Story Telling Platform Wattpad All Set To Branch Out In Halifax
Renowned storytelling platform Wattpad all set to open its second headquarters in Halifax as a way to pool in the city’s talent for the growth of the company.
On Monday, the company officials declared that since the beginning of the New Year, the new team will be based out on a 60,000 square foot Volta innovation hub located in the city’s down core to catch up with the local tech community.
According to Company CEO and co-founder Allen Lau the particular step was taken to ensure the company’s proper growth and expansion.
They also opened up to say that the company is in a very good phase right now and is growing rapidly. With the starting of a new headquarter in Halifax will enable the company to take full advantage out of the business’s friendliness in Halifax, and also channel the local talent to make sure that the company gets most benefitted.
The current office in Toronto sports a total capacity of 200 staffs and although Lau did not speak about how much space the new joint would accommodate but it can be well assumed that the plan is to make it equal in terms of responsibility and capacity in respect to their present destination.
Lau also added that although the total expenditure is a point that has to be taken into count but given the vast talent availability like Halifax’s many universities, and the business friendliness of the city, the decision has been taken by considering all the factors.
Several government programs would help to absorb talent but Lau did not speak about the benefits that the company might receive.
According to globalnews.com, Halifax Mayor Mike Savage has said that the move was taken by Wattpad to open a new branch there will attract other tech companies to the region. And, gave a positive nod by saying that with growing times, every city wants to a city of tech innovation.
Lau also revealed that several senior staff working at Wattpad have shown a keen interest in moving back to the region as this would maintain the company’s corporate culture as well.
According to reports by the commercial real estate firm CBRE, Halifax ranks as the 11th best city in terms of technology development in Canada and also that the city has seen a steady growth of 9.4% in tech jobs in the past five years till 2018, with some 10,500 workers.
The reports also disclosed that several tech companies are looking for a space near the main tech hubs in Canada as there is a steep increase in competition for talent and space. However, Toronto remains presiding for tech companies in Canada.
The company is all focused to start the year on a positive note with their film, publishing, and other initiatives that are already under process, Lau added.
As per current records reported by The Canadian Press on 9th December 2019, Wattpad counts more than 80million people who have signed up as readers on their site and the company has teams in Los Angeles, New York, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, and Manila.
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