The artificial intelligence boom is pulling a retiree back into the tech world.
Veteran tech entrepreneur Ken Bajaj returned to the workforce, launching a new startup after spending several years identifying strategic acquisitions to advance AI agent technology.
Meanwhile, Kion hired Austin-based leadership to expand its customer base beyond government clients.
Keep reading for more on these leadership changes and what they mean for Maryland.
Serial entrepreneur exits retirement to start new AI company
After years of scaling and selling big Maryland tech companies, Ken Bajaj exited retirement last month to launch Bethesda-based DigitalNet.ai, an amalgamation of recent acquisitions Harmonic AI, Zillion Technologies and Axis Group for $200 million.
He began his career at Ross Perot’s Electronic Data Systems and later led internet provider AppNet and IT consulting firm Digital Management Inc. (DMI).
After selling his majority stake in DMI in 2021, Bajaj retired, but not for long.
“I did retire for a few months, but I didn’t like it,” Bajaj told Technical.ly. “I saw this opportunity to create something that will make a difference and couldn’t resist the AI opportunity.”
DigitalNet.ai builds AI virtual assistants that businesses can train to handle tasks and make decisions like human team members. The company now has more than 2,000 trained AI agents and over 1,100 employees worldwide.
As part of its growth plan, Bajaj identified data management, systems integration and cybersecurity firms to acquire and target government and enterprise clients.
Bajaj secured funding for the company from his own assets and a New York private equity firm, Ulysses Management. He hopes to take DigitalNet.ai public in two years, but he did not give current funding totals or valuation.
Cloud FinOps company Kion welcomes new CEO
Kion, a Columbia-based cloud financial operations company, recently appointed Brian Wilson as its new chief executive officer.
Wilson succeeds founder Brian Price, who will remain with the company as their chief product officer.
As the new CEO, Wilson brings over 20 years of leadership experience in enterprise software development and information technology to the role. He recently led Monetate, a personalization software company.
Wilson aims to grow Kion’s customer base by reaching more commercial clients, particularly in the biotech and financial sectors.
“My growth focus is really going to be taking the capabilities and the success we’ve had with the federal government and demonstrating how we can do that in the commercial space,” Wilson told Technical.ly.
Other power moves
- CareFirst’s 12-week Healthworx accelerator program announced its 2025 cohort, featuring 20 early-stage healthcare companies and 10 advisors.
- Hanover-based electric vehicle technology company Blue Whale EV landed a contract to streamline the sale of its charging services to public sector clients.
- Loyola University Maryland’s student-run Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program was recognized as an IRS VITA Superior Winner for its high volume of tax returns and strong student participation.
- The University of Maryland ranked No. 22 on Fast Company and Inc.’s 2025 Ignition Schools list, which highlights colleges making a measurable impact in entrepreneurship and innovation worldwide.
- Columbia-based Camelot Secure and its parent company DigiFlight won Changemaker of the Year and Government Contractor of the Year at the 2025 Cybersecurity Awards, hosted by the Cybersecurity Association.
- MAG Partners is leaving as the lead development partner for the Baltimore Peninsula project. Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank’s Sagamore Ventures is now looking for new partners to handle the remaining phases, per the Baltimore Business Journal.
