Rubrik Expands Its Footprint in India: A New R&D Unit in Pune
In a significant move that underscores its commitment to the Indian market, US-based cybersecurity and cloud data company Rubrik has announced plans to establish a new research and development (R&D) facility in Pune. This initiative is part of the company’s broader strategy to enhance its operations in India, a country it has believed in from its inception.
A Growing Presence in India
Rubrik, founded in 2014 by four IIT alumni—Bipul Sinha, Arvind Jain, Arvind Nithrakashyap, and Soham Mazumdar—has rapidly expanded its global footprint. Currently headquartered in Palo Alto, California, the company employs nearly 1,000 people in Bangalore and is now looking to diversify its presence across other Indian cities. Ashish Gupta, Vice President of Engineering at Rubrik, stated, "By the end of the year, we should have a new R&D facility in Pune," highlighting the company’s active recruitment efforts to bolster its workforce.
The decision to expand into Pune is strategic, as the city is known for its burgeoning tech ecosystem and access to a skilled talent pool. Gupta emphasized that 50% of Rubrik’s engineering workforce is now based in India, indicating the country’s critical role in the company’s global operations. "Large parts of our IT and customer support teams are also based out of India. We will continue to invest in India because we are actually attracting the top talent," he added.
Innovation at the Core
Rubrik’s commitment to innovation is evident in its operations. The company has already outgrown its current office locations and now hosts nearly 50% of its global R&D workforce in India. This significant presence has allowed Rubrik to develop its cloud-native product line entirely from India, showcasing the country’s capabilities in technology and innovation.
Gupta noted that the India team contributes to nearly 50% of the company’s overall patent filings, underscoring the importance of Indian talent in driving Rubrik’s technological advancements. "Innovation is our core DNA. We have innovated faster and better than the entire industry, both in the data protection and cybersecurity sectors," he stated.
Addressing Cybersecurity Challenges
As cyber threats continue to escalate globally, Rubrik is keenly aware of the vulnerabilities faced by both government and private sectors in India. Recent findings by Check Point Research revealed a staggering 46% rise in cyberattacks in India during Q2 2024, significantly higher than the global average of 30%. Indian enterprises, on average, faced approximately 3,201 attacks every week, making the country the second-highest hit in the Asia-Pacific region.
In response to this alarming trend, Rubrik has initiated awareness programs aimed at educating government agencies and businesses about cybersecurity risks. Gupta emphasized, "Neither the government nor Indian businesses are going to be spared by cyberattackers. This is something on which we are collaborating both with the government and enterprises." By partnering with institutions, Rubrik aims to enhance the cybersecurity landscape in India and ensure that organizations are better equipped to handle potential threats.
Conclusion
Rubrik’s expansion into Pune and its ongoing investment in India highlight the company’s strategic focus on leveraging local talent and innovation to address global cybersecurity challenges. As the company continues to grow, it remains committed to fostering a robust cybersecurity environment in India, ensuring that both government and businesses are prepared to face the evolving landscape of cyber threats. With its new R&D facility, Rubrik is poised to make significant contributions to the industry while reinforcing its position as a leader in cloud data management and cybersecurity solutions.