In the cybersecurity industry, founders are often at the heart of innovation, leading the charge against ever-evolving threats. To help honor these pioneers and innovators and the origin stories of companies that often become the foundation of what is still yet to come, CyberRisk Alliance has launched a new video series called Founder Stories.
Hosted by former CISO and industry veteran Allan Alford and featured on CyberRisk TV, the new video series offers a unique platform for founders to share insights into their inspiration, motivations, hurdles, and triumphs.
“Founder Stories is all about hearing from people who have been there and done that,” said Alford. “We’re sharing lessons from individuals who have taken a brave step and faced the challenges head-on. Maybe some of us can learn from their wisdom and do a little better when it's our turn.”
Focusing on founders’ journeys, the series sheds light on what it truly takes to succeed in an industry that demands constant innovation and adaptability. From challenges with hiring and scaling, to grappling with market needs, these founders are no strangers to obstacles, and the series brings these real experiences to the forefront.
Profiling Cybersecurity Pioneers
Founder Stories showcases a variety of leaders, from first-time entrepreneurs to seasoned industry veterans. By featuring different perspectives, the series highlights the common threads that unite these founders—passion for cybersecurity, a commitment to problem-solving, and a relentless drive to stay ahead of the innovation curve. Whether it’s overcoming financial obstacles, navigating complex regulatory environments, or fostering a strong company culture, these founders have unique stories and advice to share.
Here’s more on what you can expect from our first few episodes, which will become available beginning on November 5.
Sivan Tehila – Building a Cybersecurity Management Platform
The series kicks off with Sivan Tehila, CEO of Onyxia. Sivan brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as a cybersecurity officer in the Israeli army. In the episode, she reflects on her journey, from identifying a critical gap in the cybersecurity market to founding a company designed to solve these pain points for other CISOs.
Sivan’s story is particularly compelling for those in the industry because she shares her unique perspective on the challenges CISOs face today. Her episode dives into her first pitch, the unexpected conversation that secured her first investor, and the passion that drove her to transition from serving in the military to leading a company.
Sivan’s advice to aspiring founders is simple: Follow your passion, especially when it aligns with solving a real-world problem.
Raj Malampati – Prioritizing Customer Success in Cybersecurity
In episode two, Raj Mallempati, CEO of BlueFlag Security, steps into the spotlight. Raj, a first-time founder, shares a different but equally insightful journey. Coming from a strong technical and business background, he emphasizes the importance of building a robust team and establishing customer success from the very beginning.
While technical development is critical, Raj learned that balancing the team’s focus on both technology and product development was key to his company's success. Raj also shares his personal passion for mountain climbing and his experience reaching Mount Everest’s base camp, a feat that speaks to the persistence and drive he brings to his role as CEO.
Benny Lakunishok – Embracing “Prevention 2.0”
Episode three features Benny Lakunishok, CEO of Zero Networks, who brings a pragmatic approach to the series. His focus is on the necessity of hiring the right people and finding balance amid the daily challenges of startup life. Benny emphasizes the concept of “Prevention 2.0”, a new approach to cybersecurity that Zero Networks champions.
For Benny, the early stages of the startup were marked by decisions to prioritize resilience in both business and personal life. He openly shares that the road to success isn’t without its tolls and offers practical advice for others considering a similar path: “Startup life is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards of creating something meaningful are unmatched.”
Brian Carbaugh – From CIA to Cybersecurity
In episode four, Brian Carbaugh, CEO of Andesite, provides insight from his unique background as a former CIA officer and Marine. With a fresh perspective on leadership, Brian explains how he brings discipline and resilience to his company. For him, founding Andesite was about answering the pressing cybersecurity threats facing our world today.
He emphasizes the importance of building a team capable of navigating the challenges of the rapidly evolving industry. His philosophy centers around the idea that founders set the example for their teams. “If I’m sending messages at 2 AM, I’m indirectly setting that expectation for my team,” Brian shares. “Building a company isn’t about relentless work hours; it’s about building a culture of endurance and resilience.”
“Each founder in this series brings a distinct set of experiences and perspectives,” said Marcus Witte, Executive Vice President, CRA Connect. “Founder Stories sheds light on these diverse paths and offers the cybersecurity community a chance to learn from the voices that are reshaping the industry.”
For CyberRisk Alliance, the series is not only a celebration of innovation but a way to support and inspire the next generation of leaders. Through Founder Stories, CyberRisk Alliance is fostering a space for cybersecurity professionals to connect, learn, and find inspiration. Whether you're a startup founder, a CISO, or a cybersecurity practitioner, these episodes offer a unique opportunity to hear directly from the individuals pushing the industry forward.
As show host Alford says, “There's no way to become a founder without getting beat up. You learn the hard way. I want to take the learnings from those folks and share them, so some of us can learn from their wisdom and do a little better when it's our turn.”
Find episodes of Founder Stories when they are published at https://founderstories.tv and subscribe to the CyberRisk TV YouTube channel to delve deeper into the journeys of these founders. Interested in sponsoring an episode? Contact us at https://www.cyberriskalliance.com/contact-us-founder-stories.
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