Dr. Prineha Narang never set out to be an entrepreneur. But then the university professor’s students and postdoctoral scholars started asking if quantum networking was ready for commercialization. As they worked on answering that question, she realized the time was right to dive into a new world.
Today, Narang wears several hats. She is a professor of physical sciences and electrical and computer engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles, a United States Science Envoy, appointed by the State Department, and the founder and chief technology officer at Aliro Quantum, which runs advanced secure networks using quantum networking.
Founding Aliro opened a whole new world for Narang, who is now learning to operate outside the walls of the classroom engaging with investors.
Leading the way for a broader definition of technology founders
Narang has experienced first-hand the need to change the perception of tech founders. “I frequently go into meetings with investors and have to remind them that I am not a graduate student or post-doc. I am not an associate or assistant professor. I am a senior faculty member at a major university, and the technology we are talking about is coming out of my research group—NarangLab.”
Even then, Narang says, “I can just see on some investors’ faces that they can’t get their head around it. That’s when I immediately pause and ask myself whether this is the kind of investor who can be a full partner to me. That was never a question with Cisco Investments’ Aspire Fund.”
Cisco Investments launched the Aspire Fund in 2020 as part of Cisco’s Social Justice Beliefs and Actions with an initial commitment of $50 million to be distributed over five years. The fund makes direct investments in startups led by women founders and founders of color.
An opportunity for Cisco
The Aspire Fund helped bring a partnership to life as Cisco looked to expand to quantum networking. While the market is currently in its early stages, Cisco is looking ahead to the day when quantum computing and networking services and solutions will be offered alongside those for traditional networking.
Quantum computers connected to a quantum network can offer unparalleled security. That’s why Aliro is working to develop a commercially viable way to deliver the world’s first advanced secure networks.
With both Cisco and Aliro seeing value in working with companies in adjacent areas of expertise, there was a compelling argument for a partnership.
Narang explains, “The funding from Cisco’s Aspire Fund came in at a perfect time. We had formulated our vision and put together the team for where we want to go with quantum networks. The funding from the Aspire Fund has gotten us to a point where we are getting real commercial traction. In fact, we’re now talking with product teams at Cisco about opportunities for collaboration on joint products.”
The definition of a partner
Narang has carefully cultivated investors who can be trusted partners. “All the investors we have today, I can text them or call them, even when they’re traveling or it’s late at night and we need to make a decision. They’re really here to help, and we feel very supported. That’s the kind of experience every founder should be able to have, regardless of their background.”
Asked what advice she would give to other founders in a similar position, Narang was clear: “I have to filter early and be very direct in explaining what the company looks like and why I’m the CTO. Otherwise, it’s just a waste of everyone’s time. So, I would counsel other founders to lead with their objectives, why they are the right person to be in their role, and why their company is the best one. In fact, as one of my mentors said, ‘Don’t assume you are there in spite of who you are, but perhaps you are there because you can do something that others in that position might not.’”
Aspire Fund investment accelerates development
Through the Aspire Fund, Cisco is pursuing positive progress in business through technology and positive progress in society through diversity and inclusion. Thanks to that investment and its growing partnership with Cisco, Aliro is set to deliver on that promise. As interest in the company ramps up, the team is accelerating its roadmap and looking forward to more product announcements later this year. Stay tuned to see where Pri Narang and her team go next!
For more information:
Aliro Quantum website
Cisco Investments Aspire Fund
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