US-based software firm Filecloud creates 50 Irish jobs

Security software specialist Filecloud, led by Irish man Ray Downes, is creating 50 new jobs in the Republic, the Texas-based company confirmed on Monday.

Filecloud develops and sells software that allows organisations to share sensitive files and information safely.

The company said on Monday that it planned to establish its European headquarters and a research and development centre in Limerick, where it will create 50 jobs over the next two-and-a-half years.

Filecloud aims to cash in on European, Middle Eastern and African organisations’ growing caution about storing material on public clouds.

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The company provides customers with a “private cloud” that runs on their own information technology systems.

Since its launch in 2016 Filecloud has recruited more than 3,000 customers, while the number of individual users has topped one million.

Clients include businesses, governments, schools and colleges. According to the company, these clients want maximum data control within their own private network or cloud.

Limerick native Ray Downes is Filecloud’s chief executive. He and chief revenue officer Peter Melerud and chief financial officer George Lo previously ran another technology business, Kemp.

Progress Software bought Kemp, whose European base was also in Limerick, last year for $258 million.

They have since invested in Filecloud, which recently secured $40 million in a fundraising round led by Silicon Valley venture capitalist, Savant Growth.

Mr Downes pointed out that he started his career in Limerick and previously had “great experience” running businesses in the region.

“We get access to the region’s highly skilled technology-focused talent and competitive cost base,” he added.

Martin Shanahan described Filecloud’s announcement as great news for Limerick. Tánaiste Leo Varadkar predicted the 50 new jobs would be a “real boost” to the area.