Virtru, a District-based cybersecurity company, announced that it would be relocating to a new 17,000 SF HQ at 1801 Pennsylvania Ave, NW that doubles its footprint in downtown DC.1 The company offers data security products for emails, files, and SaaS applications, providing 7,000+ customers with data protection solutions. Virtru has been expanding its operations since raising $60 million in January of 2022, which has included new hiring and expanding its product portfolio.2
Virtru’s expansion within DC was supported by the Vitality Fund, a District government incentive that assists businesses in target sectors to relocate, expand, or stay in Washington, DC. Virtru is the first applicant of the fund, which aims to grow the presence of high-impact industry sectors in the District and support their expansion in the city. In a recent announcement of the District’s new five-year economic strategy, John Ackerly, CEO of Virtru, noted that:
“There’s no place in the world like Washington, DC, and we are thrilled to be expanding Virtru’s headquarters in our new office space on Pennsylvania Avenue. Virtru operates at the intersection of business, policy, and driving positive societal change — so there’s no better place for us to continue growing and scaling our business.”3
Virtru’s announcement highlights DC’s unique competitive advantages in the cybersecurity sector and as a leading hub for tech talent.4 The DC metro region is the top market for information security analysts, as shown in the table below, and had an estimated 112,347 workers employed in cybersecurity-related jobs in 2022.5
Source: JobsEQ. 2022 Q2: Information Security Analysts (15-1212).
The region is home to prominent cybersecurity companies including Carahsoft Technology and Guidepoint Security6 in addition to the headquarters of leading providers of cybersecurity consulting services such as Booz Allen Hamilton and CACI International. Several local cybersecurity companies have recently raised successful funding rounds including Adlumin, DNSFilter, and GreyNoise Intelligence. The proximity to the U.S. Cyber Command, National Security Agency (NSA), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) creates a unique draw for companies operating at the intersection of government and digital security, while key industry associations such as the National Cybersecurity Society and the Information Systems Security Association provide networking opportunities to connect with similar companies and clients.
Local universities also play a role in bolstering the regional pipeline into cybersecurity roles and in advancing thought leadership on digital privacy and security. George Washington University is designated as a Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense Research by the NSA, hosts the Cyber Security and Privacy Research Institute, and offers degree programs in cybersecurity as well as a part-time Cybersecurity Boot Camp. In 2019, Georgetown University founded the Center for Security and Emerging Technology to produce timely research on the security implications of new technologies. Howard University has also launched the Data Science & Cybersecurity Center and offers a graduate certificate in cybersecurity.
With access to a highly skilled workforce and a prominent network of cyber expertise, DC offers the right talent, ecosystem, and support for cybersecurity companies to have an impact and meet the demand for digital security solutions.
WDCEP guided Virtru through the Vitality Fund application process and is available to support companies interested in expanding, relocating, or remaining within the District. To learn more about applying to the Vitality Fund and other opportunities for tech companies in DC, reach out to Audrey Polk, VP of Corporate Attraction.
1 – Pembroke. (November 17, 2022). Virtru Relocates Their HQ to 1801 Pennsylvania Avenue.
2 – Virtru. (January 10, 2023). Virtru Closes Out a Transformative 2022, Accentuated by Company Growth, Product Innovation, and Industry Accolades.
3 – Executive Office of the Mayor. (January 9, 2023). Mayor Bowser unveils DC’s Comeback Plan.
4 – CBRE. (2022). Scoring Tech Talent 2022.
5 – Cyberseek. (2022). Cybersecurity Supply/Demand Heat Map.
6 – Washington Business Journal. (October 14, 2022). Largest Cybersecurity Companies in Greater D.C.
