Rapid7

NASDAQ-listed Rapid7 counts cyber security hub Belfast among its 14 global locations.

More than 10,000 companies across 125 countries– including 52% of the Fortune 100 – rely on Rapid7’s cyber security software and services to keep their IT safe and secure.

Rapid7 first arrived on Northern Ireland’s technology scene in 2014. Despite having offices across the Americas, IMEA and APAC, the company needed a well-trained workforce of engineering, development and customer support professionals to service its growing client base – in particular, their European customers.

The company initially set up a software innovation centre in capital city Belfast, creating 75 highly skilled jobs and dozens of student placement opportunities. The investment helped them tap into the region’s world-class technology talent and unique Assured Skills programme, which is free for investors and helps companies train and recruit employees with specific skills that fulfil their business needs.

We remain impressed with the excellent business environment in Northern Ireland, particularly the close working relationship between government, industry and academia. Of note is the work the universities are doing in IT security. Invest NI's support and the availability of high-quality technical staff make Northern Ireland an attractive location for us. Our Belfast centre allows us to scale up our operations and address a wider customer base in the US, Europe and Asia.

Corey Thomas, President & CEO, Rapid7

In early 2020, Rapid7 announced plans to double its workforce in the region, adding 200 new roles and signing a 10-year lease on a larger office space. After going remote during the pandemic, Rapid7 was able to open its expanded Belfast office, which can accommodate up to 400 employees, in early 2021.

Michael Keimig, Rapid7’s Global Real Estate Senior Manager, said the new 49,000-square-feet space in Chichester House signals the company’s long-term commitment to Northern Ireland: “We are committed to expanding our base within the Belfast cyber security hub, solidifying our position to help our European clients and to attract the best cyber security talent … We want this office to not only house our current employees, but also those we’ll be bringing on as part of future expansion in the region.”

Rapid7 was drawn to Northern Ireland’s unique, globally recognised cyber security ecosystem, which includes both international firms and innovative, home-grown start-ups. The sector continues to grow thanks to the region’s compelling combination of technical talent, cost competitiveness, and breadth of academic R&D – Northern Ireland is home to the Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) at Queen’s University Belfast, the UK’s official cyber security knowledge centre and commercialisation hub.

The company also utilised support from Invest Northern Ireland towards new job creation, and a range of soft landing support.