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www.sqrsystems.com Worldbeating cybersecurity from SQR Systems Ltd Elisabetta grew the business, along with its founder, from a UK start-up to a portfolio of companies with revenues of $0.5 billion Standing out in the high-tech world By late 2012, Dr Nithin Thomas, founder and CEO of SQR, knew that his cyber security technology had game-changing potential. Its pioneering software platform combines encryption and compression to provide the best and most secure user experience, regardless of the quality of network connection. It has application across sectors – from defence and critical infrastructure to technology, media and telecoms. Discipline Arts & Humanities Built Environment Engineering Laws Life & Medical Sciences Mathematical & Physical Sciences Social & Historical Sciences Grand challenges Global Health Human Wellbeing Intercultural Interaction Sustainable Cities Mechanism Business Support Consultancy Placements Licence Partnerships Public Outreach Research Collaborations & Studentships Spin-outs Student Engagement Subsidiary For more information see: www.ucl.ac.uk/enterprise Nithin, however, knew that his startup was lacking experience in growth strategy and management. “We had the technology, the customers and the revenues, but we were coming at it from an engineer’s perspective,” he says. So he and his team turned to UCL to help them find a mentor who could fill the gap. Just the right fit Elisabetta Zaccaria has a track record of over 10 years of board-level experience in the security and technology sectors. She currently covers advisory roles in the UK cyber security sector. Prior to that she was the Group Chief Operating Officer & Chief Strategy Officer of Global Strategies Group, an organisation with expertise in three areas of capability – cyber security, data management, mission critical systems and services. In just a few years, Elisabetta grew the business, along with its founder, from a UK start-up to a portfolio of companies with revenues of $0.5 billion and operations in UK, US, MENA and APAC. “Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy. It’s a unique journey that requires a lot of courage and stamina. I’ve been there and I’d like to think I understand what it takes and can offer my experience and support when it gets tough, as well as have the privilege to share their great moments,”says Elisabetta. SQR were the perfect match. “We were looking for tech experience plus defence or security sector expertise,” says Nithin. “It was a rare combination – and Elisabetta had it.” A huge contribution Her own wealth of experience in building a business meant she could empathise with Nithin and give just the right kind of guidance. “I focused equally on developing Nithin’s hard and soft skills. Self-management skills and people skills are usually the areas where first-time entrepreneurs struggle the most,” she says. She also raised SQR’s profile on zero budget, using her knowledge of the industry and generous introductions to her networks. She helped it compete for – and win – awards, and positioned it to head into the commercial sector with a stronger back office, a firmer sense of leadership and a higher-profile brand. Ready to fly Its innovative cyber security technology makes SQR a company with great potential. Now, thanks to Elisabetta’s mentorship, it’s in a great position to maximise on its business opportunities. “And there are many plans to come,” says Nithin, confirming that their working relationship will continue to flourish. About us About UCL UCL (University College London) was established in 1826 and is ranked as one of the world’s top-ten universities. The university is a modern, outwardlooking institution, with more than 4,000 academic and research staff committed to engaging with the major issues of our times. It has a global reach, with 34% of its students coming from outside the UK, from almost 140 countries. www.ucl.ac.uk About UCL Advances UCL Advances, UCL’s centre for entrepreneurship and business interaction, helps anyone who wants to learn about, start or grow a business. Its primary role is to promote a culture of entrepreneurship on campus and engagement with entrepreneurs and small businesses beyond UCL’s boundaries. It works to support start-ups and small businesses across London by helping them to access the technical and business expertise of UCL’s staff and students through a series of programmes to help support ambitious young companies. UCL Advances is affiliated with UCL Enterprise, which provides UCL’s structures for engaging with business for commercial and societal benefit. www.ucl.ac.uk/advances www.ucl.ac.uk/enterprise About Business Support UCL Advances provides direct business support for internal and external organisations through a variety of programmes and activities such as 1–1 advice, problem solving through student consultancy, student internships, mentoring and others. • We help London-based businesses grow and develop by analysing business needs and connecting them to relevant interventions such as industry mentors; • Through pairing teams of UCL and LBS students with businesses we deliver short-term consultancy projects addressing specific organisation needs; • We broker relationships and fund exchanges between new and aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced entrepreneurs in another member state of the European Union; • Individual angel investors connected to UCL provide seed investment to SMEs engaged with UCL Advances programmes; and • We offer fully funded SME Internships where UCL students spend eight weeks in a London SME working alongside the director(s) to deliver real results and lasting impact in the host organisation whilst learning about enterprise. www.ucl.ac.uk/advances/ business/support For more information see: www.ucl.ac.uk/enterprise