Grand Forks, ND – [April 9, 2025] – Faction Networks, a disruptive start-up driving next-generation decentralized Zero Trust cybersecurity, has announced a strategic partnership with local North Dakota innovators InnoVets Aerospace and The HIVE to build and launch their Network Operations Center (NOC) and hardware manufacturing hub in Grand Forks, ND.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both the cybersecurity and unmanned autonomous systems (UAS) in the region, as Faction Networks brings its pioneering approach to securing Operational Technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) environments. The company’s platform is designed to replace vulnerable VPNs and reduce the complexity of software-defined networks (SDNs), empowering individuals, teams, and small to mid-sized organizations to defend against modern cyber threats.

“InnoVets Aerospace and the HIVE, Grand Forks is becoming a national leader in UAS – which has critical needs to secure command, control and data.  At the same time both the University of North Dakota and Dakota State University are amongst the leading cybersecurity colleges and labs in the nation,” said Dave Rand, CEO and CTO of Faction Networks.  “This combination of innovation, cyber leadership and a pipeline of top tier young talent is immensely valuable to a company like ours as we work to build out our next generation approach and platform.”  

Geoff Halstead, Faction Networks Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer added: “By partnering with InnoVets Aerospace and The HIVE, we are embedding our company in a thriving ecosystem of UAS innovation and cybersecurity excellence.   The facilities and strategic partner network created by the HIVE is second to none where you can find companies like O’leary Ventures (The Wonderfund), Grand Sky, Thread, Northrop Grumman, KBR, and so many others doing business in the area.”     

Faction Networks’ leadership team is composed of seasoned technology executives with decades of experience in cybersecurity, enterprise software, and infrastructure. CEO Dave Rand previously co-founded  and took public AboveNet, the last major Tier 1 Internet Service Provider, and served as CTO and Technical Fellow at global cybersecurity leader Trend Micro for over a decade, helping them to cross $1 billion dollars in annual revenue. Chief Product Officer Geoff Halstead brings a track record of driving product innovation at early- to-mid-stage technology companies.

The HIVE, located in the heart of downtown Grand Forks, is a unique hybrid accelerator and incubator focused on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and autonomous technologies. It provides startups and scaleups with the resources and collaborative environment needed to grow and commercialize advanced technologies. https://www.hivegf.com

InnoVets Aerospace, a leader in UAS operations, management, and planning, is an early-stage investor in Faction Networks. With over a decade of experience in the Grand Forks UAS ecosystem, InnoVets plays a pivotal role in bridging cutting-edge defense technologies with commercial and public sector applications. https://Innovets.net

“This partnership is an exciting next step in the evolution of the HIVE and the strategic economic development of Grand Forks” said Johnny Ryan, Managing Director of the HIVE.  “We look forward to supporting Faction Networks in its goal to become a major powerhouse in cybersecurity.   They are working to eliminate some of the biggest national security threats this nation faces and I’m excited to see its potential positive impact on the UAS industry as well”

Innovets Co-Founder and President Chris Yakabe added:  “We are delighted that we were able to help bring Faction Networks to North Dakota.   As an early investor, we have watched their development from day one, and are confident that the pairing of their drive and capabilities with the fantastic human talent and economic development resources here in the Dakotas will be a formula for enormous success.”

Faction Networks’ presence in Grand Forks will bolster the region’s reputation as a hub for autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing—attracting talent, driving innovation, and creating high-tech jobs.

Media Contacts:

For Faction Networks and Innovets Aerospace
Amy Cunha
Big Picture PR 
amy@bigpicpr.com
415-350-3154