Mike Baukes

Overview

Mike Baukes is an Australian entrepreneur and investor, best known as the co-founder and CEO of UpGuard, a cybersecurity and risk management company. UpGuard offers an AI-powered platform for Cyber Risk Posture Management (CRPM), providing organizations with a centralized view of cyber risk across their vendors, attack surface, and workforce. The company has secured significant funding, including a $105 million Series C round in February 2026, led by Springcoast Partners and joined by Square Peg Capital, August Capital, and Pelion Venture Partners. Under Baukes' leadership, UpGuard has expanded its product offerings to include AI-enabled solutions such as Managed Vendor Assessments and Trust Exchange. These innovations aim to help organizations safeguard against potential vendor threats and enhance their cybersecurity posture. The company has also appointed new chief officers to drive its growth strategy, including Harsh Sureka as Chief Operating Officer, Jackie Ariston as Chief Revenue Officer, and Kevin Levine as Chief Financial Officer. Baukes' investment philosophy centers on addressing critical challenges in cybersecurity and risk management. His strategic vision has been instrumental in UpGuard's growth and its mission to protect the world's data. The company's commitment to innovation and excellence reflects Baukes' dedication to advancing the field of cyber risk management.