-digit fee growth and was voted one of the Top 50 Best Places to Work for in Ireland.

Paul has also been one of the founders of new businesses such as Activate Capital (a €700m direct lending fund for house building) and Flyefit, a chain of premium low-cost gyms. Therefore, as a business owner himself, he thinks differently to most corporate financiers.  He’s more focused on longer term value creation for his clients and their businesses. Paul has advised some of Ireland’s leading family businesses such as Sisk, McMahons Building Providers and Gowans. 

Paul particularly enjoys working with strong ambitious entrepreneurs who have set up businesses such as Workhuman, Openet, Chill, home store + more and has acted on the MBO’s of Mercury Engineering, Elvery’s and Fonua.

Paul is passionate about achieving success for his clients. He loves working for strong teams who  have ambitious plans who will benefit from Capnua’s support and expertise to get them to the next level.  

An avid rugby enthusiast, Paul is a former President of UCD Rugby Club. He is also a keen golfer and, a part-time cyclist.