Live commerce specialist Whatnot is doubling Irish workforce as It opens doors to new Dublin office
Whatnot, a live commerce platform operating in North America, the UK and Europe, has opened its new European headquarters in Dublin, announcing plans to double its Irish workforce over the next 18 months and open its platform to Irish small businesses in 2027. The company currently employs more than 130 people across the country and is hiring across engineering and AI, operations, strategy, and trust and safety.
“The depth of engineering and AI talent coming out of Ireland’s universities is a big part of why we keep growing the team here,” says Grant LaFontaine, Co-founder and CEO at Whatnot. “Sellers around the world rely on what our Dublin engineers build every day to grow their businesses, and there’s a lot more to build. We’re also opening the platform to small businesses in Ireland next year, so local shops and entrepreneurs can reach the people already shopping on Whatnot in Ireland and around the world, who will then be able to discover the creativity and talent of Irish businesses and entrepreneurs.”
Minister of State Alan Dillon, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment says: “I warmly welcome Whatnot’s decision to establish its new European headquarters in Dublin and to significantly expand its Irish workforce over the coming months. The company’s plan to double its team in Ireland, creating high-quality jobs across engineering, AI, operations, and trust and safety, is a strong endorsement of the exceptional talent available here and of Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for innovation. I wish the Whatnot team every success as they grow their presence in Ireland’s thriving tech ecosystem.”
Mary Buckley, Executive Director at IDA Ireland comments: “Whatnot’s decision to expand its Dublin team demonstrates strong confidence in Ireland’s technology ecosystem and skilled workforce. The new roles in engineering, AI, trust and risk and customer experience highlights the strategic activity being undertaken in Ireland and supports our strategy to attract investments in innovation and digital technologies. IDA Ireland is delighted to partner with Whatnot in this next stage of growth.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Live commerce will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards, which celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world, have now closed for entries. Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2026 shortlists and finalists here.
We received a record number of entries this year and many fantastic examples of technology excellence driving transformative change across the global retail sector.
Congratulations to all those who made it through the initial submission process! It’s now over to our star studded judging panel who will decide the winners to be announced at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London.
The event will be held on Wednesday, 4th November and consist of a drinks reception, three course meal, awards ceremony presided over by award winning stand-up comedian, presenter, actor and broadcaster, Aurie Styla, and after party until 1am.
Click here to book your place at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 4th November.
