Aqua Security, a pure-play cloud security company, has appointed Christopher Smith as its chief revenue officer, a roll that oversees Aqua's channel partner strategy. Smith arrives as Aqua seeks to more deeply engage MSP partners, and prepares for a potential initial public offering (IPO).
Aqua Security, founded in 2015, develops a cloud native application protection platform. The platform extends security across containers and Kubernetes, serverless, and virtual machines. Key capabilities include vulnerability scanning, dynamic threat analysis and Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM).
The Aqualink partner program lets MSSPs, MSPs, solution providers and technology resellers use its solutions to secure their customers' container- and cloud-based applications, the company noted. The program provides partners with access to sales and technical training, joint marketing funds and other tools and resources.
Aqua Security: How Smith Can Empower MSPs
MSPs should pay particularly close attention to Aqua’s efforts in the Cloud Security Posture Management market — which represents one of the fastest-growing managed security opportunities, according to ChannelE2E and MSSP Alert industry coverage.
Smith has nearly 30 years of enterprise IT experience -- including 19 years in cybersecurity. He most recently was chief revenue officer at application security company Onapsis -- where he oversaw go-to-market strategies for sales, marketing, channels and field engineering. Smith also was CRO at threat intelligence solutions provider Anomali and led its global sales and field operations.
The Smith hire comes after Aqua in 2021 appointed Sharon Eilon as its customer success officer and Matt Richards as its CMO. Eilon previously led the Americas consulting services division for Microsoft Azure Cloud and artificial intelligence, and Richards was chief marketing officer at Datto.
Aqua Security Funding, Potential IPO
Aqua raised $135 million in a Series E funding round and received a valuation of $1 billion in March 2021. It is using the funding to expand its solutions portfolio and global presence, the company stated. Speculation about a potential IPO has increased in recent months.
Key Aqua investors include ION Crossover Partners, M12 Ventures (i.e., Microsoft’s venture capital fund), Lightspeed Venture Partners, Insight Partners, TLV Partners, Greenspring Associates and Acrew Capital.
