New York-based BlackRock, a global asset management firm and a tech solutions provider, has chosen Atlanta for the company’s new Innovation Hub.
BlackRock will establish a presence in Fulton County, partner with the local business and university community, in addition to creating 1,000 jobs within the next few years, Gov. Nathan Deal announced in a news release Thursday morning.
“When firms like BlackRock choose to expand here in the No. 1 state for business, it’s a powerful statement of what Georgia has to offer to industry leaders,” Deal said. “Georgia provides a workforce that is among the nation’s best and brightest, and their talents and skills, paired with our willingness to embrace cutting-edge innovation, will provide BlackRock with valuable resources as the company continues to grow across our nation. The establishment of this new Innovation Hub also reaffirms the value of the low-tax, pro-business environment we have established, an environment that will provide BlackRock with a strong foundation for success in Fulton County.”
With the Atlanta expansion, BlackRock hopes to extend its technology capabilities close to universities like Georgia Tech, where BlackRock currently sponsors the BlackRock Hallac Scholarship for socioeconomically disadvantaged students pursuing degrees in STEM fields.
“The Atlanta innovation hub is an example of BlackRock’s strategy to serve clients globally and locally and we are excited to build our presence in the area over the next several years,” BlackRock COO Rob Goldstein said. “Atlanta was chosen for its skilled and diverse talent pool, thriving business community and high quality of life as we look to attract top talent and constantly innovate how we operate.”
BlackRock helps investors build financial futures by providing investment and technology solutions. As of Sept. 30, 2018, the firm managed approximately $6.44 trillion in assets on behalf of investors worldwide.
“Metro Atlanta is a top market for innovation, tech talent and big thinkers who disrupt the status quo, and Blackrock is a welcome addition to our ecosystem,” said Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “The company will benefit from the unique collaborative spirit within our civic, business, academic and tech communities that drive success in our region.”
The announcement of BlackRock’s new innovation center follows the opening of Accenture’s Innovation Hub in Tech Square earlier this year.