More than 120 jobs will be created at five emerging firms in Ireland, as they announce plans to establish critical operations in the State.
The companies will be located in Letterkenny, Dublin and Limerick and create about 122 jobs within the next three years. The companies are all at an early stage, but are considered fast-growing and are being supported by IDA Ireland.
Customer support software firm Zendesk is to locate its finance and development centre in Dublin, bringing 30 jobs with it over the next two years.
Events firm Consero will also set up in Dublin, locating its European headquarters in the city and creating 20 jobs over three years. Founder Paul Mandell said it was a significant step for the firm, which stages high-level forums aimed at senior executives.
"It represents the success of our business events model and steadfast commitment to its delivery on a global scale," he said.
A third firm, eyewear maker Dita, is setting up its European headquarters and distribution centre in Dublin, adding 10 new jobs to the 20 that already exist here.
Outside the capital, ExtenSys is setting up a sales and technical support office in Limerick. The venture will create 25 jobs at the IT company, which offers customers high-value-added internet traffic management.
Founder and chief executive Roland Feijoo said the company would be able to grow its EU client base.
"We chose Limerick for its young, creative and talented workforce due to the proximity of the University of Limerick, the presence of Shannon airport and IDA's assistance," he said.
Cloud company KeyedIn Solutions is locating its European software development, sales, marketing and technical support centre in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, which will bring 20 new jobs to the area.
The announcement was made this morning by Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton. The Government has made targeting emerging companies a key part of its plans to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, ensuring that firms such as Twitter, EngineYard and Indeed come to Ireland and establish roots in what is becoming a high-tech hub.
IDA Ireland set up a dedicated division in 2010 to attract emerging firms to Ireland; by last May it had brought more than 1,200 new jobs to the State.
The announcement is seen as timely given the founders conference taking place later in the week. IDA Ireland's Barry O'Leary said the agency would be trying to persuade visiting executives to set up here.
