Phenom People plans to double staff at new Ambler HQ

Growth projections at HR software company Phenom People are such that, the company says, headcount at its Ambler, Pa.-based will roughly double by the end of the year.

On Thursday, the company officially cut the ribbon at its new 12,000-square-foot HQ, nestled inside a leafy Montco redevelopment called Ambler Yards, with coworking spot 1776 as its next-door neighbor.

At the newly-opened site — where open-floor schemes, cool lamps and glass walls abound — the company’s Philly-area staff of 88 is set to grow to 160 over the coming six months. A company rep says Phenom is currently hiring about three people a week.

The growth spurt will be fueled by a sizable Series B raise announced last month: a $22-million round led by New York VC firm AXA Venture Partners. In May the company had 275 employees in a handful of countries, with plans to bring another 200 to continue expanding globally.

“I call this place home and that’s an important element of why we’re here,” said Bayireddi. “There’s so much potential to build this company from here.”

The next move from Phenom People, Bayireddy says, is a Center City presence to allow it to tap into a Philly-proper talent pool. Right now, out of the team of 80, about 20 commute to the suburbs from the city.

Have a look at the new offices:

The lobby area at Phenom People. (Photo by Roberto Torres)

“Intensity,” one of the company’s core values, is found peppered on screens around the office. (Photo by Roberto Torres)

Open floor plans are featured throughout. (Photo by Roberto Torres)

Kathleen Hunsicker, Chair of the Lower Gwynedd Board of Supervisors (left), and CEO Mahe Bayireddi cutting the ribbon on the new office. (Photo courtesy of Ben Bergman)