ELEVEN fast-growing firms in the north have have made it into the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 listing for 2020, with Belfast-based Catagen the highest placed of the local companies
The awards, now in their 21st year, rank Ireland’s fastest growing tech firms, focusing on the indigenous companies that have demonstrated outstanding growth in turnover over the previous four years.
Cork based software company Everseen Ltd topped the ranking for the first time with growth of 2,879 per cent over the four-year period.
Catagen, which describes itself as an independent technology-based clean air and emissions data company, came in fourth on the list to become the highest ranked Northern Ireland company for the second year running.
The winners were announced during a virtual event on Wednesday evening.
There were three first time entrants to the Fast 50 programme from the north: Derry-based supply chain software provider Foods Connected; Newry-based sports analytics company STATSports; and Belfast-based IT services business Precept IT. The other Northern Ireland winners were AquaQ Analytics, Datactics, Decision Time, IRP Commerce, Made to Engage, Repstor and Learning Pool, all of whom have previously appeared on the Fast 50.
Cumulatively, the full list of 2020 Fast 50 winners generated approximately €3.3 billion in total annual revenues last year, with average revenues of €90 million and an average growth rate over the last four years of almost 400 per cent.
Peter Allen, partner at Deloitte said: “The pandemic has presented huge challenges to the way we work and live, and technology has responded to provide innovative solutions.
“Although the economy has come under severe pressure, this crisis has presented unprecedented opportunities for NI tech businesses to shine,” he said.
“We think it is important to recognise the innovation and entrepreneurship they have shown, and I am delighted to see a strong representation from Northern Ireland on this year’s ranking.
“Deloitte is proud to have assisted previous and current winners to grow rapidly and attract investment. We have noticed a significant increase in the appetite to invest in our indigenous tech companies as the global marketplace becomes aware of Northern Ireland’s reputation as a fast-growing tech hub of the future.”
