What RapidAscent does

RapidAscent is a private cybersecurity and IT workforce development company founded in 2020 and headquartered in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with additional offices in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Pleasanton, California. The company operates a proprietary job-simulated training platform that replicates live corporate IT environments with persistent, non-resetting scenarios, evolving threats, and employer-verified task completion tracking. Its curriculum is structured as a three-course pathway (Cyber Foundations, Cyber Defense Operations, and Advanced Cyber Operations) totaling approximately $18,000, with accelerated 17-week full-time or 23-week part-time completion. The company is a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprentice, DoD SkillBridge approved provider, VA-approved with GI Bill acceptance, Post-Secondary Accredited, and a CompTIA Partner.

The company serves a diverse learner base including transitioning military service members, career changers from non-technical backgrounds, high school graduates, military spouses, and corporate teams. Its go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer self-serve enrollment through rapidascent.com, enterprise field sales for cohort-based corporate apprenticeship programs (most prominently the Boeing Technical Apprenticeship Program), and channel partnerships with veteran-serving nonprofits such as Hire Heroes USA, 7 Eagle Group, Operation New Uniform, Vets2Industry, Vets2PM, AllegiantVETS, and Cyber Bytes Foundation. The curriculum is employer-driven, developed with input from hiring partners, and covers eight role-specific pathways including SOC Engineering, Penetration Testing, Cloud Security, Security Engineering, Risk Engineering, DFIR, Network Engineering, and ISSO/GRC.

Revenue streams include individual tuition (~$18,000 per full pathway), corporate upskilling contracts for teams of 5+, employer-funded paid apprenticeship programs (notably Boeing BTAP), and no-cost training programs for eligible active-duty members funded through DoD SkillBridge. Graduates have been hired by 50+ companies including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, CACI, General Dynamics, Jacobs, Booz Allen Hamilton, Peraton, General Atomics, and Cherokee Federal. The company was co-founded by Brian DeMuth, Mike Lyons (CEOs), and Craig Schultz (CTO), with no disclosed institutional equity investors, and received a Good Jobs Grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2022 alongside Boeing to fund DOL Registered Apprenticeship expansion.

Name

RapidAscent

Legal name

RapidAscent Inc.

Website

https://rapidascent.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

RapidAscent is a private cybersecurity and IT apprenticeship training company that delivers job-simulated, employer-driven programs for transitioning military, career changers, and corporate teams. Its DOL-registered pathway places graduates at 50+ defense and aerospace employers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cybersecurity Training & Workforce Development

NAICS

Computer Training (611420), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)

akta.pro primary industry

Information Technology & Cybersecurity Certification Prep (CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, ISC2/ISACA) (EDANAIAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Bootcamps & Accelerated Reskilling (Full-time/Part-time) (BPAEANAE), Custom Corporate IT Training & Upskilling Programs (BPAEANAB), Information Technology & Software (EDAAAPAB)

Keywords

• Cybersecurity training
• IT apprenticeship programs
• Professional certification training
• Cyber workforce development
• Hands-on cyber range training

Headquarters

HQ city

Fredericksburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Tuition-based Training Programs: Full cybersecurity pathway totaling approximately $18,000 when all three courses are completed. Courses priced at approximately $6,000 each: Cyber Foundations, Cyber Defense Operations, and Advanced Cyber Operations. Learners can progress step-by-step rather than committing to full program upfront.
2. Corporate Upskilling: Team training for 5+ employees with customizable courses, fully simulated labs and team exercises. Pricing varies by organization size and customization requirements.
3. Apprenticeship Programs: Highly competitive apprenticeship programs where selected learners receive salary during on-the-job apprenticing and pay nothing out of pocket for tuition from that point forward.
4. No-Cost Training Programs: Free JumpStart orientation and no-cost career pre-training workshops for eligible participants including active duty service members with free CompTIA Security+ training.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

RapidAscent provides apprentice-style cybersecurity and IT job-readiness training through a proprietary job-simulated platform that replicates live corporate IT environments with persistent realistic scenarios, evolving threats, and verified skills tracking. Its offerings include a free JumpStart orientation, a three-course cybersecurity pathway (Cyber Foundations, Cyber Defense Operations, Advanced Cyber Operations) totaling approximately $18,000, corporate upskilling, CompTIA certification preparation, the Boeing Technical Apprenticeship Program (BTAP), and integrated employer success/job placement services. The company targets transitioning military, career changers, and corporate teams.

Product overview

RapidAscent is an education technology company offering a unified training ecosystem centered on its core Training Platform, supplemented by structured learning programs and career readiness services. The platform includes JumpStart (free orientation), New Career Entry Program (17/23-week apprenticeship training), Corporate Upskilling (professional development courses), Employer Success Program (job placement services), CompTIA Certification Training, and specialized Role-Specific Career Pathways. The company also partners with Boeing for the BTAP apprenticeship program. All components are designed to work together as an end-to-end pathway from exploration through employment in cybersecurity and IT careers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• New Career Entry Program A comprehensive 17-week (full-time) or 23-week (part-time evening) job readiness program providing hands-on apprentice-style training in IT and cybersecurity for individuals with no prior cybersecurity or IT experience seeking entry-level positions. Includes integrated employer success engagement and CompTIA certification preparation (Sec+ or CySA+).
• Cyber Foundations Course First course in the three-course cybersecurity pathway (approximately $6,000), covering foundational IT and cybersecurity training including team basics, Windows and Linux OS, and networking fundamentals.
• Cyber Defense Operations Course Second course in the three-course cybersecurity pathway (approximately $6,000), covering operational tasks including vulnerability analysis, threat analysis, SOC operations, digital forensics, and incident response.
• Advanced Cyber Operations Course Third course in the cybersecurity pathway (approximately $6,000), covering application security, risk analysis, threat hunting, and a capstone final project.
• JumpStart A free self-driven orientation program providing essential IT, networking, and cybersecurity basics in 4-6 hours. Helps prospective learners determine if cybersecurity or IT is the right career path before committing to operational training.
• RapidAscent Training Platform An enterprise-grade virtual training platform that replicates real corporate IT environments with live systems, evolving threats, and industry-specific job simulations. Provides persistent, realistic scenarios where learners build, break, and secure corporate environments over time.
• Corporate Upskilling Role-specific, hands-on upskilling programs for individuals and corporate teams (5+ employees), covering SOC analyst, incident responder, network engineer, digital forensics specialist, threat hunter, cloud security, and threat and insurance roles. Pricing varies by organization size and customization requirements.
• Employer Success Program Integrated career services including resume tailoring, interview preparation, live networking with recruiters and hiring managers, job shadowing, and project-based learning to help graduates secure employment.
• CompTIA Certification Training Comprehensive training programs for industry-recognized CompTIA certifications including Security+, CySA+, A+, and Network+. Includes hands-on labs, live expert instruction, and real-world application.
• Boeing Technical Apprenticeship Program (BTAP) A collaborative training program with Boeing delivering accelerated, hands-on IT and cybersecurity training designed jointly to meet Boeing's diverse job roles. Annual cohorts go through JumpStart for cybersecurity fundamentals; top performers are selected for a paid 12-month technical apprenticeship leading to full-time qualified job candidate status at Boeing. Graduates receive an industry-recognized credential from Boeing and a DOL registered apprenticeship credential.
• Role-Specific Career Pathways Eight specialized career tracks including SOC Engineering, Penetration Testing, Cloud Security Engineering, Security Engineering, Risk Engineering, Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR), IT Support, and Secure Software. Each pathway provides role-specific task training for the first year on the job.
• No-Cost Training Programs No-cost career pre-training workshops and complimentary CompTIA Security+ training for active duty military members. Includes workshops for career networking, employer connection, and industry career path exploration.

Named customers13 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• 7 Eagle GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerVeteran-focused recruiting and career transition organization that helps transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses move into civilian careers. Connects military talent with employers across multiple industries through DoD SkillBridge-approved provider status. Participants gain access to RapidAscent's hands-on cybersecurity, IT, and AI training combined with career support.
• Hire Heroes USAcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerVeteran empowerment organization collaborating with RapidAscent to align career aspirations with focused training in cybersecurity, secure software development, IT, and networking. Identifies individuals passionate about these fields and delivers tailored hands-on training. Leverages career coaching and job placement resources for comprehensive veteran transition experience.
• Operation New Uniform (ONU)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerNonprofit organization empowering servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses to transition from military life to purposeful careers. Founded in 2014 with 97% employment rate for graduates within four months. Offers personalized training programs including in-person classes at Jacksonville and Tampa, Florida locations plus online self-paced options. Provides career readiness training, mentorship, and networking.
• Vets2Industry (V2I)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNonprofit providing free resource library for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. Offers virtual networking events, mentorship programs, and partnerships with industry leaders. Initiatives include Virtual Networking Circuit connecting veterans with employers and mentors, plus resource library on veteran benefits and career transition tools.
• Vets2PMminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSpecializes in helping military veterans transition into civilian project management careers through PMP, CAPM, and Scrum certifications. Provides tailored training and comprehensive career services including exam preparation, application assistance, and lifetime career support. Connects veterans with DoD SkillBridge internships and veteran-ready employers.
• Cyber Bytes FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvances cybersecurity education and workforce development. Integrates Cyber Innovation Center with RapidAscent's apprentice-style training to provide hands-on, job-ready learning. Equips military and civilian learners with practical skills bridging education and industry for cybersecurity careers.
• AllegiantVETScoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEmpowers veterans and transitioning service members by providing career coaching, skill alignment, and placement opportunities in high-demand industries. Identifies veterans interested in cybersecurity, IT, and secure software development. Ensures comprehensive training tailored to career goals combining technical expertise with job readiness support.
• BoeingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTraining provider for the Boeing Technical Apprenticeship Program (BTAP) delivering accelerated on-the-job cybersecurity training. Annual cohorts go through JumpStart Program for cybersecurity fundamentals and performance assessment. Top performers selected for paid 12-month technical apprenticeship leading to full-time qualified job candidate status at Boeing. Graduates receive industry-recognized credential from Boeing and DOL registered apprenticeship credential.
• CompTIAcoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial CompTIA partner providing certification preparation for Security+, CySA+, A+, Network+, and other CompTIA certifications. Learners earn industry-recognized credentials that employers expect for DoD 8140.01 positions and other cybersecurity roles.
• Partner UniversitiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partners where learners may earn professional undergraduate operational certificates aligned with RapidAscent courses. Number of academic credits per course may vary by university partner. Provides pathway to both operational credentials and academic recognition.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• SANS Institute: SANS is the leading global provider of cybersecurity training and GIAC certifications, offering hands-on cyber range exercises and employer-recognized credentials — directly comparable to RapidAscent's CompTIA-aligned, employer-driven cyber training model.
• Cybrary: Cybrary delivers online cybersecurity and IT training with hands-on labs and career pathways aimed at entry-to-mid-level practitioners, competing for the same career-changer and upskilling learner segments as RapidAscent.
• TryHackMe: TryHackMe is a gamified, hands-on cybersecurity learning platform with guided rooms and corporate training offerings, competing most directly with RapidAscent's persistent cyber-range simulator for self-serve learners and team upskilling budgets.
• OffSec (Offensive Security): OffSec produces OSCP and other offensive-security certifications backed by hands-on lab environments, comparable in delivering employer-recognized, performance-based cybersecurity credentials to the RapidAscent CompTIA-aligned pathway.
• Infosec Institute: Infosec Institute provides bootcamp-style and certification-aligned cybersecurity training with employer partnerships, directly comparable to RapidAscent's role-specific pathways and CompTIA/DoD-aligned curriculum.
• Per Scholas: Per Scholas is a nonprofit IT training provider focused on career changers and underserved populations with employer hiring partnerships — a close analog to RapidAscent's mission-driven, employer-anchored training model.
• NPower: NPower delivers no-cost IT and cybersecurity training to veterans and underrepresented adults with employer hiring partners, overlapping directly with RapidAscent's veteran/military transition programs and tuition-free apprenticeship model.
• Flatiron School: Flatiron School is a tech bootcamp offering cybersecurity and software engineering tracks with career services, comparable as an accelerated, employer-aligned training competitor in the same tuition-and-outcome category.

Broad incumbents

• Pluralsight: Pluralsight is a broad incumbent in technology skill development with a sizable cybersecurity catalog and enterprise team plans, overlapping with RapidAscent's corporate upskilling motion across a much wider portfolio.

Emerging players

• RangeForce: RangeForce delivers cloud-based, hands-on cyber range exercises for enterprise team upskilling and assessments — an emerging competitor targeting the same corporate cyber-readiness wallet as RapidAscent's Corporate Upskilling program.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/_rapidascent
• Facebookfacebook.com/RapidAscent-102986528675246
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rapidascent
• Instagraminstagram.com/_rapidascent

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about RapidAscent