Charlie Thomas is a recognized leader in a seasoned startup and growth-stage executive with a proven track record in leading software and technology companies through all phases of expansion. As CEO, he has successfully scaled two startups to approximately $100 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR), guiding them through critical areas such as capitalization, branding, product development, sales, channel strategy, marketing, team building, and corporate vision. Today, he operates as Chief Executive Officer at Mitiga. Before joining Mitiga in January 2025, Charlie Thomas was the founding CEO of Deepwatch, a leading Managed Detection and Response (MDR) provider. Under his leadership, Deepwatch emerged as a prominent player in enterprise cybersecurity, delivering cutting-edge threat detection and response solutions to organizations worldwide.
[Q U I C K N O T E S]
- Position: Chief Executive Officer
- Industry: Cybersecurity, MDR, CDR, MSP
- Location: Washington DC, USA
- LinkedIn: Charlie Thomas
- Website: Mitiga
Charlie, can you start off by telling us about yourself and why you chose technology and entrepreneurship as a career?
As far as entrepreneurship is concerned, I saw my father branch into his own business in real estate during his career, and I knew as a teenager that I wanted to have my own business. Technology became a natural extension of my love of math and studying computer science, and I was fortunate enough to work for IBM during college.
Can you tell us what drives you to be successful as a technology executive?
I’m lucky to have an innate competitive spirit. This was fostered by many years playing sports, which I was fortunate to do in college on a scholarship (baseball at the University of Virginia) and as an adult in triathlons (no longer – ha).
Tell us about your vision of your career in the next 2-3 years.
I am surrounded at Mitiga by an exceptional team. Our product fills a key business need from a risk mitigation perspective, and ultimately, we protect a company’s brand, reputation, and sensitive data by providing a platform for real-time detection and response to stop attackers across the cloud (or multiple clouds), thereby ensuring their SaaS applications and data are safe. I expect us to be a category leader in a new, emerging category of cloud security.
What’s the one or two accomplishments that you’re proud of?
I take great pride and pleasure in being able to mentor founders and help them unlock their potential. I really prioritize company culture and a winning mindset, and I understand and place emphasis on go-to-market (GTM) excellence as well. GTM is one thing that many companies struggle with. It’s never easy, but it’s an important factor no matter how great your technology is. Startups are difficult, but along the way in mentoring and creating those great cultures, I’ve been fortunate to watch several successes, back to my very first company, one that we took to an IPO.
A number of those colleagues started their own businesses, many of which have been very successful. It’s always rewarding to watch people grow. It’s one of the more rewarding things as an entrepreneur. Here at Mitiga, we have a super talented research team. It’s been exciting seeing them grow and expand and build their own brand and their own reputation out in the market. And I have no doubt that we have some team members at Mitiga today who will start their own companies in the future. And it’s a fun startup ecosystem to be part of.
What advice do you have for other up-and-coming engineers or leaders?
In terms of potentially getting involved in a startup, I would say do a lot of research, become an expert in a particular area, and seek out many mentors who can potentially become advisors and investors down the road when you launch your startup.
Are you active on social media professionally? If so, what platforms work best for engaging your followers?
I primarily use LinkedIn.
Who was your most significant influence?
I always admired Steve Jobs as an entrepreneur.
What is the most challenging part of your work as a Tech Executive?
Startups are rollercoaster rides – lots of ups and downs – so keeping everything, the many highs and lows in perspective, is essential as a leader, for your team, and your mental health.
What do you have your sights set on next?
I’m very focused on Mitiga and our growth and success.
What is a day in your life like?
Numerous meetings with the internal team, customers, prospects, and partners.
Do you have any hobbies?
Tennis, working out, travelling, and trying new restaurants (my wife is a serious foodie).
What makes you smile?
Family, friends, great comedy, and the small things. I never take things too seriously.
What are you never without?
Water and WiFi (ha).
What scares you?
The unknown, unknowns. As an entrepreneur who has been through 9/11, the Financial Crises, and Covid, you realize that everything can turn quickly.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere in Italy. Stanley Tucci covers it well!
Other work, published articles, interviews, or accomplishments:
Podcasts
- The Digital Executive Podcast, Charlie Thomas
Publications:
- Mitiga Mic Podcast
~ Charlie
