US tech firm Fixify announces 50 new jobs as it establishes first physical office in Cork

Attending the official launch of Fixify’s EU Hub in Cork City are: Kathleen Bohan, Andrew Vogelaar and Patrick Doyle, IDA Ireland, Caroline Coughlan, Director, Employee Experience & People Operations, Fixify, Fixify CEO Matt Peters, Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, Fixify COO Mase Issa, Katina Koster, VP Corporate Marketing, Fixify, Mourad Yesayan, Managing Director at Paladin Capital Group, Dr, Mary Aiken Photo credit: Provision

A US IT company driven by AI has chosen Cork City for its new EU Centre of Excellence, marking its first-ever physical office base. 

Virginia-founded Fixify, which provides IT support automation through the use of AI, is in the process of creating 50 skilled jobs in Ireland over the next 18 months. The new facility will serve as a regional base for the company's development and support its worldwide operations. 

Established in 2023 and still in its infancy, Fixify was founded by chief executive Matt Peters, chief technology officer Peter Silberman and chief operations officer Mase Issa. 

In just two years, the company has grown extensively, serving several clients with thousands of employees and growing workforces.

"From working in cybersecurity for so many years, I became fascinated by the idea of using technology to make people better," Mr Peters says. 

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Peters said he and his co-founders always wanted to work together on a company, adding that they found a gap in the area of tech support.

"We looked at how people are doing tech support in their own companies, and people really have not innovated in that space in years. The process most companies follow is one that someone from 1995 would recognise," the CEO said.

The company operates using a combination of automation, AI and people and allows people experiencing technical difficulties at work to speak directly with a human IT specialist. 

"Our AI helps understand the feeling and the sentiment of the person in need of help," Mr Peters said.

"For instance, we recently had a customer who couldn't access his work calendar. Normally, you would think, that's annoying, but its not a big deal. But the system flagged him and said that, for whatever reason, this guy is freaking out. He is super panicked.

"It immediately poked one of our people to let them know that this may not be an automated thing, this may be something that a person needs to look at. Turns out, they had just started with that company, and their next meeting was with the CRO. That is why they were freaking out.

"A person was able to reach out to him immediately and let him know they were going to help them out."

The company, which currently employs around 70 people in total, 40 of which are in Ireland, is hiring roles such as IT helpdesk analysts, software engineers, data engineers and data scientists, with jobs available both remotely and at its Cork base on South Mall.

We chose Cork for Fixify’s European base and our first physical office, a city that brings together deep technical expertise, quality of life and community spirit," said Mr Peters.

"One of the great things about Ireland is you cannot swing a dead cat here without hitting someone who has a college degree in something fascinating. There's a really well-educated workforce here and a whole bunch of talent doing a lot of cool stuff."

Attending the company's official opening in Cork, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “This announcement demonstrates a deep commitment to the region and creates 50 high-tech jobs in an exciting and growing sector. I have no doubt that these highly skilled jobs in IT, software engineering and data analysis will be a further boost to the workforce in the region."

"Minister for enterprise, tourism and employment Peter Burke added: “Fixify’s decision is very welcome news and a strong endorsement of Ireland’s position as a global leader in technology and innovation. 

"Cork’s deep talent pool, supported by world-class institutions like UCC and MTU, and its proven track record in attracting and sustaining high-value FDI, make it ideally placed to support Fixify’s growth."

The investment was supported by IDA Ireland, with chief executive of the agency, Michael Lohan adding: "I am very pleased that Fixify has chosen Cork as home to its EU Centre of Excellence as it recognises the quality and depth of the South West region’s talent pool, Ireland’s vibrant culture, and our pro-business environment. 

"I wish to congratulate Fixify on this expansion and look forward to supporting them as they enhance Ireland’s reputation as home to a thriving technology sector."