E-reader company Kobo to create 30 jobs here

The company, which makes some of the most popular e-readers in the world, will set up a software development centre here.

The office will provide software support for Kobo and its partners around the world.

It will also look at developing new features for the firm's products.

Kobo chief executive Michael Serbinis said the company chose Ireland due to the availability of highly qualified people, the ease of access to the local education system, and research and development reasons.

Astonishing

Mr Serbinis also thanked the IDA, which is supporting the investment, for its efforts in attracting Kobo here.

"Today's announcement that Kobo, a young ICT company which has enjoyed astonishing growth in its three years of existence, is locating a software- development centre in Dublin with the creation of over 30 high-end jobs, is very welcome and shows the incredible potential for jobs growth in this sector," said Jobs Minister Richard Bruton.

IDA boss Barry O'Leary said the addition of Kobo would enhance Ireland's reputation as a digital hub.

"The addition of an exciting pure-play e-reader company like Kobo further diversifies the digital cluster in Ireland.

"It also illustrates the flexibility and talent of the Irish workforce and Ireland as a platform for international expansion," he added.

Kobo was only set up three years ago but has quickly scaled up and now has about 10 million users around the world. Unlike other e-readers, Kobo uses open-source software so the reader is not tied to a particular store.

The company was bought by Japanese e-commerce business Rakuten earlier this year.