RENO, Nevada (June 10, 2020) – The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada  (EDAWN) announced three new companies to the Northern Nevada region at a live-stream press conference today. A combined 340 jobs will be created in the areas of software development, CRM platform development, data analysis and more. A significant number of these positions offer wages over $30/hour. Innovative companies such as these are a key factor toward leading the region’s economic recovery.

PlusPlus

PlusPlus, a software platform that allows companies like SalesForce, LinkedIn and Shopify to scale their internal learning and development programs, is expanding to Reno, with the aid of an investment received from the Reno Seed Fund (RSF). The Reno Seed Fund committed over half of the seed round that will support them to their Series A round in the coming year.

The company plans to hire 100 employees over the next five years, in sales, marketing and customer success, with an average annual base salary of $70,000.

“The talent shortage in the Bay Area had us thinking of the alternatives,” said CEO and Founder, Marko Gargenta. “We were looking for a place that had a large enough talent pool with good schools and a high quality of life that is also easily accessible. Reno topped the list. As a bonus, Reno embodies our core values of humble, hungry, and smart. We’re excited to expand our footprint in The Biggest Little City.”

“Reno Seed Fund is proud to be the lead investor in the $860K seed round for this rapidly growing software company,” said Gene Wong, RSF Managing Partner. “Our co-investors in this seed fun included the Sand Hill Angels and super angel Jeff Schox.”

YOGO

YOGO offers eco-friendly, compact yoga mats focused on performance and design. The company aims to make yoga a simpler, convenient and beautiful experience using natural materials and low waste design.

YOGO has moved both their operations and corporate office here with plans to hire up to 40 employees at their new location in Sparks, Nevada.

“The Reno-Sparks-Tahoe area has all the right elements to support a thriving young, independent company like YOGO including a pro-business environment and robust logistics resources from warehouses, to machinery, to custom pallet makers,” said Jessica Thompson, CEO of YOGO.  “It’s easy to get our shipments from West Coast ports and back out for delivery. And the vibrant and welcoming entrepreneurial community is a great fit for us as a young, outdoor-themed ecommerce business. The Reno area is a place that creatives and new businesses can flourish in one of the most beautiful recreation areas, where weekends feel like a vacation.”

Affinity Development Group

Affinity Development Group (ADG) specializes in developing affinity and Customer Relationship Management programs for many high profile clients. The scope of services offered include program assessment, strategic planning, business process and workflow development, product fulfillment, database integration/management, data mining and much more. ADG’s proven and innovative programs and processes have yielded successful results for industry-leading companies, including Costco, Ford, AGPA, Prudential, Aetna and Petersen Publishing.

Headquartered in San Diego, ADG plans to hire upwards of 200 employees and is actively seeking qualified candidates for a variety of positions at their new office in South Reno. Inquiries about open positions can be sent to careers@affinitydev.com. For more information, visit affinitydev.com.

“We are delighted to see the diversity of new, innovative companies like PlusPlus, YOGO and Affinity Development Group moving to our region,” said Mike Kazmierski, President and CEO of EDAWN. “From the Reno Seed Fund investor support, our collaborative community partners, and expansion of our entrepreneurial ecosystem, high growth companies like these continue to see Reno-Sparks-Tahoe as a place to scale their business. I also want to acknowledge David Woods and Matt Grimes, CBRE for their involvement in assisting ADG in their decision to relocate here.”

About PlusPlus

PlusPlus is a peer learning platform for larger companies. It automates the management of onboarding, workshops, and tech-talks at scale. With PlusPlus, companies attract and develop employees. Their people are happierand more effective.

For more information, visit https://plusplus.co/.

About Reno Seed Fund

The Reno Seed Fund promotes and supports economic development in the region by investing in early-stage companies and emphasizing the Northern Nevada region and its local strengths. For more information, visit renoseedfund.com.

About YOGO:

At YOGO we believe that the objects in your life should be simple, long-lasting, high-quality, and sustainably made. The YOGO Mat uses a minimalist folding design to bring convenience and cleanliness to your practice. We use only the best, most eco-friendly natural materials to ensure that elevating your self is also good for the Earth. One tree planted per mat. For more information, visit YOGO.net or contact Info@yogo.net.

About EDAWN:

The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada is a private/public partnership established in 1983 committed to adding quality jobs to the region by recruiting new companies, supporting the success of existing companies, and assisting newly forming companies, to diversify the economy and have a positive impact on the quality of life in Greater Reno-Sparks. More information, www.edawn.org.

Contact:

Norma Yamaji, EDAWN

Manager of Business Development

Yamaji@edawn.org

(775) 829-3768