[July 18, 2014]

Rook Security Honored as One of the 2014 Indiana Companies to Watch

Rook Security, a global security solutions provider, today announced that it has been recognized as one of the 2014 Indiana Companies to Watch. The awards program is presented by the Indiana Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (OSBE), its Indiana Small Business Development Center, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), and endorsed by the Edward Lowe Foundation.

Twenty-seven organizations from Indiana will be honored as outstanding second-stage companies during the fifth annual Indiana Companies to Watch awards program, which will be held on August 20 in Indianapolis.

Companies to Watch is an awards program that celebrates Indiana's privately-held second-stage companies - those businesses that are past the startup phase - and are considered to be established, and face issues of growth, not survival.

Companies honored are across a variety of industries and have headquarters based in 12 counties throughout the state. Among the 27 companies selected in 2014, Rook Security of Indianapolis joins the list of distinguished organizations to be honored this year.

Rook Security shows steady and remarkable growth, with $600,000 in revenue in 2011, $1.4 million in 2012, and $3.9 million in 2013. After expanding the Indianapolis headquarters and Security Operations Center earlier this year, Rook Security expects to more than double their staff in 2014. The Security Operations Center, which monitors global cyberthreats for Rook's international client roster, provides 24/7 monitoring of threats against networks around the world. Rook Security also maintains close ties with Indiana universities and helps to develop technical talent through their internship program.

"The Indiana business community has a great entrepreneurial spirit," said J.J. Thompson, CEO and Managing Director, Rook Security. "Now that Rook Security is beyond the startup phase, we look forward to growing alongside the other Indiana Companies to Watch. The impressive revenue and job growth shown by these businesses proves that Indiana is truly an incubator for small businesses. "

From 2010 through 2013, the 27 companies to be honored generated $379 million in revenue and added 622 employees (both in Indiana and out of state), reflecting a 120 percent increase in revenue and 96 percent increase in jobs for the four-year period. That tranlates into a 40 percent annual revenue growth and 32 percent annual growth in employees.

These companies project continued growth in 2014, with a 50 percent revenue increase and 26 percent growth in employees (both in Indiana and out of state) compared to 2013. If their projections hold, these companies will have generated $612 million in revenue and added 764 employees over the last five years - a 301 percent increase in revenue and 185 percent increase in jobs since 2010.

This program would not be possible without the generous support of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and endorsed by the Edward Lowe Foundation. Sponsors include the Barnes & Thornburg, Katz Sapper & Miller, Key Bank and Ivy Tech Corporate College.

Companies to Watch firms must employ between six and 150 full-time equivalent employees, have between $750,000 and $100 million in annual revenue or working capital in place, and demonstrate the intent and capacity to grow based on employee or sales growth, exceptional entrepreneurial leadership, sustainable competitive advantage or other notable strengths.

About Rook Security

Rook Security is a global provider of IT security solutions protecting against dynamic emerging threats. Rook's consulting and managed security services deliver visibility, intelligence, and response in security operations to overcome the complex problems that continue to plague most organizations. As an integrated extension of their internal team, Rook helps organizations achieve a mature security and risk management program. Rook's consulting and managed security services have helped to improve the way organizations from start-ups to Fortune 100 firms protect their data and manage their risk. For more information, join us on Twitter (News - Alert) @RookSecurity, Facebook, or www.rooksecurity.com.

About OSBE

Under the leadership of Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, the Indiana Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (OSBE) oversees the Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC), the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), and the Indiana Small Business Ombudsman. The OSBE staff helps grow the Indiana economy by assisting entrepreneurs and small businesses through programs and personal consultation. For more information on OSBE and to see how Indiana is "the state that works" for entrepreneurs visit www.osbe.in.gov.

About the ISBDC

As part of OSBE, the ten Indiana Small Business Development Centers (ISBDC) support the formation, growth, and sustainability of Indiana's small businesses by providing entrepreneurs expert guidance and access to a network of resources. Funding for the regional ISBDCs comes from state universities, chambers of commerce, economic development offices, mayor offices, and banks. Statewide financial support is provided by U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Indiana and Ivy Tech Community College. Administratively, the ISBDC Lead Center is operated by the Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (OSBE), an agency of the Office of Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann. To learn more about the ISBDC and to become a client visit: http://isbdc.org.

About Indiana Companies to Watch

Indiana Companies to Watch is an awards program celebrating second-stage entrepreneurs presented by the Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, its Small Business Development Center, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and endorsed by the Edward Lowe Foundation. Sponsors include the Barnes & Thornburg, Katz Sapper & Miller, Key Bank and Ivy Tech Corporate College.

Rook Security and the Rook Security logo are trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks of Rook Security in the United States and other countries. All other names are trademarks or registered marks of their respective owners.

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