Copado Moves Global Headquarters to New Orleans
The software company is leveraging state tax incentives to expand its local presence with 59 new jobs.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Remote Work
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Software firm Copado has officially relocated its global headquarters from Chicago to New Orleans, occupying the sixth floor of 400 Poydras Street. The move, which follows the company's expansion into the local market, includes plans to add 59 new positions to its existing 70-person local headcount.
Why it matters
The relocation highlights a growing trend of technology companies leveraging state-backed economic incentives to establish hubs in secondary markets. Copado is utilizing Louisiana's specific tax credit programs and hiring support to scale operations while tapping into local talent pipelines through university partnerships.
Copado is scaling its local footprint with 59 planned new hires to join its 70 current employees, backed by a $375,000 state performance grant. The company is also retaining 95 existing positions as it transitions operations from Chicago to its new New Orleans office.
The players
Copado
A software company that manages business operations and development processes.
LED FastStart
A Louisiana state program that provides workforce recruitment and training assistance to businesses.
The details
Copado is settling into the sixth floor of 400 Poydras Street, utilizing the state's LED FastStart program to manage its workforce expansion. The firm is positioning itself to participate in both the Quality Jobs and Digital Interactive Media and Software Development tax credit programs. These mechanisms allow the company to offset the costs of building a new headquarters while integrating local university internship pipelines into its standard recruiting model.
Timeline
2013: Copado was founded in Spain.
2019: The company moved its base of operations to Chicago.
2024: The CEO made the first local hire in New Orleans.
Late 2025: Copado moved into 400 Poydras Street.
October 2026: The company announced its official headquarters move.
Market Landscape
Copado's relocation marks a strategic shift toward utilizing state-specific economic vehicles like the Louisiana Quality Jobs program to anchor operations. This move follows an industry trend where software firms favor regional tax incentives over traditional major tech hubs to lower operating costs.
Business owners in the region should track the entry of new firms like Copado, which increase competition for local software talent and influence salary benchmarks. Monitor upcoming tax incentive disclosures if you are looking to scale operations, as these programs significantly alter the cost-benefit analysis of local hiring.
The takeaway
The relocation serves as a reminder that headquarters decisions are increasingly influenced by the intersection of founder personal ties and aggressive state economic development packages. Operators should audit their current state and local tax credit eligibility to determine if they are missing out on similar hiring or development subsidies.
Further reading
For more on how shifts in corporate office strategy impact local talent pools, see our coverage on Remote Work.
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