Israeli cybersecurity firm to open regional HQ in Tampa, create 150 jobs

Cybecs, an Israeli cybersecurity company, says it will establish a regional headquarters in Tampa.

The news comes as the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council says more than 40% of Tampa Bay EDC's new prospects this year have been international companies.

Cybecs plans to create 150 jobs over the next three years in roles including information technology, software development, sales and human resources, the company says in a joint news release with the Tampa Bay EDC.

"We were looking to expand with an office in the Eastern time zone, particularly the Southeast, and Tampa stood out to us because of the strong tech presence here," says Asaf Levy, CEO of Cybecs. "We're excited to build a strong team in Tampa, tapping into the deep pool of tech talent that this growing city has to offer."

Cybecs says it will initially lease space in downtown Tampa as it ramps up its operations, company officials say.

Cybecs sells rapid technological solutions to counter cyber threats for global operations. It sells to sectors including defense, e-commerce, banking, health care, transportation, aviation and education.

Cybecs joins a growing list of cybersecurity companies choosing to expand to Tampa, including Ridgeline International, Rapid7 and OPSWAT.

The Tampa Bay EDC says it provided a community and labor market overview to sell Tampa to Cybecs, making the case for Tampa. The EDC says it will continue to assist the company with support for training grants and finding skilled talent with its partners at CareerSource Tampa Bay, as well as local colleges and universities.

The Cybecs news comes as Tampa Bay EDC says it is seeing an increase interest in foreign direct investment projects, particularly in the financial, professional services and information technology sectors.

International companies are increasingly choosing Tampa to launch or expand their U.S. operations, says Angel Gonzalez, chair of the Tampa Bay EDC and regional president of SouthState Bank.

The Tampa Bay EDC is the lead-designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. Established in 2009 as a partnership between the public sector and dozens of private corporate investors, the EDC says it works to advance a diversified local economy by attracting, expanding and retaining quality employers, a talented workforce and new investment.