150 new jobs announced in West Cork, with hundreds more to follow

A FINTECH company in Clonakilty has announced 150 new jobs - with hundreds more to follow in the next three years 

Global Shares - an employee owned company - is seeking to increase its headcount from 370 currently to 1,000 by 2024, and fill 150 high-skill, high-value roles immediately. 

The Taoiseach announced the new jobs at the firm’s headquarters in the West Cork Technology Park on the outskirts of Clonakilty town.

"The story of Global Shares is a remarkable one, illustrating how from small beginnings a company can grow and develop a global footprint," Micheál Martin said. "It is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through talent and ambition.

 “At the heart of Global Shares is its people.  This hard working, determined and highly skilled workforce has driven the company’s success and growth.   

“Today’s jobs announcement marks another step in what is an exceptional journey."

A unicorn is a term used in the venture capital industry to describe a privately held startup company with a value of over $1 billion.

The company says it is also on track to achieve Unicorn valuation status by 2024.  A unicorn is a term used in the venture capital industry to describe a privately held startup company with a value of over $1 billion

“I love that we are writing software in Clonakilty that transforms people’s lives worldwide through the momentum and wealth created by employee ownership," CEO of the company, Tim Houstoun, said. 

“Our growth over the past couple of years has been enormous, but over the next few years, we’re aiming to be West Cork’s first Unicorn, and we’re on track to achieve that.” 

“This is something that is exciting for many reasons – including the fact that as an employee owned company, many of our own staff will reap the rewards of the hard work they’ve put in over the years.

“People often ask how a company on the edge of Ireland, on the edge of Europe, could succeed on a global stage, competing with the world’s biggest financial services giants…yet here we are. It’s amazing what you can achieve when you back yourself, think globally and empower your team to succeed”.

Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland described Global Shares as a world-class company and a great example of what’s possible for innovative Irish businesses on the world stage. 

"Enterprise Ireland has worked closely with Global Shares for many years and supported its growth from Clonakilty into over 100 markets worldwide," she said. “We are delighted to support the new jobs announced today which will help further Global Shares’ innovation focus and look forward to continuing to support their global ambitions for many years to come.” 

Global Shares clients include Italian insurance firm Generali, Krispy Kreme, Cargill, Fujitsu and many more global, household names.

Founded in 2005 as a service only company, Global Shares spotted a gap in the market for a fully global software solution that would help companies and their employees better manage their equity. In 2015, it launched its proprietary software platform. 

It currently employs 370 staff in 16 offices globally, including London, Barcelona, New Jersey, Nashville, Tokyo, Miyazaki, Hong Kong and Beijing.

The company was set up in Clonakilty, where it remains headquartered today and employs 167 staff. In addition, Global Shares has an office in Cork city centre, where 35 staff are based, bringing the total staff in Ireland to 202.

The company is currently seeking applications for roles including software development, product owner, compliance,cyber security, financial reporting, project management and many more.