Belfast’s status as a world-leading “cyber hub” is set to be augmented by an expanded presence in the city of Nasdaq-listed security analytics and automation firm, Rapid7.
The expansion will see the company take on 49,000 square feet of new office space to accommodate its growing European Research & Development centre, doubling its Northern Irish workforce by creating 200 new jobs in engineering, development and customer service. The regional economic development agency Invest NI is providing £165,000 support to Rapid7 that will fund the creation of thirty of the new roles.
“Rapid7 is committed to investing in the company’s global expansion, particularly in areas with impressive technical talent such as Belfast,” said Jamie Kinch, vice president of real estate and workplace experience at Rapid7. “Expanding our presence in Belfast, supported by InvestNI, will provide us with the space and resources we need to grow and attract the region’s top talent.”
Welcoming the expansion, Kevin Holland, chief executive of Invest NI, said: “Rapid7 is one of the U.S.’s fastest growing software security companies and since opening its office in Belfast in 2014, it has utilised the exceptional skills and talent of our local workforce to grow its business in Northern Ireland.
“It is always fantastic to see another externally owned company reinvesting in Northern Ireland,” continued Holland. “In fact, over 70 percent of new investors reinvest here which is testament to our appeal. The senior level jobs we are supporting will build upon the technical expertise already present at the company’s Belfast engineering site, helping to drive the company’s future innovation.”
Rapid7 have had a presence in Belfast since 2014, when they set up their first offices in a move that was also supported by Invest NI. The company’s expansion is due to take place over the second half of 2020.
18th March 2020.
