Atlanta Welcomes Dutch Tech Firm Xebia
Atlanta is buzzing with excitement as Dutch software engineering and IT consultancy Xebia sets up its U.S. headquarters right in the heart of Buckhead. You might wonder why a company with a global presence and dozens of offices chose Atlanta over more conventional tech hubs like New York, Seattle, or San Francisco. Well, the answer is quite fascinating!
Why Atlanta?
As Sandeep Makwana, the COO of Xebia, shared, Atlanta stood out for several reasons. The city’s strategic location near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport, was definitely a plus. With a strong concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the area, Atlanta’s business ecosystem offers a wealth of opportunities and partnerships.
Moreover, the local university system is renowned for churning out brilliant minds, especially in the fields of artificial intelligence and generative AI. This talent pool is essential as Xebia looks to grow its workforce, which currently stands at around 70 people.
A Connection to the Netherlands
What makes Atlanta even more special for Xebia is the unique connection it has with the Netherlands. Did you know that the Netherlands is the 8th largest export market for the state of Georgia? This thriving relationship was highlighted when the city even hosted the Dutch Royal Family this summer, showcasing the growing economic and cultural ties between the two places.
Expanding Presence
With executives from Xebia spread across the globe—Makwana himself is based in Austin—more of them are now focusing their efforts in Atlanta. This is a strategic plan to ramp up local leadership and administrative roles as the Atlanta office grows. “Our raw material is people,” Makwana expressed, hinting at the company’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
Integrating into the Community
In addition to hiring locally, Xebia is keenly focused on becoming an integral part of Atlanta’s vibrant tech community. This fall, they launched the exciting Bikes and Trikes initiative, which exemplifies their commitment to giving back to the community. The goal? To build over 100 bicycles and tricycles for children in the Atlanta area by the end of 2024.
Making a Difference
“Our Bikes & Trikes initiative reflects Xebia’s belief in the power of community,” Makwana explained. The ethos behind this initiative is to foster community engagement, empower underserved families, and create opportunities for elementary-aged students. Imagine the smiles on the faces of those children as they receive their shiny new bikes!
Building these bikes isn’t just about generosity; it’s a statement of care for the future of Atlanta. As Xebia expands its technological innovations, they are equally dedicated to innovating their contributions to society. By collaborating with local partners and customers, they hope to bring joy and opportunity to many families in the community.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Xebia plants its roots further into Atlanta, the company is setting a prime example of how businesses can thrive while giving back to the communities they inhabit. This blend of technology, compassion, and community spirit is sure to create a lasting positive impact in Atlanta and beyond.
With Xebia’s dedication to growth and community enrichment, the future looks promising for both the company and the vibrant city of Atlanta!
