Samir Bodas, the co-founder and former long-time CEO of enterprise software giant Icertis, has passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. The company announced his death on Thursday, mourning the loss of a leader who was instrumental in its global success. Bodas co-founded the contract intelligence firm in 2009 and guided it to a multi-billion dollar valuation, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
A Visionary's Early Career
Born in Pune, India, Samir Bodas moved to the United States in 1982 to pursue higher education at the University of Texas at Austin. His professional journey began as a software programmer at National Instruments, setting the foundation for a distinguished career in technology. After earning his MBA from the Wharton Business School, he joined Microsoft in 1992, where he held various key sales and marketing positions.
Before establishing Icertis, Bodas embraced his entrepreneurial spirit by leading several technology ventures throughout the early 2000s. His experiences at companies like iMandi, Jamcracker, Disha Technology, and Aztecsoft honed his leadership skills and deepened his industry insights. This period was crucial in shaping the strategic vision he would later bring to his most significant professional achievement.
The Founding and Rise of Icertis
The pivotal moment in Bodas's career came in 2009 when he met Monish Darda, leading to the co-founding of Icertis. They launched the company at the dawn of the cloud computing era, recognizing a significant market opportunity to innovate contract management. Their shared vision was to transform how global organizations view and handle contracts, turning them into strategic assets.
Under Bodas's leadership as CEO for over 15 years, Icertis defined and dominated the contract intelligence category. He championed the idea that contracts are a critical system of record, a conviction that resonated with major corporations worldwide. This foresight established the company as an undisputed leader, trusted by more than a third of the Fortune 100.
A Legacy of Growth and Innovation
Icertis achieved remarkable growth under Bodas, securing nearly $500 million in funding from prominent investors like SoftBank, B Capital, and Premji Invest. The company reached unicorn status in July 2019 and was most recently valued at approximately $5 billion. This financial success is a direct result of the strong foundation and innovative culture he helped build from the ground up.
Tributes from Colleagues
Colleagues remember Bodas as a pioneer whose foresight set the standard for the company. Anand Subbaraman, the current CEO of Icertis, highlighted Bodas's unwavering belief in the company's mission, its people, and its vast potential. He affirmed that the team will continue to be guided by the principles Bodas instilled to honor his legacy.
Co-founder and CTO Monish Darda described Bodas's rare ability to inspire others with his vibrant spirit and lead with undeniable conviction. Darda noted that Bodas challenged everyone to think bigger, act with integrity, and build an enduring company. He credited the company's current stature as a testament to his co-founder's powerful and lasting vision.
The passing of Samir Bodas marks a significant loss for the technology industry and the global business community. His entrepreneurial drive and innovative vision not only created a category-defining company but also inspired countless individuals who worked alongside him. Icertis will move forward, carrying the indelible mark of his leadership and commitment to excellence.