Meet the school dropout who built India’s most successful cybersecurity startup

Trishneet Arora is an Indian entrepreneur and cybersecurity expert, best known as the founder and CEO of TAC Security, a company that specializes in protecting organizations against data theft, cyber threats, and network vulnerabilities.

Under his leadership, TAC Security has emerged as one of the leading cybersecurity firms, with clients ranging from Reliance Industries to government agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and several state police departments.

Early Life and Education

Born on November 2, 1993, in Ludhiana, Punjab, Trishneet grew up in a middle-class family where his father worked as a tax consultant.

From a young age, he showed little interest in traditional education and instead found his passion in technology.

Fascinated by computers, he taught himself ethical hacking and other cybersecurity skills.

Trishneet’s unconventional path became clear when he dropped out of formal education to pursue his interest in tech.

By the age of 19, he founded TAC Security in 2013.

What started as a small initiative to provide cybersecurity solutions quickly grew into a multi-national company specializing in vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to protect businesses and government institutions from cyber threats.

Career Highlights

Since its inception, TAC Security has seen rapid growth, expanding its reach to over 50 countries with more than 500 clients, which include not only major corporations like Reliance Industries but also several high-profile government bodies such as the Punjab Police, Gujarat Police, and the CBI.

The company’s services focus on identifying weaknesses in an organization’s IT infrastructure and defending them against potential cyber-attacks.

As of now, the company boasts a revenue of $16.4 million, which translates to over ₹136 crore, a testament to its rapid growth and Trishneet’s savvy business acumen.

TAC Security has developed several cutting-edge solutions, including ESOF (Enterprise Security in One Framework), which integrates cybersecurity risk management into a single platform for enterprises.

Recent IPO News

TAC Infosec has recently made headlines with its initial public offering (IPO) that saw remarkable investor interest and a strong market debut.

Here are the key highlights regarding the TAC Infosec IPO:

  • Subscription Rate: The IPO was oversubscribed nearly 400 times on the last day of bidding, with bids for over 79 crore shares against just 20 lakh shares available. This overwhelming demand reflects strong investor confidence in the company’s business model and growth prospects.

  • Pricing and Structure: The company set a price band of ₹100 to ₹106 per share, aiming to raise approximately ₹29.99 crore through a fresh equity issue of 28.29 lakh shares. The lot size for the IPO was fixed at 1,200 shares, requiring a minimum investment of around ₹127,200.

  • Market Performance: Following its listing on April 5, 2024, TAC Infosec’s shares surged significantly, trading over 7 times higher than the issue price shortly after debuting on the NSE Emerge platform. The stock has provided investors with returns of approximately 165% compared to its listing price.

  • Investor Backing: Notable investors, including Vijay Kedia, have shown confidence in TAC Infosec, further enhancing its credibility in the market.

  • Future Outlook: The positive sentiment around TAC Infosec’s IPO is part of a broader revival in India’s IPO market, which has seen substantial activity in 2024, accounting for over 27% of global IPOs in the first half of the year.

Overall, TAC Infosec’s successful IPO indicates robust interest in cybersecurity solutions and reflects a favorable environment for tech startups in India.

Awards and Recognition

Trishneet Arora’s contributions to cybersecurity and leadership have earned him numerous prestigious awards over the years.

His journey from a tech enthusiast to a leading entrepreneur has been recognized both in India and internationally. Below is a comprehensive list of some of his key accolades:

YearAwardAwarding Organization
2022Global Leader of TomorrowSt. Gallen Symposium
2021Fortune India 40 Under 40Fortune India
2020Entrepreneur of the Year in Service Business – SecurityEntrepreneur India
2020Top 100 Great People ManagersForbes India & GMI
2019Fortune India’s 40 Under 40Fortune India
2018Leaders of TomorrowSt. Gallen Symposium
2018Forbes Asia 30 Under 30Forbes Asia
2017The 50 Most Influential Young IndiansGQ Magazine
2015Punjabi Icon AwardPCHB (Punjabi Cultural Heritage Board)
2014State AwardGovernment of Punjab, India (Bestowed by CM Parkash Singh Badal on Republic Day)

Trishneet’s achievements in the cybersecurity space have not only made him a notable figure in the tech industry but also an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.

His Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 (2018) recognition cemented his status as one of the top young business leaders in Asia.

His work has also been highlighted in Fortune India’s 40 Under 40 (2019 & 2021), acknowledging his rapid growth and influence in the cybersecurity sector.

In addition to these major awards, GQ Magazine included him in the 50 Most Influential Young Indians list in 2017, and the Punjab government honored him with a State Award for his contributions to the field of cybersecurity and entrepreneurship.

His leadership qualities were further highlighted in Forbes India & GMI’s Top 100 Great People Managers (2020), a significant recognition that emphasizes his effective leadership and managerial skills.

Investor and Mentor

Apart from leading TAC Security, Trishneet is an active angel investor. He has invested in various tech startups, including the online gaming company Oneiric.

His entrepreneurial journey and experiences make him a sought-after speaker at conferences, where he often shares his knowledge on cybersecurity and business growth strategies.

Trishneet is also deeply involved in mentoring young entrepreneurs and training law enforcement agencies on how to handle cybercrime.

His sessions with police forces across India have helped raise awareness and strengthen the fight against cyber threats.

Personal Life

Outside of work, Trishneet is known for his love of dogs and is an avid golfer.

He enjoys playing golf in his free time, which allows him to relax and unwind from the pressures of his fast-paced career.

Despite his professional success, Trishneet remains grounded and committed to empowering the next generation of tech leaders.

His story is an inspiring example of how passion, determination, and hard work can break barriers, especially in a field as dynamic as cybersecurity.

Media Coverage and Upcoming Projects

Trishneet’s life story has attracted significant media attention. A biographical film is currently in production, directed by Hansal Mehta, to capture his journey from a dropout to a cybersecurity pioneer.

Furthermore, a biography titled “Trishneet Arora” was released in 2023 by Cyrus Gonda as part of the “The Magic of Leadership” series, further cementing his legacy as one of India’s most successful young entrepreneurs.

As Trishneet Arora continues to build TAC Security and support startups, he remains a key figure in shaping the future of cybersecurity, both in India and globally.

Also Read: Meet the Man Who Failed in School but Built a ₹283.59 Billion Company

Muskan, a passionate storyteller and social media manager at Startup Forte. With a talent for sharing impactful founder stories, she invites you to explore inspiring journeys with us.

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