A CORK-based cyber security firm preparing to float on the London stock market has announced a new Belfast hub.
Smarttech247 said the new sales, marketing and development office will create 30 jobs.
Invest NI said it had provided support in both securing investment and creating the new roles, which are expected to attract an average salary of just over £30,000 a year.
Smarttech247 has already set up at the Titanic Suites flexible offices on Belfast’s Adelaide Street, where four people are currently based.
Founded in 2003, the company, headed by Cork-native Ronan Murphy, also has offices in Bucharest, Kraków and New York.
The announcement of the Belfast move comes amid reports Smarttech247 is preparing to list on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM.
The IT firm had been linked with a reverse-takeover deal with London-based Conduity Capital PLC.
However, Smarttech247 has now opted for what’s known as a direct IPO (initial public offering), which allows it to list its shares, but doesn’t involve the raising of any money.
It has estimated the company's value at around £34 million.
Raluca Saceanu, who was appointed chief executive of the Cork company in March, said it had monitored the success of other cyber security firms since setting up hubs in Northern Ireland.
“We want to be a part of that,” she said. “Our scaling strategy focuses on developing new business in GB and Europe. The team at our new Belfast hub will lead on this work, developing cutting-edge skillsets to grow our digital technologies and R&D capabilities.”
Invest NI’s head of international investment, Alan Wilson, said the economic support agency’s ‘Republic of Ireland team’ had worked with Smarttech247 since 2020.
“Four jobs already in place at the company’s office in Titanic Suites, and the total investment will contribute £925,000 of additional annual salaries to our local economy once all are in place.”
