During TechCrunch’s Disrupt conference in San Francisco, Vancouver-based Slack announced the expansion of its business with a new sales and customer support office that will be based in Toronto.
The company says that it’s chosen Toronto as its next location to take advantage of the diverse labour pool, which it said is especially beneficial for customer service. Slack plans to hire 145 people in the city over the next two years, with the office officially opening in mid-December 2016 at 171 John Street, just south of Grange Park off Queen.
“Access to a talent pool that is multicultural and multilingual allows businesses to leverage international markets.”
“Toronto is one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in North America and an ideal location for Slack’s global expansion,” said Ali Rayl, director of customer experience at Slack. “We looked at a number of potential locations, but Toronto stood out for several reasons: it is home to a vibrant and diverse community of educated people, it has competitive business costs, and it’s a great place to live and work. We are excited to be part of this innovative community.”
Slack currently boasts 3 million daily active users and 600 employees worldwide, and has offices in Vancouver and San Francisco. To date, the company has raised $540 million USD. Slack’s Director of Engineering Leslie Miley revealed the news to open a Toronto office during a talk on diversity in tech, and how to foster diversity in businesses.
“Slack’s decision to invest in Toronto is a clear vote of confidence in Ontario’s skilled and diverse workforce,” said Brad Duguid, Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Growth. “I’m very pleased to welcome Slack to our province and excited by this high-profile addition to the growing cluster of tech companies located here.”
According to Invest Toronto’s Interim CEO Terrie O’Leary, Slack picked an ideal city as part of its mission to build a more inclusive workplace, calling Toronto’s biggest asset its people. “We are the most multicultural city in North America, with over fifty percent of our population having been born outside of the country and speaking nearly 140 languages,” O’Leary said. “For businesses that are globally active, access to a talent pool that is multicultural and multilingual allows them to leverage international markets.”