This dog has a LinkedIn profile – and its owner earned Rs 25,000 crore from Google

Assaf Rappaport is the CEO and co-founder of Wiz, a pioneering IT security firm that deals in cloud security software. Wiz has established itself as a powerful brand in the cybersecurity industry, especially after inking a humongous deal with tech giant Google. Though Rappaport's success in the sector has established him as a prominent figure, it is the special LinkedIn profile of his deceased furry friend, Mika R, that has gained immense popularity in recent times.
According to ET reports, Wiz was established in 2020 by Assaf Rappaport and his group of Israeli founders—Ami Luttwak, Yinon Costica, and Roy Reznik. They are all graduates of Unit 8200, the top cybersecurity unit within the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), known for its cybersecurity prowess. Beyond Networks launched early, starting out on network security but eventually shifting towards bespoke cloud security offerings. Wiz provides state-of-the-art tools built to secure cloud environments and data centres, an area that had been underexplored by major tech companies.

Mika, a border collie, was more than just a pet and had a special position in the company. Affectionately referred to as Wiz's "Chief Dog Officer," Mika was a common sight in the offices of the company's New York and Tel Aviv locations. Rappaport even asked his employees to bring their own pets to work, making the atmosphere warm and welcoming. Mika also had a LinkedIn page of her own, which went viral on the internet. Following her death last year, Rappaport took to social media to pay tribute to his beloved pet, calling her the "love of his life" and even a "power couple" with him.


Mika's role in Wiz was symbolic and also playful. She was formally hired as the Chief Dog Officer (CDO), a position that gave a lighthearted touch to the corporate hierarchy. Her LinkedIn page also included her as a previous Canine Advisory Board Member at Dazz and Junior Vice President of Canines at Microsoft, highlighting a fictional but fun career path. Furthermore, Mika had allegedly graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Barking from an Israeli University in Jerusalem, again contributing to her quirky and witty background. This innovative method of integrating pets into the workplace was a signature element of Wiz's open-minded and unorthodox company culture.

Wiz was in the news for inking a record deal with Google, which announced its acquisition of Wiz for a whopping $32 billion. The deal is important not just because it is Google's biggest acquisition ever but also because it reflects the increasing significance of cloud security in the wake of the fast growth of cloud computing. With Google's foray into cloud services, this acquisition further establishes Wiz as a leader in the cybersecurity space.
The takeover by Google of Wiz is also at a strategic time for the company. While it might face regulatory approval issues for its dominance in the tech space, this acquisition is part of Google's plan to grow its cloud computing business. The integration of Wiz into Google Cloud is expected to bolster its offerings in cloud security, a sector that has seen rapid growth, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Last year, Google Cloud generated a revenue of $43.2 billion, a significant 64% increase from 2022, making this acquisition a crucial move to strengthen its competitive edge.
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