Software firm Cataphora opens office in Ann Arbor

Cataphora, a Silicon Valley-based software firm, is opening up an engineering center in downtown Ann Arbor to take advantage of the talent pool at the University of Michigan. "We recruit nationwide but some of our best employees have been coming from the University of Michigan," says Chris Kurecka, manager of Michigan engineering for Cataphora. The nine-year-old firm employs 37 people, including one employee and two interns at the new Ann Arbor office. A number of Cataphora's executive team members also have Ann Arbor roots. The company's CEO, CTO, and Kurecka all graduated from U-M. Cataphora plans to grow its new office to 10-20 people within the next 12-18 months. It chose the new office, with the help of Ann Arbor SPARK, at 500 E Washington because of the vibrancy and walkability of downtown, plus its close proximity to U-M's Central Campus. "It's nice to be within walking distance of everyone," Kurecka says. "We're also trying to attract students so being within walking distance of the university is great." Source: Chris Kurecka, manager of Michigan engineering for Cataphora Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.