Vantage Data Centers is one of the leading providers of data center services in North America. The company has built a reputation for providing high-quality colocation, hyperscale, and build-to-suit data center solutions to some of the world’s leading technology companies. But is Vantage Data Centers also a good company to work for? Here is an in-depth look at Vantage as an employer.
Company Overview
Vantage Data Centers was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The company has data centers across North America, including in Silicon Valley, Northern Virginia, Montreal, and Quebec City. Vantage continues to expand, recently announcing plans to develop new data centers in Europe.
Vantage designs, builds, and operates data centers using an energy-efficient and sustainable model. The company claims to utilize up to 80% less power than traditional data center providers. Vantage offers flexible colocation services, allowing clients to lease space, power, and interconnection services tailored to their needs. For larger requirements, Vantage provides build-to-suit data centers customized to clients’ specifications.
The company has an impressive client list including Fortune 500 companies, content providers, cloud services firms, gaming companies, and more. Some of Vantage’s major customers include Facebook, Microsoft, Adobe, Nintendo, and Uber.
Company Culture and Values
Vantage Data Centers promotes a culture centered around five core values:
- Safety First
- Embrace Challenges
- Act with Integrity
- Customer Success Drives Our Business
- Make Meaningful Connections
The company emphasizes contributing to clients’ success as a key cultural element. Vantage strives to build strong relationships, collaborate effectively, and provide an unmatched customer experience.
Vantage also prioritizes safety, security, and compliance. This includes physical security of facilities as well as cybersecurity and data protection. The company has a Chief Information Security Officer and data protection policies in place.
In terms of work environment, employees describe Vantage as fast-paced with a get-it-done attitude. The culture encourages creative thinking, speaking up, and challenging the status quo.
Career Growth and Development
Vantage provides opportunities for career development through on-the-job training, internal mobility, tuition assistance, and professional education programs. Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their career path.
Some of the development programs offered include:
- New hire onboarding and mentorship
- Ongoing technical skills training
- Leadership development for first-time people managers
- Professional certifications and continuing education
- Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually
Vantage offers clear paths for advancement from entry level to management roles. Top performers may progress quickly to positions of increased scope and responsibility.
Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is an important consideration for many employees today. Vantage aims to promote flexibility and prevent burnout through policies such as:
- Flexible work schedules
- Generous PTO, sick time, and holiday policies
- Work-from-home options for some roles
- Employee assistance programs providing access to counselors, financial planning, and more
While workloads can be demanding at times, the company strives to avoid excessive overtime or weekend work. Employees remark that Vantage is understanding when it comes to taking time off for family needs or personal matters.
Compensation and Benefits
Vantage Data Centers provides competitive pay and a robust benefits package including:
- Health Insurance – Vantage offers several medical plan options with affordable premiums and deductibles. Health insurance extends to cover spouses/domestic partners and dependents.
- Retirement Savings – Employees have access to a 401k plan with company matching contributions up to 4% of salary.
- Bonus Incentives – Bonuses are provided based on company and individual performance for eligible roles.
- Stock Options – Select employees may be offered stock options and participation in equity incentive plans.
Additional perks include company-paid life insurance, disability insurance, generous paid time off, employee assistance programs, pet insurance, and more.
Opportunities for Growth
Vantage Data Centers is on a continuous growth trajectory. The company has grown both in the number of data centers operated as well as employees. New positions are regularly opened to match Vantage’s expanding needs.
This creates ample opportunities for interested candidates to join the company and current employees to take on new roles and responsibilities. Employees praise the “promote from within” philosophy at Vantage.
In addition to internal growth, Vantage’s partnerships with technology innovators provide exposure to cutting-edge developments in the data center industry. The company is helping shape the future of data center design and operations.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Vantage emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their workplace. Some initiatives to support this include:
- Unconscious bias training for employees
- Diversity partnerships and recruiting initiatives
- Employee resource groups for women, Black employees, and LGBTQ employees
- Celebration of diversity through events and communications
Women represent around 30% of Vantage’s workforce, outpacing many other technology firms. The company strives to boost diversity even further. Vantage’s CEO has publically committed to advancing DEI efforts.
Executive Leadership
Vantage Data Centers was founded by executives with deep experience across real estate, construction, and data center operations. The company continues to be led by seasoned leaders.
Some notable executives include:
- Sureel Choksi – President and CEO since 2019. Previously held executive roles at Equinix.
- Sharif Fotouh – Chief Financial Officer since 2021. Formerly CFO at Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers.
- Jeff Tench – Chief Legal Officer since 2020. Formerly General Counsel at Digital Realty.
- Andy Schaap – Chief Construction Officer. 20+ years of data center construction expertise.
Vantage’s leadership places strong emphasis on company culture, client success, and financial discipline. The executive team sets the tone for the rest of the organization.
Financial Health
As a private company, Vantage Data Centers does not disclose full financial details. However, there are positive signs regarding their financial health:
- Vantage has continued securing large capital investments, raising $893 million in 2021.
- The company has an investment grade credit rating of BBB- from Fitch Ratings.
- Vantage claims to have tripled revenue between 2018 and 2021.
- With new data centers in development, revenue-generating capacity is expanding.
Strong financials provide stability and growth opportunities for the company and its employees. Vantage appears well-positioned to continue its expansion efforts.
Reputation and Social Responsibility
Vantage Data Centers enjoys a strong reputation among clients, partners, and industry experts. The company is known for:
- Technical expertise in data center design and operations
- Financial discipline and stability
- Focus on sustainability and energy efficiency
- Reliability in delivering services safely and securely
Vantage also has an award-winning company culture centered around meaningful values. Employees feel pride in working for a company with high ethical standards and a commitment to social responsibility.
Competitive Landscape
Vantage Data Centers competes in a space with other large data center providers like Equinix, Digital Realty, CyrusOne, and QTS Realty Trust. The company is smaller than the largest players but among the leaders in growth.
Factors that help Vantage effectively compete include:
- Proprietary technology for energy efficiency
- Experienced executive leadership team
- Strong relationships with hyperscale customers
- Diverse presence across key North American markets
The company is recognized as a leading provider for large single-tenant data centers. Vantage can meet the capacity, speed, and customization demands of companies including the largest cloud services firms.
Conclusion
Based on employee feedback and an assessment of the company, Vantage Data Centers appears to be a very good place to work overall. The company provides:
- Competitive pay and attractive benefits
- Opportunities for career development and internal mobility
- A strong mission and culture centered on meaningful values
- Work-life balance through flexible policies
- Pride in contributing to clients’ success
Vantage is a leader in the data center industry with an exciting growth trajectory. Employees feel engaged in the company’s success. While workplace challenges exist, Vantage earns positive reviews as an employer.
