American cyber security firm Arctic Wolf is set to create hundreds of jobs in the North East after choosing Newcastle as the site for its European HQ.
The Minnesota based company, which was last year valued at more than $4bn after two significant fundraises, will initially create 30 new jobs with the opening of its Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) headquarters in Newcastle.
It hopes to increase that number of job into the hundreds over the next three years, in moves welcomed by political leaders in the city.
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The announcement follows similar moves from overseas companies to invest in Newcastle last year, with payment firm XPlor and digital consultancy Monstarlab both setting up offices in the city.
The new office has been established by Arctic Wolf’s vice-president Clare Loveridge, who grew up in Newcastle but left the city to further her career.
She said: “The UK economy is rebounding from the impact of the pandemic, and central to that growth are the technology and security requirements that businesses must implement to support hybrid operations. With less of a need for workers to be based in London, the North East has quickly established itself as a new hub for leading technology firms looking to set up shop outside of the capital.
“While I grew up in Newcastle, I spent much of my career in the South. When I returned to the North East five years ago, I could see first-hand the fantastic pool of talent that is growing in the region.
“I am incredibly excited and proud to be establishing Arctic Wolf’s European operations in Newcastle, a city that I believe will bring undoubted long-term recruitment benefits to the company’s next phase of growth in EMEA.”
Invest Newcastle, part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, worked with Arctic Wolf to secure the firm’s move to the region. The company had announced last year that it wanted to expand into Europe, having doubled sales in North America and attracted funding rounds totalling $350m in 2020 and 2021.
Jen Hartley, director of Invest Newcastle, said: “Arctic Wolf’s decision to establish its EMEA headquarters in Newcastle over the capital, is testament to the growing appeal of the North East as a talent hotspot for leading technology companies and our thriving business community.
“As recent government figures show, Newcastle has one of the fastest growing tech sectors in the UK, so it’s fantastic to see one of the world’s leading cybersecurity companies choose our region as its primary base in the UK and EMEA.
“We’ve loved working with the team at Arctic Wolf on their decision to choose the city and we’re looking forward to working with them further as they grow their exciting business, continue to create jobs and ultimately thrive here in the heart of Newcastle.”
Nick Forbes, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome Arctic Wolf to the city; the strategic choice of Newcastle over London is testament to not only our tech and digital strengths, but also to our strong business networks and unique culture that makes us an attractive destination to live, work and invest.
“The Invest Newcastle team have done an excellent job in securing this move, and I know they will continue to support the next phase of growth for the company, and ensuring Arctic Wolf are embedded into the DNA of our city.
“Arctic Wolf will be a real asset to Newcastle, creating jobs, growing talent and adding to our vibrant digital eco-systems that are recognised worldwide.”
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