Aaref Hilaly
Partner
Bain Capital Ventures
Partner at Bain Capital Ventures focused on small teams using AI to solve problems previously underserved by software.
Bio
Professional summary
Enrique Salem is a Bay Area-based Partner at Bain Capital Ventures. He focuses on early-stage infrastructure software companies and has a particular specialization in cybersecurity. His BCV profile emphasizes security, backup, and availability solutions, and his listed portfolio includes companies across cybersecurity, AI infrastructure, data infrastructure, and autonomous security workflows. His profile also highlights an investment ethos centered on backing exceptional founders with both technical vision and operational ability.
Investment focus
Stage, sector, and overall fit
Stage
Early-stageSeedGrowth
Sector
AI InfrastructureSecurityInfrastructure softwareCybersecurityCloudDeveloper toolsOpen sourceAnalytics
Thesis
Early-stage infrastructure softwareCybersecurityAI infrastructureCloud, developer tools, open source, analytics
Notable companies
Selected portfolio companies the partner has backed
Evident.ioMoveworksCapeCogentDreamAdaptiveAstronomerNebulock
How to approach
Framing and angles for outreach
Pitch framing
Lead with infrastructure or cybersecurity pain points, especially where AI changes the threat surface or creates a need for autonomous security workflows.
Personalization hooks
- 1Reference his stated interest in cybersecurity as a foundational layer for every business.
- 2If relevant, connect the company narrative to AI security, autonomous threat detection, or infrastructure resilience.
- 3Mention founder quality and operational execution, which his profile frames as central to his investment ethos.
Recent signals
What the partner has said or done recently
Published BCV security and AI-related insights in 2024 and 2025, including topics around AI agents, cybersecurity infrastructure, and AI-driven threats.
Recent listed investments include security and AI infrastructure companies such as Cape, Cogent, Dream, Adaptive, Astronomer, and Nebulock.
Background
Career, education, and skills
Career history
- Bain Capital Ventures (BCV)PartnerJul 2014 - Present (11+ years)
- Symantec (now NortonLifeLock/Gen Digital)CEO~2009 - 2012 (4 years)
- SymantecVarious executive roles~9 years prior to CEO
- Other tech companies (per BCV background timeline: 2 years, 1 year, 2 years)Various rolesPrior to Symantec
Education
- Dartmouth CollegeAB, Computer Science (1983-1987)
Skills
CybersecurityInfrastructure softwareAI securityProduct managementStrategy
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