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 US State Department-appointed ambassador for science, and the founder and chief technology officer of Aliro Quantum, a company that runs advanced secure networks using quantum networking.
Founding Aliro opened up a whole new world for Narang, who is now learning to work outside the classroom walls and engage investors.
Leading the way to a broader definition of technology founders
Narang experienced firsthand the need to change the perception of tech founders. “I often go to meetings with investors and I have to remind them that I am not a graduate student or a post-doc. I am not a docent or an assistant professor. I’m a senior faculty member at a major university, and the technology we’re talking about comes from my research group – NarangLab.”
Even then, Narang says, “I can see on the faces of some investors that it’s not going through their heads. That’s when I immediately stop and ask myself if this is the type of investor who can be a full-fledged partner for me. With Cisco Investments’ Aspire Fund, that was never a question.
Cisco Investments launched the Aspire Fund in 2020 as part of Cisco Social Justice Beliefs and Actions with an initial commitment of $50 million to be distributed over five years. The fund directly invests in startups led by female founders of color.
Opportunity for Cisco
The Aspire fund helped revive the partnership at a time when Cisco was trying to expand into quantum networks. While the market is currently in its early stages, Cisco looks ahead to the day when quantum computing and networking services and solutions will be offered alongside traditional networking services and solutions.
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.
Since both Cisco and Aliro saw value in working with companies in adjacent areas of expertise, there was a compelling case for a partnership.
Narang explains, “The funding from Cisco’s Aspire Fund came at the perfect time. We formulated our vision and put together a team for where we wanted to go with quantum networks. Funding from the Aspire fund has gotten us to the point where we are getting real commercial traction. In fact, we are now talking to Cisco product teams about opportunities to work together on joint products.”
Definition of partner
Narang has carefully cultivated investors who can be trusted partners. “All the investors we have today, I can write or call them, even if they’re on the road or it’s late at night and we need to make a decision. They are really here to help and we feel very supported. That’s the kind of experience every founder should have, regardless of their background.”
When 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 am the CTO. Otherwise it’s just a waste of everyone’s time. So I would advise other founders to guide their goals, why they are the right person to be in their role, and why their company is the best. In fact, as one of my mentors said, ‘Don’t assume you’re there despite who you are, but maybe you’re there because you can do something that others in that position might not.
Aspire Fund investments accelerate development
Through the Aspire Fund, Cisco strives to positively advance business through technology and positively advance society through diversity and inclusion. With this investment and growing partnership with Cisco, Aliro is poised to deliver on that promise. As interest in the company grows, the team is accelerating its schedule and looks forward to further 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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