Tech firm set to create 125 jobs

A SILICON Valley firm is creating 125 jobs in Dublin over the next three years in what has been described as a “great win” for Ireland.

Cloud computing firm Marketo has begun recruiting for staff in sales, marketing, support, consulting, development and back-office positions.

The company, which grew sales by more than 300% last year, sells web tools for salespeople and marketers. The firm has raised $57 million (€40m) in funding to date.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, said a recent report has predicted that by 2014 the cloud computing industry in Ireland could employ 8,600 people and be worth €9.5 billion.

He said, however, that the Government must act if this potential is to become a reality. “Earlier this month I announced the establishment of an applied research centre supported by €5m of government funds to help ensure that Ireland can realise its potential and become a world leader in this high growth area.”

“This announcement that, with the support of Government, one of the fastest growing Silicon Valley companies in this sector is creating 125 jobs in Dublin is a great confidence boost for cloud computing in Ireland,” he said.

Mr Bruton said he is developing “ambitious plans” to ensure that Government continues to provide whatever supports and policy changes are necessary to build on achievements, so that Ireland can realise its potential in these sectors and create more jobs and growth in the economy again.

President and chief of Marketo, Phil Fernandez, said they chose Ireland because it needed a European hub with “a large talent pool of skilled people”.

Head of the IDA, Barry O’Leary said the news is a “great win” for Ireland”.