Founder Story:
From Startup to Acquisition: Inside the Journey of
Research Defender Founder, Vignesh Krishnan,
and the Power of Strategic Mergers in Tech
Photo by Cheryl Gerber
In 2018, Vignesh Krishnan launched a New Orleans-based tech company, Research Defender, to focus on fraud management and data quality in the research and insights industry, utilizing the latest technology. Five years later, in October 2023, this Tulane MBA Freeman School '10 alums company was acquired by RepData, another new venture launched in 2020 to provide full-service data collection solutions for primary researchers. The two companies formed a "one-stop" solution for research sampling and data fraud prevention. Vignesh provided the Tulane Innovation Institute with a quick Q&A about his journey, with some solid advice for other entrepreneurs.
How did you decide to start Research Defender?
I've been working in the data industry since 2018. I noticed that fraud was rising, and I saw a need for a company to address these security issues. That's why I founded Research Defender.
What was the most valuable class at Tulane that helped you with the experience of having your company acquired?
It's hard to categorize this into 'one class,' but I can share a few general ones: the strategy program, corporate finance classes, and accounting class helped me learn business basics. I also enjoyed collaborating and networking with other students and professors daily to provide unique insights into business. In addition, knowing the case studies of different companies and business models was very helpful in my journey.
What advice would you give another founder on deciding when to merge or become acquired by another company?
Everything starts with goal setting—professional and personal. For me, I'd say I wanted to create 'value.' Value can be defined in many terms: value for customers, value for employees, and value for the acquirer and the acquiree. In our case, getting acquired felt like the best way to create long-term value.
Tell us about an entrepreneur that you admire.
I admire many entrepreneurs, but looking for lessons, inspiration, and messages I want to carry, I have learned a lot from my parents—their hard work, work ethic, and respect for people. Second, spending time with my colleagues across the country and world—their ideas, the time and effort they put into our business, and their desire to be part of a team are all very inspirational.
What final words would you offer a startup company starting its journey today?
Every founder/company's journey is different. My first and foremost advice is to introspect and understand one's own 1) Strengths/talents, 2) Interests, and 3) Personal or professional goals. An aspiring entrepreneur will find the best journey and outcome at the intersection of the three.
