Syracuse, N.Y. – When a startup’s business takes off, it has to do a lot of recruiting really fast.

And that’s just what Syracuse startup Hidden Level has been doing over the last four years.

The company, which makes systems that help the government, the military and private customers detect hard-to-see aerial drones, has grown its workforce five-fold since 2021.

Founded in 2018, Hidden Level’s workforce has increased from around 20 in 2021 to 104 this year. And it expects to continue that growth in the coming months.

CEO and co-founder Jeff Cole said 80% of his staff is based in Syracuse, where the company operates three offices, including its headquarters on North Geddes Street.

Recruiting talent is practically a full-time job for Cole. But he said it has not proven to be a difficult one.

For Cole, Syracuse is home, and there’s no other place he’d rather be.

“I like our four seasons,” he said. “My wife and I love to ski.”

Hidden Level employs remote workers as far away as California. But Cole said most of his hires are residents of the Syracuse area or former residents who want to move back here.

The appeal, beside the four seasons?

“It’s our vision,” he said. “We have a clear focus on supporting safety and security. People like being a part of making things happen.”

The company also takes full advantage of the talent pool that comes from the region’s plethora of colleges and universities.

“There’s a whole ecosystem with the colleges here,” he said. “There’s a lot of talent here.”

Then there are the financial incentives.

Every employee at Hidden Level receives company stock or stock options as part of their compensation packages. That gives them a vested interest in the company’s continued growth.

“Everyone owns a piece of the company,” Cole said.

The company is rapidly outgrowing its headquarters on North Geddes Street. It is looking at multiple locations in the Syracuse area for a new headquarters, including a site near the Syracuse Inner Harbor a few blocks from its current headquarters.

Cole said the company will likely open hubs around the country as its business grows. But he said its headquarters and manufacturing will remain in the Syracuse area.

Rick Moriarty covers business news and consumer issues. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact him anytime: Email | X | Facebook | 315-470-3148