By Business & Finance 
Jerome Forde, founder, FordeCloud
Business & Finance highlights some of the top movers and shakers in Ireland.
What is it?
FordeCloud is a HRIT platform that uses the most advanced cloud technology to provide a comprehensive HR service, IT system and associated team to support employers – thus bringing a virtual HR office to start-ups and SMEs.
FordeCloud provides support for processes from recruitment and training to grievance resolutions, and technological functions for time management to employee leave and absence, plus high-standard compliance documents such as contracts.
How is it funded?
FordeCloud is fairly unique across the startup world, given that it has been primarily funded through personal investment and bootstrapping up to this point.
Initially with limited cash to invest in marketing, FordeCloud was focused heavily on developing a strong social media and online presence.
Now the focus is on seeking further investment to meet the needs of user base expansion plans.
Who’s behind it?
FordeCloud was founded by Jerome Forde, a HR and employee relations specialist with almost 30 years’ senior-level experience in complex public, private and not-for-profit organisations.
Jerome wanted to provide a virtual HR office to the SME community at a price they could afford.
Future plans?
With Deloitte’s Study of Global Human Capital Trends (2016) claiming that six in 10 companies plan to increase spending on HR in the next 12 to 18 months, the virtual HRIT department looks to be the next business solution on the investment agenda.
FordeCloud seeks to fill that gap in the market by expanding out from Ireland.
Business & Finance, Ones to Watch
Business & Finance, in association with Comtrade Digital Services, recognises Ireland’s most dynamic emerging businesses in ‘Ones to Watch’.
Ireland is alive with a vibrant start-up scene and the entrepreneurs featured are shaping the country’s economic landscape.
