Memphis, Tenn. (May 5, 2022) – Ookla®, an internationally recognized leader in network intelligence and connectivity insights, today opens its new office at the University of Memphis Research Foundation (UMRF) Research Park. Well known for its flagship consumer platforms, Speedtest® and Downdetector®, which are the gold standard for network measurement and status monitoring, Ookla’s commitment to the research park strengthens Memphis’ status as a technology innovation hub.
“Ookla is a global tech company dedicated to improving network connectivity and internet accessibility for all,” said Ookla co-founder and CEO Doug Suttles. “However, we believe that networking and connections should reach beyond the confines of the internet. We’re excited to strengthen our presence in the Memphis community and broaden our recruitment efforts for top-notch local talent with the University of Memphis.”
Seattle-based Ookla has invested significantly in renovations at the Research Park, with continued investment over the next five years as it establishes its largest office location in the Eastern United States. The company’s Memphis-based employees will have the opportunity to innovate and collaborate alongside the great community of companies in the research park and the research community at the University of Memphis. Companies in the research park, including Ookla, are committed to hiring University of Memphis students and alumni, as well as strengthening their local workforce opportunities.
“A key goal of the Research Park is to recruit innovative research-oriented companies to our metro area that can leverage the deep science expertise and workforce pipelines of the University to grow in Memphis,” said Dr. Bill Hardgrave, President of the University of Memphis. “Ookla is the exclamation mark on Phase 1 of the UMRF Research Park, and we are excited to enter the next phase of growth for the research park and the University’s engagement of companies interested in investing in Memphis.”
As it decided to expand into Memphis, Ookla worked closely with the region’s lead economic development organization, the Greater Memphis Chamber, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and Tennessee Economic and Community Development. The Chamber expects Ookla to be a catalyst for future growth in the region’s rapidly growing technology sector.
"Memphis is a destination for leaders of innovation because we're known the world over as the 'city of the four Rs,' with runway, river, road, and rail," said Ted Townsend, chief economic development officer of the Greater Memphis Chamber. "Now that the University of Memphis has been recognized as one of the top-tier research institutions in the nation, we're adding 'research' to our list of reasons world-class companies like Ookla are choosing to invest in Greater Memphis. We're excited to welcome Ookla to the Research Park and to Memphis as we continue to develop our future-ready innovation economy.”
Ookla is looking forward to being an active corporate citizen in Memphis, which has long been home to innovators in business as well as in music, food and culture.
“Examples of innovation and entrepreneurship can be seen throughout our city’s history,” Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said. “Ookla is exactly the type of high-tech, high-growth company that will help us to continue that tradition, and we’re so happy to have them in Memphis.”
Ookla is always looking for individuals who would be a great addition to join the company. You can explore current open positions on Ookla’s career webpage.
About Ookla®
Ookla® is a global leader in network intelligence and connectivity insights. For almost two decades, Ookla has set the industry standard for both fixed and mobile network testing and analysis. From its world-renowned Speedtest® and Downdetector® platforms to an accompanying and growing suite of end-to-end enterprise solutions, Ookla’s mission is to make the internet better, faster, and more accessible for everyone.
Ookla’s enterprise solutions combine first-party crowdsourced data and scientifically controlled testing with tools that provide actionable insights across a network’s lifecycle and customer experience. Our insights empower operators, businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, and more to analyze, optimize, and publicize networks around the world.
Ookla is part of Ziff Davis (NASDAQ: ZD), a vertically focused digital media and internet company whose portfolio includes leading brands in technology, entertainment, shopping, health, cybersecurity and martech. Ookla’s headquarters is located in Seattle, WA, USA with additional offices around the world.
About UMRF Research Park
Established in 2019 by the team at the FedEx Institute of Technology and the Division of Research & Innovation at the University of Memphis, the research park was created as a response to the rising need on the UofM campus for a resource that brings together the Memphis entrepreneurial ecosystem and the research capacity of our campus. The park works hand-in-hand with organizations to solve workforce and talent needs utilizing research faculty and/or UofM students. Primary initiatives include access to research/researchers; lab space; meeting space; workforce pipeline; networking opportunities; professional development; and opportunities to access venture funding.
For more information on the park, visit: https://www.umrfresearchpark.org/, or to inquire about research collaborations/partnerships with the park, contact Dr. Cody Behles, director of Research Development at the UofM and director of the UMRF Research Park at cbehles@memphis.edu.
About the Greater Memphis Chamber
Greater Memphis Chamber is a privately funded nonprofit that serves as the region’s lead economic development organization and the “Voice of Memphis Business” at the local, state, and national levels. The Chamber’s mission is to relentlessly pursue prosperity for all — through economic and workforce development, pro-growth advocacy, and by providing support and resources to its investors, including many of the region’s largest employers. For more information about the Chamber and its work, visit memphischamber.com and memphismoves.com. Also, follow the Chamber on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for its weekly newsletter, the Memphis Fourword.
Media Contacts
Ookla: Michelle Badrian, Communications Manager
UofM Research & Innovation: Mary Ann Dawson, Associate Dir Operations & Strategic Marketing
Greater Memphis Chamber: Ryan Poe, Director of Communications