Ones to Watch: Abodoo

In our Ones to Watch section, we highlight some of the top movers and shakers in Ireland. This week we feature Abodoo.

What is it?

Abodoo is an Irish internet company that has launched an intuitive platform connecting companies with remote professionals globally. By 2020 it is expected that 60 per cent of us will be working remotely to some extent, and Abodoo is a platform where people can find matched jobs, speed test, connect with other remote workers and upskill. The name comes from ‘abode’ and ‘do’, and is for people who want to stop commuting or want to return to work from home.

With a national sponsorship deal with open eir, who have rolled out fibre to 1.5 million homes, Abodoo will now be connecting people who want to stop commuting and work from home or a hub across the country.

Who’s behind it?

Abodoo has a very senior team, co-founded by Vanessa Tierney and Ben Wainwright, with extensive experience in recruitment and tech. CEO Sue Marshall previously ran Denis O’Brien’s career site SAON in China; CFO David Norton was integral in Fleetmatics’ financial success; and director of people Ruth Gawthorpe brings 30 years’ experience in HR change management and remote strategy with global companies. “Our partnership with the IDA means that we can attract more remote-working companies to Ireland and through Abodoo present a national database of talent,” says Vanessa.

How is it funded?

By founders, seed investment and sponsorship. Abodoo is now raising €350k for the next stage of its development and growth.

Future plans?

Launching in the UK in November and in early 2018, the mobile app and online training for remote workers to upskill will be live. Over the next six months Abodoo will be doing a regional roadshow with the IDA and open eir, and expanding the team.