Dublin-based Certification Europe has secured a €400,000 investment to expand

its team and build market share in key international markets.

The funding round was led by Kernel Capital through the Bank of Ireland Seed and Early Stage Equity Fund.

Certification Europe is an accredited certification body that provides ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) management system certification and other management standards to organisations.

Headquartered in Dublin, the company also has offices in the UK, Italy, Turkey and Japan. It’s client’s include BT, Diageo, KMPG, An Post and Microsoft.

According to chief executive Michael Brophy, the investment is not only an endorsement of the growth and success the company has experienced over the past number of years, but testimony to the huge opportunities it is poised to exploit in the future.

“We have some of the biggest companies in the world as our clients, and perform over 8,000 assessments or inspections annually across the globe,” Mr Brophy said.

“Kernel’s investment means that we not only have the means of growing our existing service offering,” he said, “but can now expand our services into additional countries beyond the 16 in which we currently operate.”

Certification Europe currently employs more than 50 people and expects to create an additional 15 jobs next year.

Kernel Capital partner Orla Rimmington said the investment will enable the company to further capitalise on its traction in key markets.

“Our Bank of Ireland Seed and Early Stage Fund supports SMEs with a strong export focus, which is fundamental to building the next generation of world-class Irish companies,” she said.