A professional man and a professional woman are standing and smiling into the camera, holding a tablet showing Adidas branding with Smartzer technology.
From left: Derek Andrews, head of international investment at Invest NI, with Karoline Gross, founder and CEO, Smartzer. Image: Invest NI

Interactive technology company Smartzer to hire 16 in Belfast

25 Nov 2019

Roles including software developers, designers, and quality assurance and software engineers will be recruited over the next two years.

Smartzer, an interactive technology company from London, has announced its plans to invest in Northern Ireland for the first time, creating 16 new jobs.

The new hires will double the company’s current workforce, with the Belfast team to focus on developing and launching its new SaaS product. The new technology has been created to allow content branding to be integrated across social media channels for its clients.

Smartzer develops digital video-tagging technology for interactive online shopping experiences. Its applications allow consumers to click into items in a video, bringing them to landing pages where they can view and purchase the products. Its data analytics arm also allows client brands some insight into consumer engagement.

Invest NI has offered £80,000 towards the creation of the new jobs. With an average salary of £33,500, roles include software developers, designers, and quality assurance and software engineers. The 16 staff will be recruited over the next two years.

Smartzer works internationally across the UK, France, the US, Canada, Germany and Italy with such brands such as Swarovski, Harvey Nichols, Marks & Spencer, LVMH, Jo Malone and Estée Lauder.

‘High standard of talent’

Karoline Gross, founder and CEO of Smartzer, said: “Our new office in Belfast will play a key role in contributing to the company’s success. The high standard of talent within the Northern Ireland ICT sector, along with the quality of students graduating from NI universities, attracted us to establishing a Smartzer presence here. 

“The new team in Belfast will see us double our overall workforce and increase our product offering. This will allow us to continue to offer our customers innovative, forward-thinking technology solutions and add value to consumers’ digital shopping experience.”

Derek Andrews, head of international investment at Invest NI, said: “The Northern Ireland talent pool is one of our strongest assets and is what draws many investors here. We are pleased to welcome Smartzer to Belfast and create roles within the sector, working on innovative product development. 

“Our support will enable the company to generate further business and build on its renowned client base. This investment will add £535,000 in annual salaries to the NI economy.”

Lisa Ardill
By Lisa Ardill

Lisa Ardill joined Silicon Republic as senior careers reporter in July 2019. She has a BA in neuroscience and a master’s degree in science communication. She is also a semi-published poet and a big fan of doggos. Lisa briefly served as Careers Editor at Silicon Republic before leaving the company in June 2021.

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