Gary Fish invests $4M in Virginia security firm Haystax Technology
December 8, 2016 | Meghan LeVota
Kansas City-based technology accelerator Fishtech Labs announced its second investment Thursday.
Just four months after the firm invested $3 million in Overland Park’s Foresite, Fishtech injected $4 million in security analytics provider Haystax Technology.
“Once I became aware of their technology platform, there was never a second thought as to whether or not I should invest in Haystax Technology,” Fishtech CEO Gary Fish told Startland News. “It was just a matter of doing the legal work and getting it done.”
Located in McLean, Virginia, Haystax’s platform delivers security analytics and risk management tech to their customers through a patented, artificial intelligence model. Haystax was founded in 2012 and has over 500 employees.
A serial tech entrepreneur, Fish said that the technology has proved to be scalable, and he anticipates offering Haystax as an option for his customers.
“We want to enable organizations to embrace the benefits of digital transformation through next-generation security solutions,” Fish said in a release. “Haystax Technology is one of our best-of-breed partners that will help us reach this vision while leading the security analytics market into a new phase of multi-billion-dollar growth.”
Fish said that the funds will go toward Haystax’s sales and marketing efforts, including the development of a channel partner program that will extend customer reach. The firm also plans to expand into financial services and healthcare.
Since 1996, Fish has founded, acquired and sold more than a dozen technology companies, including the former FishNet security (now Optiv) and FireMon LLC.
Haystax CEO Bryan Ware said he was attracted to Fish’s decades of industry experience, which he believes will help grow his company.
“Security analytics is an emerging growth market right now, and it’s significant that Fishtech sees far-reaching value in our platform and its patented model-first approach,” Ware said in a release. “With this new funding and partnership we will be equipped to further expand our high-profile customer presence and enhance our product development.”
Fish, as well as Fishtech’s vice president of enterprise architecture Gregg Martin, will join Haystax’s board of directors.
Fishtech is currently in the process of building a swanky new office in Martin City, Mo.
Set to open in the first quarter of 2017, the $10.2 million, 20,000 square-foot building will feature an open layout, two patios and staff will have access to an in-house chef and sleeping pods for naps.
2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Stand out and stand tall: Father of Tech N9ne, two of KC’s favorite chefs inspired their drive from his Kansas City hair salon
Hassan Khalifah only had to look to his elders for entrepreneurial inspiration, he said. They were a family of bakers, moonshiners, salvagers, restaurateurs, grocers, pool hall operators, and nickel-and-dime candy shop owners. After a short time working for the city, Hassan opened several small businesses before a three-decade career as a salon owner. Four of…
Trendsetting Crossroads brewer taps another first: KC’s only locally-owned non-alcoholic beer
A star on the Kansas City craft beer is setting a new baseline for inclusivity on the local brewing scene, said Eric Martens, introducing the metro’s first hometown non-alcoholic beer — a product of months dedication and innovation, he added. Border Brewing Co. on Friday announced its new Baseline brew — a canned offering crafted…
Malisa Monyakula wants to welcome you home for the holidays; she already has an igloo waiting
Adding pop-up holiday experiences at her popular Kansas City businesses is a way for Malisa Monyakula to bring back nostalgic memories of her childhood in Thailand, the restaurateur behind Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop said. “Christmas is everywhere in Thailand,” she said, noting the classic American holiday celebrations are vibrant despite the country’s predominantly Buddhist population.…
‘The people demand mustard’: This stained glass artist dipped into corn dogs (and hungry shoppers ate it up)
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. LAWRENCE — Selling holiday shoppers on stained glass corn dogs was unexpectedly easy, said Darleen Schillaci; adding mustard and keeping up with buyers’ appetite, however, proved the meatiest challenge. The…