Columbus-based big data and cybersecurity startup Aware has a new chief technology officer.
Debasish Biswas joins Aware after three years as senior vice president of engineering at Aura, which specializes in consumer digital security. He has led engineering teams for three decades, including a combined nine years at Hewlett Packard and an HP Enterprise company, according to a release and his LinkedIn profile. Biswas will work from San Jose with frequent trips to Columbus, the company said.
Five-year-old Aware's clients are employers – "some of the biggest and best brands," co-founder and CEO Jeff Schumann has said. The global shift to work-from-home and hybrid workplaces caused soaring demand for its cybersecurity and sentiment analysis software for collaboration platforms like Slack and Facebook Workplace.
"Debasish has driven technology business success at every turn, and we are extremely well-positioned with him in our C-suite as we continue to move the needle for our customers with industry-leading solutions and insights," Schumann said in the release.
As well as extensive experience in networks, network security and software, Biswas has been part of startup teams that raised large funding rounds, the release said.
Aware has grown to 120 employees with about 20 more hires expected this year, a spokeswoman said via email. The company anticipates a November move into its new Brewery District headquarters after renovating century-old Hoster Brewing Co. Ice House at 455 S. Ludlow Alley.
The company has pledged to surpass 210 jobs in a city tax incentive approved this summer.
Aware hired its first CTO in March 2021 as part of a C-suite expansion. Mark Harris left this June, according to his LinkedIn profile, and joined Geico last month. Scott Williams, hired at the same time as chief revenue officer, left after nine months and is a tech and executive consultant, according to his LinkedIn profile.
The company said it cannot comment on specific personnel, in response to questions from Columbus Business First.
"It is not uncommon for a company in rapid growth like Aware to experience a shift in alignment or needs from leadership as the company evolves," the company said.
Aware, the DBA of Nullable Inc., has raised a cumulative $83 million in venture capital.
