March 26, 2014

GOV. MALLOY: APPLANGO USA JOINS STAMFORD INNOVATION CENTER, CREATES JOBS

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that Applango USA, Inc., a subsidiary of Israel-based Applango Systems will open its U.S. headquarters at the Stamford Innovation Center as part of a project that will expand the company's regional presence and create four jobs for Connecticut residents.

"Israel's economy is one of the strongest and most dynamic of the industrialized nations, becoming known as the nation of startups. It is important for Connecticut's long-term economic viability that we develop partnerships with Israel and its many innovative and creative companies," said Governor Malloy. "Supporting Applango USA and its project makes good business sense and builds on other efforts the state is taking to strengthen economic ties with Israel."

Applango USA decided to open its headquarters in Connecticut following several successful implementations among New England-based customers as well as its May 2013 graduation from the prestigious Microsoft Azure R&D Accelerator program in Israel. The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) will provide Applango with a $100,000 grant to support the project and hire four new employees.

"Applango chose to open its U.S. headquarters in Connecticut to be close to its largest customers and to have easy connections to both its base in Israel and to the rest of the U.S.," said Applango USA's chief executive officer Daniel Sarfati. "Applango's management also found a welcoming business community striving to actively contribute on a daily basis to its success."

In December 2013, DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith led a trade delegation of businesses and area economic development officials to Israel to facilitate business matchmaking and networking opportunities. The trade delegation focused on the mutual growth sectors of aerospace, clean energy, IT, and biotechnology that are driving the Connecticut and Israeli economies.

"My recent trade mission to Israel put in place a foundation for greater collaboration and cooperation on the academic, business and government levels," said DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith. "A new study by the New England-Israel Business Council details the tremendous economic impact Israeli companies have when they start their US operations. Our pitch to Israeli companies: choose Connecticut. Here you get the benefits of access to the entire east coast market with a fraction of the cost of moving to the New York or Boston markets."

The Connecticut trade delegation to Israel resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding between DECD and the Israel Tech Transfer Organization, which is the first step in laying the foundation for better and more productive economic and research collaborations between Connecticut and Israeli businesses, research institutions and universities.

"It is great to see another software company put down roots in Stamford, particularly a firm from abroad like Applango that is looking to establishing a U.S. presence," said State Senator Carlo Leone (D-27). "I thank Governor Malloy and the administration for being so proactive in reaching out overseas to find new business partners for Connecticut, and ultimately bringing this company and the jobs it will support to Stamford."

"I am pleased to see Connecticut support businesses that embrace innovation and job growth," said State Senator Scott Frantz (R-36). "Stamford has incredible potential to become a hub for inventive entrepreneurs and cutting edge technology. I look forward to welcoming Applango to our community and hope to see the company thrive here in Connecticut."

"I applaud the announcement by Governor Malloy that Applango USA ,Inc. will open its U.S. headquarters at the Stamford Innovation Center. This is an important economic development for Connecticut, Stamford and the region," said State Representative Gerald Fox III (D-146). "The $100,000 grant to Applango by DECD represents a wise investment in creating jobs and welcoming business to Connecticut.

"Again, the Governor's aggressive focus on economic development pays off big. Connecticut is a player now, competing not just regionally, but we're also winning new business and investment on an international stage," said State Representative William Tong (D-147). "Israel is a key strategic and economic power, and I'm glad the Governor has the vision and foresight to focus on this opportunity and relationship. We absolutely must keep this momentum going strong."

"I welcome the investment in Stamford, especially as it expands our international presence," said State Representative Dan Fox (D-148). "I thank Governor Malloy for his continued commitment."

Founded in 2012, Applango develops software that provides analytics and business intelligence for Enterprise SaaS (Software as a Service) applications that enable companies to optimize their usage. SaaS allows organizations to access business functionality at a cost typically less than paying for licensed applications. The Applango team specializes in Enterprise software, in particular Cloud and Big Data applications, with the company's R&D supported in part by funds provided by the Chief Scientist of Israel.

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For Immediate Release: March 26, 2014

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy