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

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