Iviz

iViz is a network security company founded by two IIT-Kharagpur alumni. They provide technology which enables organizations to strengthen their networks against hackers and intruders. Their patented software uses AI to simulate a hacker's penetration techniques and eliminate human errors. The founder's Bikash and Nilanjan developed the technology as a project on network security in IIT. When they saw the potential of a business in their project, they entered various business plan competitions to raise initial funds. Bikash also sold some of his paintings to fund their business. I had the opportunity to talk to Bikash after he had won Conquest-2006, which was a business plan competition held at BITS-Pilani. While I couldn't make much sense of his technology, I was inspired by his passion and vision. A few days after winning Conquest he incorporated iViz and began taking projects from companies. In a year he won UC-Berkeley's Technology Challenge and also London Business School's Asia technology venture competition. Recently Business Today put them in their annual top 10 Indian startups list.

The market iViz is targeting is still untapped and estimated to be sized over USD 200 Billion. Right now iViz is on a recruiting spree and expanding its offices across the country. They've been funded USD 2.5 million by IDG ventures. Its heartening to see how quickly student businesses can grow into multi-million dollar companies!