London Company Smartzer Develops Digital Team in Belfast
Interactive technology company, Smartzer is investing in Northern Ireland for the first time with a 16-strong digital team. Founded in London, the company develops digital video-tagging technology to create an interactive online shopping experience.
Consumers are able to click on items within a video to view and purchase products, while data analytics allow brands to gain insight into consumer engagement. Smartzer works internationally in GB, France, US, Canada, Germany and Italy with world-renowned lifestyle brands such as Swarovski, Harvey Nichols, Marks & Spencer, LVMH, Jo Malone and Estee Lauder.
Karoline Gross (pictured right), Founder and CEO, Smartzer, said: “Our new office in Belfast will play a key role in contributing to the company’s success. The high standard of talent within the Northern Ireland ICT sector, along with the quality of students graduating from NI universities attracted us to establishing a Smartzer presence here.
“The new team in Belfast will see us double our overall workforce and increase our product offering. This will allow us to continue to offer our customers innovative, forward-thinking technology solutions and add value to consumers’ digital shopping experience.”
The Belfast team will focus on developing and launching the company’s new Software as a Service (SaaS) product. The new bespoke SaaS technology will allow a brand’s content to integrate seamlessly across social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.
Invest NI has offered £80,000 towards the creation of the new jobs. With an average salary of £33,500 roles include software developers, designers, and quality assurance and software engineers. The 16 staff will be recruited over the next two years.
Derek Andrews (pictured left), Head of International Investment at Invest NI, said: “The Northern Ireland talent pool is one of our strongest assets and is what draws many investors here. We are pleased to welcome Smartzer to Belfast and create roles within the sector, working on innovative product development.
“Our support will enable the company to generate further business and build on its renowned client base. This investment will add £535,000 in annual salaries to the NI economy.”
