Peter Bellini -- part of the family that launched, built and sold ConnectWise -- has invested in ConnectSecure (formerly CyberCNS), a vulnerability management company that serves MSPs (managed IT service providers), MSSP Alert has confirmed.
CyberCNS was founded in 2021 by Cisco and Microsoft veterans Srikant (Sri) Sreenivasan and Shiva Jagannathan. More than 1,200 MSPs run the company's software -- a single platform that provides visibility, security, and management capabilities. Early advocates include SnapTechIT CEO Karl Bickmore and The CyberNation Founder Andrew Morgan.
ConnectSecure is in the process of rebranding from CyberCNS. Deeper details on the rebrand are expected in December 2022.
Peter Bellini Focuses on MSP Security Platform
Ahead of the rebrand, Bellini purchased a 50 percent stake in business. Deal valuation terms were not disclosed. The investment will allow ConnectSecure to further "fuel its ongoing growth as the firm continues to focus on cybersecurity, compliance, and security practice development for MSPs who work with small and midsize businesses," according to a statement from the company.
Among the recent business milestones: The company has earned its Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 certification following an "extensive" security audit.
In a prepared statement about the investment, Peter Bellini said:
“CyberCNS is focused purely on cybersecurity for these MSPs at a time when cyberattacks have grown so pervasive, they are costing businesses trillions of dollars every year. Sri and Shiva recognized a significant void in what was available to help MSPs identify and address vulnerabilities and they purpose-built an all-in-one solution. I am excited to be part of the next phase of the company.”
Added Jagannathan said:
“Providing a high-quality security product at an affordable price is our priority. Earning the SOC 2 certification demonstrates our continued commitment to our MSP partners who are on the front lines protecting small and midsize businesses from increasingly pervasive and sophisticated cyberattacks. The name change emphasizes our cybersecurity focus and the evolution of the company with Peter’s investment.”
Concluded Sreenivasan:
"In order to serve this market effectively, we feel we have to be able to win every single customer’s business every month -- we thrive when they thrive and that happens when we meet their needs. Having been part of a family that helped grow the MSP industry, Peter shared the same vision, so it was very easy for us to come together.”
Expanding the Bellini Family Legacy
This marks the latest in a growing list of MSP software companies backed by the Bellini family. Peter's father (Arnie Bellini) and uncle (David Bellini) formerly launched, built and sold ConnectWise, the IT automation and business management software provider now backed by private equity firm Thoma Bravo. The ConnectWise sale to Thoma Bravo created more than 70 millionaires at ConnectWise -- Peter Bellini was one of them.
Father Arnie Bellini now has a range of investments across the IT sector, and also focuses his time on environmental, social and philanthropic causes across the Tampa, Florida region. Meanwhile, uncle David Bellini is CEO CyberFox, a fast-growing cybersecurity startup in Tampa.
Next up, ConnectSecure plans to expand its office operations from British Columbia, Canada to Tampa, Florida. Product development remains based in Bengaluru, India. Also, keep an eye on Peter Bellini's efforts to help close the cyber talent void. It sounds like some cyber scholarship efforts in the Tampa area could be brewing...
