#213 - How to Build a Successful Cybersecurity Startup (with Ross Haleliuk)

CISO Tradecraft®

In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, host G Mark Hardy interviews Ross Haleliuk, author of 'Cyber for Builders: The Essential Guide to Building a Cybersecurity Startup.' Ross shares valuable insights on starting a cybersecurity company, and emphasizes the importance of understanding market needs, customer engagement, and trust in the industry. They discuss the role of angel investors, the differences between product and service companies, and the challenges founders face. The episode also includes an announcement about CISO Tradecraft's partnership with CruiseCon for an upcoming cybersecurity conference. Additionally, Ross provides a glimpse into his non-traditional background and journey into the cybersecurity space.

Thank you to our sponsors

- ThreatLocker - https://hubs.ly/Q02_HRGK0

- CruiseCon - https://cruisecon.com/

Ross Haleliuk's Book - https://www.amazon.com/Cyber-Builders-Essential-Building-Cybersecurity/dp/173823410X/

Ross Haleliuk's LinkedIn Page - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosshaleliuk/

Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b8UPolYvYWEYbmO7n_7NqrilObv-HNzo
Chapters

• 02:28 Ross Haleliuk's Background and Journey
• 04:32 Discussing the Book: Cyber for Builders
• 10:52 Insights on Cybersecurity and Business
• 15:54 Challenges and Realities of Cybersecurity Startups
• 22:19 Navigating Market Competition
• 23:15 Entering Established Markets
• 24:28 Challenges in Security Tool Adoption
• 25:11 Legacy Vendors and Market Entrenchment
• 27:35 Building a Company: Beyond the Product
• 30:02 Validating Market Needs
• 32:27 Funding Your Startup
• 35:25 The Role of Angel Investors
• 43:29 Conclusion and Next Steps