Featured Success Story
Ireland has really become a place where a lot of Europeans want to work and we've been very lucky in attracting great talent from all over Europe that are now working in Dublin
Featured Success Story
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Cork has become the global hub of choice for international headquarters of technology companies, home to over 100 technology companies. With over 40,000 students across Cork’s two universities, NetApp’s decision to base its international headquarters in Cork provides access to a talent pool that is truly worthy of supporting the robust and evolving technology market. As well as being a part of the vibrant emerging business scene in Cork, NetApp’s hybrid working model means there are opportunities for technical and non-technical candidates across Ireland.
Diligent
Diligent Corporation is a software-as-a-service company focused on the governance, risk and compliance market. It was founded in 1994 in New York; today, 65% of all Fortune 1000 companies use its products. The company employs more than 2,000 people and has offices in multiple countries.
Galway wins out in international expansion
Diligent had scouted 20 potential locations in Europe to set up, and Galway on Ireland’s west coast quickly emerged as a front runner thanks to the presence of University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University, providing industry-focused third-level courses and the opportunity to partner with employers in the region. The company set up there in 2020.Another advantage of Galway was the flexibility to adapt as Diligent’s needs grew. The company initially took 45 desks at the PorterShed co-working space. In parallel, it identified a site at Bonham Quay that was about to start construction and which met the One Planet sustainability standard, which Diligent wanted.
The company’s key hire, Ruairi Conroy, had already helped to set up another international tech company, SiteMinder, in Galway. This experience gave him personal knowledge of the business community, and of the third-level system through lecturing at University of Galway. Working with the company’s New York agency, he helped to shape Diligent’s onboarding process.
Irish site is a core global hub for Diligent
Diligent quickly exceeded its original hiring target of 200 people by 10%, reaching 220. By 2024, the Galway site reached 285 employees and established itself as one of the company’s three core global hubs. It’s also one of the most multifunctional offices in Diligent’s network, with roles ranging from 24/7 customer support and customer success, to sales, human resources, marketing, and finance. Ireland has provided both talent, and technology: in 2021, Diligent acquired Accuvio, based in Limerick, whose software has since become Diligent’s core ESG product. IDA Ireland closely supported Diligent through various job announcements, hiring, securing office space and the official launch.
How Ireland Helps Diligent
- As a global and open economy, Ireland is the perfect location for our European headquarters
- Educated workforce allowing a rapid ramp-up to 275+ employees in less than three years
- Vibrant Irish culture and high quality of life to attract talent
- A thriving tech scene in Ireland — especially in Galway — and a welcoming business community
In other jurisdictions that we looked at, they literally wanted you to land and sign the deal. Whereas the IDA were very powerful in thinking about the next wave of growth beyond the first 200 people, and what type of skills we might look for then. It genuinely does feel like a partnership rather than a one-and-done, and the after-sales experience is excellent too.
