Business

Invest NI office in Silicon valley

Invest NI's new office in San Francisco is formally opened by Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness  
Invest NI's new office in San Francisco is formally opened by Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness   Invest NI's new office in San Francisco is formally opened by Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness  

INVEST NI's new office in San Francisco were formally opened by Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness last night.

Northern Ireland is becoming the European destination of choice for a number of US west coast companies like Seagate, Concentrix, Cyber-source visa, vello Systems and Wandisco.

The first and minister and deputy first minister said they believe the north can reap even more lucrative benefits from American high-technology sector hub.

Mr Robinson said: "Over the last few years San Francisco has seen a growing number of start-ups relative to Silicon valley as the city is better positioned to attract young talent from all over the US.

"The venture capital industry has followed this trend by also opening offices in the city to be closer to the tech companies."

Mr McGuinness said: "Having a dedicated team in San Francisco will further enhance the support network we have available to help our businesses build contacts.

"The Invest NI team there is primarily focusing on high technology sectors such as information technology in San Francisco, Silicon valley, LA, Texas, Seattle and Portland."

Earlier on their trade mission the ministers had hosted more than 100 Silicon valley business executives in a bid to attract further foreign direct investment.

They sang off the same hymn sheet is extolling promote the merits of doing business in Northern Ireland and enhancing its growing reputation as a prime investment location to potential and existing investors.