Cisco calling ... with bags of cash !
In early Jan. 2007, Cisco announced the $830M (stock and cash) acquisition of IronPort, a startup that builds messaging security appliances. This was a relatively large acquisition for Cisco, post-bubble. We are not surprised to learn that one of the key execs that helped make IronPort a success for its employees and shareholders, is Nawaf Bitar (SVP, Engineering), an Arab American executive with significant experience in the entreprise HW space. More about IronPort can be found at: www.ironport.com
This is not the first startup acquired by Cisco that has Arab Americans as senior execs - we can think of StratumOne back in 1999 for $430M+, and we are probably missing a couple more. The co-founder of StratumOne is TechWadi member, Zino Chair, who is now VP & co-founder of another startup, Cortina Systems.
If someone can help us reach out to Nawaf at Cisco/Ironport, we would love an introduction. Let us know.
References (1)
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Response: Saundra BassMamie Clarke





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