A 20-person software and technology company based in Calgary, Alberta, plans to move its headquarters to Raleigh. The city and state each promised $325,000 (total $650,000) if the company expands to 325 employees at its new headquarters. Mayor Meeker’s actions point to a philosophy that TIFs are for undeveloped areas, downtown gets cash. The N&O story said:
“The talent pool was probably the biggest driver,” said Lynette McInnes, Optimal’s vice president of marketing. “The talent pool in Raleigh is unsurpassed.”
The privately held firm received a $25 million investment from Goldman Sachs in October.
Interestingly, the company’s website advertises not that it is moving to Raleigh, but to RTP. There’s a ringing endorsement for downtown business.
