Wattpad chooses Halifax for HQ2 expansion

Global multi-platform entertainment company, Wattpad announced this week it has chosen to open its second headquarters in Halifax.

Opening in early 2020, the company will be located in the heart of Halifax’s Innovation District. Wattpad HQ2 will require highly-skilled talent to establish its new office in Halifax over the next few years. The company adds to the Halifax tech community and will support the growth of our startups and scaleups.

“…Halifax is a city and community that is unmatched in Canada, with a thriving tech scene, world-class talent, and a business-friendly environment. We’re thrilled to make Halifax home to our second headquarters.” said Allen Lau, CEO & co-founder Wattpad.

Headquartered in Toronto and led by CEO and co-founder Allen Lau, Wattpad is a global multi-platform entertainment company for story telling. Wattpad’s flagship app is the world’s leading social storytelling platform, home to a community of more than 80 million people who spend over 23 billion minutes a month engaged in original stories. The company currently employs 200 staff, mostly based in Toronto with a handful in the US, UK, India, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

The Halifax Partnership and Nova Scotia Business Inc. led Halifax’s proposal and worked with partners to respond to this exciting opportunity, highlighting Halifax’s talent, location, cost and innovation advantages. Wattpad was impressed by the high level of collaboration in Halifax among private, public and post-secondary partners to support their growth and expansion plans.

“The Halifax Partnership is excited to welcome and support Wattpad in establishing their HQ2 and becoming a leader in Halifax’s innovation ecosystem.” said Nancy Phillips, Vice President of Investment, Trade and International Partnerships, Halifax Partnership.

Wattpad will be initially located at Volta, Canada’s east coast innovation hub. At Volta, Wattpad, Halifax founders, established companies, government and economic development partners will connect and learn from one another, supporting the growth of our companies and Halifax’s tech ecosystem.

“We are excited that Wattpad has chosen Halifax, recognizing our city’s talent, location and cost advantages. This fast-growing company will be a welcome addition to the downtown, Volta, and the burgeoning Halifax innovation district.” Halifax Mayor Mike Savage said:

Wattpad will join the 2000+ small and large companies that are fostering innovation and growth in the district.