Social media firm to create 100 jobs in Ireland

Graeme Parton +

The founders of new social media platform Phlok have revealed their intention to open up 100 jobs in Ireland after receiving £390,000 from unnamed investors in the U.S.

The firm, which is based in Dublin, says the vacancies will cover roles in sales, account management, software development and training. The company hopes to make the additions to its team over the next 18 month.

Phlok is a mobile and web-based platform which allows users to build up Phlok points – the site’s virtual currency – which they can then spend on the products and services of businesses that have signed up to the network. It is hoped the approach will help provide a boost to smaller businesses by making it easier for companies to interact with their customers, particularly those in the local area.

Although the sources of Phlok’s new investment are yet to be identified, it has said the funding came from private, individual investors. The size of the financial boost does imply big things ahead for the site, which already has 300 Irish businesses signed up. The current following includes restaurants, shops, pharmacies and car dealerships. So far, these companies have seen around £170,000 in new business.

Phlok founder, Paul Graham, spoke about the site’s drive to encourage consumers do their shopping locally, saying:

“We established Phlok to be the key digital incentive platform and become pervasive in the marketplace. Phlok is becoming an additional integral element of the business-to-business and business-to-consumer economy. Our overall aim is to get local customers to transact more often with local business and support an ongoing vibrant community. Phlok makes the term ‘shop local’ make sense.”

The buzz around Phlok is undeniable and although it may, at the moment, seem relatively insignificant in the big social media picture, the scale of the investment is a clear sign that things are growing quickly.