Exterro Founder Bobby Balachandran Named LegalTech CEO of the Year
Congratulations to Bobby Balachandran, Founder and CEO of Exterro Inc., who has been named “LegalTech CEO of the Year” by the 2021 LegalTech Breakthrough Awards. This prestigious recognition highlights Balachandran’s vision in transforming the legal industry through automation and integrated technology.
The Visionary Behind Legal GRC
Founded in 2008, Exterro was established by Balachandran as the first firm dedicated to Legal Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). His background in computer science and experience in business process re-engineering across financial, healthcare, and telecommunications sectors allowed him to identify a critical gap in the legal industry.
"I was convinced that the legal industry was rife with opportunities for process improvements that could be driven from lessons learned in these other industries." — Bobby Balachandran
Key Strategic Achievements
Under Balachandran's leadership, Exterro has evolved from a niche provider into a global powerhouse:
- Acquisition of AccessData: This strategic move expanded Exterro’s reach into digital forensics. The technology is now vital for law enforcement in complex criminal investigations (human trafficking, kidnapping) and for corporations managing internal breaches and data exfiltration.
- Orchestrated Platform: Balachandran championed a holistic solution that combines data inventory, workflow automation, and cloud accessibility.
- Unified FTK® Solutions: Providing tools for remote collection and analysis to secure company data against both insider and external threats.
Impact Beyond Technology
The award also recognizes Balachandran’s commitment to global and domestic philanthropy:
- Higher Education: Established an incubation center in Coimbatore, India.
- Global Aid: Sponsored COVID-19 vaccination drives in India and supported international orphanages.
- Corporate Giving: Led double-matching donation campaigns for Exterro employees to support various charities.
About the Award
The LegalTech Breakthrough Awards perform a comprehensive analysis of the legal technology industry. This year’s program was highly competitive, attracting over 1,300 nominations from 12 countries.
Bryan Vaughn, Managing Director of LegalTech Breakthrough Awards, noted: “Bobby Balachandran is a trailblazer... coalescing experiences from various spaces and industries brings a unique perspective while spurring evolution and advancement.”
