The Right Place Releases 2025 Tech Report During Tech Week Grand Rapids

The Right Place, Inc. today announced the release of its 2025 Tech Report, unveiling the latest data, insights, and milestones from Greater Grand Rapids’ growing technology sector. The report was announced during Tech Week Grand Rapids, the region’s premier week-long celebration of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The 2025 Tech Report highlights the continued momentum of the region’s 10-year tech strategy, launched in 2021, which aims to make Greater Grand Rapids the Midwest’s leading technology hub.

“Greater Grand Rapids is building a high-growth and dynamic tech sector. Since launching our 10-year strategy in 2021, we’ve added more than 5,600 new tech jobs, seen startups scale into global successes, and attracted national recognition as a top emerging market, ” said Andria Romkema, Senior Vice President of Business Development at The Right Place. "This year’s Tech Report reflects not only how far we’ve come, but the incredible momentum carrying us forward as we work to position our region as the Midwest’s leading tech hub."

Key Takeaways from the 2025 Tech Report:

• 1,312 tech jobs were added to the Greater Grand Rapids region in the past year.
• Since the launch of the region’s 10-year tech strategy in 2021, 5,610 tech jobs have been created.
• The region gained national recognition, being named:
• #1 City on the Rise by LinkedIn
• Most Entrepreneurial Tech Ecosystem in the Midwest for Growth by Deal.co
• Top 25 Emerging Tech Market in North America for High-Tech Talent by CBRE
• Venture capital activity in 2024 closed with 25 deals and $37 million raised. Despite softer venture capital in 2024 than in previous years, 2025 has already outpaced 2024: in the first eight months alone, more than $57 million was raised across 12 deals, compared to $37 million across 10 deals during the same period last year.
• Key ecosystem successes include:
• Payload CMS acquired by Figma: After raising $5M in 2022, Grand Rapids-based Payload CMS was acquired in June 2025 by design platform Figma. One month later, Figma completed a $1.2B IPO.
• Business expansions and investments: Major companies continued to grow in the region. Microsoft deepened its investment footprint, Woodchuck AI established new operations, and Symplicity Communications and City Innovations solidified their presence in downtown Grand Rapids.
• University-led initiatives: Grand Valley State University and the Michigan State University Research Foundation expanded programs supporting entrepreneurs and startups, backed by new funding to further amplify their reach.

The report demonstrates how Greater Grand Rapids continues to strengthen its reputation as a rising tech hub, driven by both job creation and ecosystem innovation.

For more insights, download the full 2025 Tech Report here.