Square Expanding in Cortex

St. Louis, MO- One of the fastest growing technology companies in the United States has set into motion its expansion plans in the Cortex Innovation Community. Square, will expand its offices and this expansion will also bring approximately 300 new jobs.

“Square is proud to be from St. Louis and thrilled to expand our presence here, where we’ve exceeded our growth expectations thanks to the wealth of local talent," said Jim McKelvey, Co-Founder and Director of Square. "St. Louis is home to tens of thousands of Square sellers and we’re thankful for the support of our city and state partners in furthering their growth, and excited for what’s ahead."

“We are thrilled that Square is rapidly expanding here in St. Louis,” stated St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson. “Square is another company that is helping grow our tech sector and I want to personally thank founder Jim McKelvey for doubling down on his hometown. With their second biggest office located right here, we look forward to Square continuing to grow with our diverse and talented workforce, affordable housing, and centrally-located space in Cortex, one of the nation’s leading innovation communities.”

Founded by two St. Louis natives in 2009, Jack Dorsey, founder and CEO of Twitter, and McKelvey, Square is leading the world in financial services technology. Square has more than 240 employees working in Cortex in two locations at 4240 Duncan and a subleased space in Cortex 1.

“Square is a leading edge financial services company that we are proud has such strong ties to Missouri,” said Steve Johnson, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “The company is committed to our region and their investment and job creation is part of the transformative impact the entire Cortex Innovation Community is having on St. Louis. We look forward to supporting their continued growth and success in Missouri.”

“Our objective in Cortex is to build a community of innovative companies, entrepreneurs and employees. Square checks all of these boxes,” said Dennis Lower, President and CEO of the Cortex Innovation Community. “Square’s expansion is a win for the District, the City and the region. It sends a strong message that St. Louis has a competitive value proposition for expanding tech companies that require a talented, diverse workforce.”

Otis Williams, Executive Director of St. Louis Development Corporation stated, “Square has been a leading contributor to the Cortex Innovation Community. Their expansion, accompanied with the 300 or so job opportunities this expansion will bring to the St. Louis Area, will be a welcomed addition.”

Since its founding, Square has expanded into several other markets and industries making it one of the leaders in mobile financial services, merchant services, and mobile payments.

About the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC)

St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is an umbrella, not-for-profit corporation organized under Chapter 355 of the Missouri State Statutes with the mission of fostering economic development and growth in the City of St. Louis by stimulating the market for private investment in City real estate and business development and improve the quality of life for everyone who lives in, works in, and visits the City.  The mission of the SLDC is to stimulate the market for private investment in City real estate and business development and improve the quality of life for everyone who lives in, works in, and visits the City of St. Louis. If there are questions, please contact John Parker, Director of Corporate Communications and Media at 314-363-1102 or email him at parkerj@stlouis-mo.gov