Kobo creates 30 jobs with Irish centre

E-reader firm Kobo is to set up a software development centre in Dublin, creating more than 30 jobs.

The centre will provide software development support for Kobo's partners worldwide.

Kobo has more than 10 million users in 190 countries, offering readers an open platform that allows them to buy and read digital books on almost all mainstream smartphones, computers, tablets and e-readers.

The service offers nearly three million e-books, magazines and newspapers, along with readers such as the Kobo Touch.

Founded in 2009, Kobo was acquired in 2012 by the Tokyo-based Rakuten, Japan's largest ecommerce company.

Kobo chief executive Michael Serbinis said the company chose Ireland due to the availability of highly qualified people, access to academic institutes and research and development initiatives.

The investment is being supported by IDA Ireland.

"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," Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton said.

"I am determined to ensure that we build on this to create the jobs and growth we need."