A new cybersecurity and supply chain risk management firm founded in Wake Forest is making waves in the tech community. Co-founded by James Artis, a seasoned technology expert with over 20 years of experience in the Department of Defense and Intelligence community, this innovative company is dedicated to helping businesses and governments navigate the complex and evolving landscape of cybersecurity and supply chain risks. With a mission to protect organizations from disruptions and cyber threats, the firm is providing critical solutions that are set to shape the future of risk management.
That company is JIBChain Risk Solutions, and its commitment to empowering organizations with tools and expertise has quickly gained attention. Artis’ journey to founding JIBChain was shaped by a clear vision: to educate organizations on the importance of supply chain risk assessments. “In the early days, we focused on leveraging our experience to teach organizations and governments about the importance of conducting supply chain risk assessments,” Artis explains. “The vision evolved when we saw our national supply chain impacted by disruption from foreign governments, entities, and natural causes. Businesses didn’t understand how to navigate risk, so we set our plans to provide critical steps and expertise to help change the narrative.”
At the core of JIBChain’s offerings is COEUS, a cutting-edge software product designed to help organizations assess and manage risk. “COEUS is the first live ecosystem of risk management,” says Artis. “It provides organizations with best practices, justification, and scenario planning for each of their critical risks that may impact their environment.”
As a veteran entrepreneur, Artis is deeply committed to supporting the local Wake Forest community. “As we grow, we look to build an AI hub for businesses and academia to interact with, produce the future tech, and develop the area,” he says. This ambitious goal is expected to bring new talent, jobs, and investment to the region. Artis also values his place within the Wake Forest small business community. “Interacting with the amazing businesses and community leaders and seeing the growth Wake Forest has undertaken is an exciting opportunity to be part of the community,” he says.
Jason Cannon, President of the Wake Forest Business and Industry Partnership (WFBIP), emphasizes the significant economic impact companies like JIBChain have on the local area. “JIBChain’s innovative approach to cybersecurity and supply chain risk management is a perfect example of the type of forward-thinking businesses that drive economic growth and bring new opportunities to Wake Forest,” says Cannon. “Their presence not only strengthens the local tech ecosystem but also attracts talent and further innovation to the town and region.”
Artis’ recent experience with the Wake Forest Founders’ Pitch Competition last December was instrumental in raising JIBChain’s visibility. “The experience was great, and the feedback was truly valuable. I aimed to introduce the community to our business and learn more about the local business community,” Artis reflects. The pitch competition also helped JIBChain identify new funding opportunities. “The feedback on seeking a DARPA grant has changed our visibility in the short term, and we are now looking at additional opportunities.”
As JIBChain continues to grow, Artis has both immediate and long-term aspirations. “The short-term goal is to launch COEUS on January 13th, our first technology going live,” says Artis. “The long-term goal is to develop the AI hub for Wake Forest and impact the area's tech development.”
Artis’ military background has played a pivotal role in shaping his business approach. “The military has been vital in influencing my business approach. Applying the core tenets of integrity, discipline, and intelligence has given our company a solid foundation,” he explains. These values, along with resiliency, commitment, and hard work, form the cornerstone of JIBChain’s success. For other veterans considering entrepreneurship, Artis offers advice: “Limit your distraction and maximize your discipline. Always believe in your abilities.”
Looking to the future, Artis remains focused on creating a lasting impact, not only for JIBChain but for the broader Wake Forest community. “The journey has just begun but has proven vital to JIBChain's future growth,” he says. “Community and business development programs are essential to businesses in the local area, including JIBChain.”
JIBChain also benefits from the collaborative environment at The Loading Dock Wake Forest, a shared workspace that fosters innovation and connection. “The Loading Dock has been instrumental in providing a collaborative and supportive environment for JIBChain as we continue to grow and evolve,” says Artis. “It’s a great place to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and industry leaders.”
Cannon joins Artis in his excitement for JIBChain’s future in Wake Forest. “James’ innovative approach to solving 21st-century business problems is precisely the type of enterprise we are working to foster through the WFBIP’s Wake Forest Founders Program,” Cannon notes. “We are thrilled to have James engaged with us, and we’re ready to walk alongside him providing every available resource as he grows JIBChain in the months ahead.”
