Arctic Wolf Launches Global Capability Centre in Bengaluru: A New Era in Cybersecurity

This week, Arctic Wolf, a prominent player in the cybersecurity landscape, made headlines with the launch of its Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Bengaluru, India. The announcement was met with enthusiasm on social media, where the company declared, “Namaskara Bengaluru! The wolves have arrived, the den is set, and we are ready to end cyber risk.” This statement not only marks the establishment of a new operational hub but also signifies Arctic Wolf’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity solutions on a global scale.

The Visionary Behind the GCC

At the helm of this ambitious project is Jeff Green, Senior Vice-President of Engineering at Arctic Wolf. Green is no stranger to Bengaluru’s tech ecosystem; over the past 24 years, he has been instrumental in setting up four different GCCs in the city, including those for renowned companies like Sophos, McAfee, and Pulse Secure. His approach has always been grassroots, relying on personal connections and a deep understanding of the local talent pool to bootstrap these initiatives without third-party assistance.

Reflecting on his journey, Green notes, “The last GCC we started was for Sophos with a team of 30 engineers. It was close to 300 by the time I left that company.” This rapid growth trajectory is a testament to the evolving landscape of talent in India’s tech capital.

The Evolution of Talent in Bengaluru

Green’s experience spans multiple companies and decades, allowing him to witness firsthand the transformation of talent requirements in Bengaluru. For instance, while Sophos grew from 30 to 300 employees in five years, Pulse Secure doubled its workforce in just two years under his leadership. McAfee’s growth was even more pronounced, expanding from 100 to 2,000 employees over a decade.

He emphasizes a significant shift in the nature of work being done in India. “When we started off at McAfee, we were looking at staff augmentation. Today, we’ve moved to almost all the other companies I mentioned, including McAfee, to a sort of product ownership. So, everything for the product is done and built in India,” Green explains. This shift indicates that the talent pool is not just augmenting existing teams but is now integral to product development and innovation.

The Importance of Hiring the Right Talent

Green’s insights into building successful teams are invaluable. He stresses the importance of hiring the right individuals for the seed team, which includes managerial and technical leadership. “Getting that talent up front will help because rock stars attract rock stars,” he asserts. This philosophy underscores the critical role that leadership plays in shaping the culture and capabilities of an organization as it scales.

The Role of Arctic Wolf in the Cybersecurity Landscape

As Arctic Wolf sets up its GCC, it aims to hire over 150 employees by the end of the fiscal year. Green envisions Bengaluru becoming the largest R&D and AI center for the company globally within two years. This ambition aligns with the growing demand for advanced cybersecurity solutions, as organizations worldwide grapple with increasing cyber threats.

Devendra Rath, Vice-President of Engineering at Arctic Wolf and one of the first employees at the India GCC, shares a long-standing professional relationship with Green dating back to their McAfee days. Rath notes that Green’s visits to Bengaluru are highly anticipated, with local cybersecurity enthusiasts eager to connect and share knowledge.

The Changing Landscape of Talent Costs

Over the years, Green has observed significant changes in the cost of talent in India. In the early 2000s, the cost ratio was approximately 1:4, meaning one employee in the U.S. could be equated to four engineers in India. However, as the skill set has evolved and more product-related work is being done in India, this ratio has shifted. Today, high-level roles like distinguished engineers in India are only about 10-20% lower than their counterparts in other global markets. For mid-level roles, the ratio has changed to 1:2, while entry-level positions stand at 1:3 compared to the U.S.

The Cultural Advantage of GCCs

When discussing the advantages of establishing a GCC versus a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model, Green emphasizes the importance of culture. He believes that the right culture, which fosters passion and commitment to the company’s mission, cannot be replicated through a BOT model. This cultural foundation is essential for long-term success and innovation.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

The launch of Arctic Wolf’s Global Capability Centre in Bengaluru is a significant milestone not only for the company but also for the cybersecurity industry in India. With a strong focus on talent acquisition, product ownership, and cultural development, Arctic Wolf is poised to make a substantial impact in the cybersecurity landscape. As Bengaluru continues to solidify its position as a global tech hub, the establishment of such GCCs will play a crucial role in driving innovation and addressing the ever-evolving challenges in cybersecurity.

As the wolves settle into their new den, the future looks promising for Arctic Wolf and the cybersecurity community in Bengaluru.