By WKTV Staff
Earlier this month, The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced that Grand Rapids-based full-scope cyber security company Vulnerability Discovery & Analysis Labs, LLC (VDA Labs) has expanded to a new location at 5234 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. This expansion will result in the creation of 25 jobs and a capital investment of $300,000. VDA employees will move into the existing 3,000 square foot location that will house lab and office space, as well as room for product design and security review.
VDA Labs was founded in 2007 to make the world safer by providing world class cyber security services, products and training. VDA helps customers here in Michigan, nationally and even internationally. Example projects include securing new tech in automobiles, conducting ethical hacking for companies to help them proactively fix bugs, monitoring alerts and conducting incident response in emergency situations, and even high-end security research for companies like Microsoft.
“We’re investing in the future of our people, processes and technology,” said Dr. Jared DeMott, founder & CEO, VDA Labs. “We continue to expand our efforts to make our customers and the world safer. Cybercrime is quickly becoming the number one threat to businesses and people everywhere, and we’re proud to serve on the front lines of combating the threat.”
The Right Place worked in collaboration with VDA Labs and the MEDC to ensure the company continued its growth in the region. The MEDC is supporting the expansion effort with the approval of a $75,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.
“We’re seeing West Michigan’s technology sector continue to grow as more companies choose to invest in our region,” said Jen Wangler, senior business development manager at The Right Place, Inc. and project lead on the VDA Labs project. “VDA Labs’ decision to establish its first campus in Plainfield Township speaks to the quality of our talent and ability to provide a strong foundation for growing tech companies.”
“Plainfield Township is thrilled to welcome VDA Labs to our community,” said Plainfield Charter Township Superintendent Cameron VanWyngarden. “In an ever-changing economy, we are excited to see growth in our local technology industry, especially from companies that are home-grown in West Michigan.”
