A NEW York-based tech firm has announced plans to create 20 new jobs in Belfast.
Slice has developed an app that allows users to order food from independent pizzerias across the United States.
The company originally committed to creating 50 jobs when it set up a new software engineering centre in Belfast during 2018.
Backed by £350,000 from invest NI, the company has already recruited 35 people.
Officially unveiling its new Belfast offices in McAuley House on Castle Street on Thursday, Slice has now announced a further 20 roles for its Northern Ireland operation. It will eventually create a team of 70 in Belfast.
Founded in 2010 by Ilir Sela, Slice has announced $600m (£463m) in earnings to date for more than 12,000 independent pizzerias in the United States.
The chief executive was in Belfast on Thursday to cut the ribbon on the new premises.
He said the new location provides the company with space to accommodate the expected expansion of Slice’s presence in Belfast.
“We’re passionate about authenticity, not only with pizza, but also with our team and we’re pleased that we’ve found that in Belfast,” said Mr Sela.
“Community is critical to the way that we build our business, which is why we want to expand the number and variety of roles available in Belfast. Growing the Belfast office is a pivotal point in Slice’s story, and our vision is that story will continue to unfold.
“Slice is about championing local, independent pizza restaurants in a way that supports the long-term growth of their business. In the same way, we want to invest in Belfast in a way that contributes to the overall growth of this vibrant city.”
Jason Ordway, chief technology officer at Slice, added: “Like many US investors, we were initially attracted to Belfast for the strong engineering talent.
“However, since setting up in Belfast, we have discovered that that strong talent pool extends beyond engineering to many of the other skills we need. We’re excited for what lies ahead for Slice in Belfast.”
