Neptune North, a British technology and artificial intelligence consultancy serving finance and defense businesses, plans to establish a North American hub in Columbus and create 75 full-time jobs by the end of 2029. The company’s office will be at 800 N. High St. in the Short North, in a 10-story building that also houses Townhall, the Moxy hotel and rooftop bar and restaurant Mandrake. Neptune North expects to hire for software development, data engineering and other technology roles. The Ohio Department of Development approved a 1.449% tax credit for eight years, according to Gov. Mike DeWine’s office. The incentive is tied to the company’s commitment to create 75 full-time positions and reach at least $6 million in annual Ohio payroll by the end of 2029. Neptune North is currently hiring for a site lead in Columbus. CEO James Beard said the company is building its team and sees opportunities for local candidates at both entry and experienced levels, while also hoping to attract workers from outside the region. “The Columbus Region gives Neptune North access to the exceptional talent, business community and connectivity we need to serve U.S. clients and build a strong foundation for long-term growth,” Beard said. The Columbus office is one of three U.S. locations for the company. Neptune North also has a presence in Illinois, where it works with business students at the University of Illinois, and Washington, D.C. Julia Hart, the company’s U.S. country director, pointed to the Columbus office’s proximity to Ohio State University as an advantage. Founded in 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Neptune North is a joint venture between consulting firm Oliver Wyman and investment firm Rokos Capital Management. The company was created to address what it describes as a shortage of technical consulting in the technology industry. J.P. Nauseef, president and CEO of JobsOhio, said the company’s decision reflects Ohio’s appeal to international investors. The promised jobs and payroll will be a measure of whether the public tax incentive delivers the local economic benefits pledged.