Latest news with #CyberSharkPitchCompetition
Business Wire
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
CyberShark Pitch Competition Names Finalists from First Round of 2025 Event Series
BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hosted by LaunchTech Communications, a CyberRisk Alliance (CRA) resource specializing in PR and AR services for the cybersecurity industry, the CyberShark Pitch Competition today announced the first two finalists to advance in the 2025 program. By providing a platform for emerging companies to showcase their innovative solutions, we're not just identifying potential game-changers, we're actively investing in the future of cybersecurity. Share The CyberShark Pitch Competition provides emerging cybersecurity companies with an opportunity to pitch their product and receive feedback from Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). During the in-person event held the week of RSA Conference, CISO judges from a variety of industries – including insurance, technology, food and beverage, pharmaceutical distribution, manufacturing, financial services, and more – voted to determine which presentation conveyed the most distinct value proposition and clear messaging. 'Not only did our exceptional panel of judges generously offer their time and deep cybersecurity expertise, but they also brought an incredibly meaningful level of enthusiasm to engage with the early-stage participants,' said Taylor Hadley, Vice President, LaunchTech Communications. 'Their thoughtful post-pitch feedback ensured that each pitching company received immediate, actionable feedback on their messaging, positioning, and product-market fit in a supportive, low-pressure environment.' Congratulations to the finalists! 2025 CyberShark Pitch Competition 'Round 1' Finalists: Dropzone AI – Provides pre-trained autonomous AI SOC analysts that work tirelessly alongside human teams. RapidFort – Eliminates 95% of software vulnerabilities without code changes through its attack surface management platform and near-zero CVE images. This round of the pitch event was particularly competitive, with each participating company demonstrating exceptional preparedness and exciting technological advancements. During the judging process, the CISO panel consistently commented on a few key elements of a strong pitch. These included: the value of delivering a clear problem statement, while avoiding FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt); addressing how the product integrates with other systems and how it fits into the broader cybersecurity landscape; and providing examples of how the product performs in real-world scenarios demonstrates measurable benefits. "The CyberShark Pitch Competition exemplifies the community spirit of our CISO network," said Dustin Sachs, Chief Technologist and Senior Director of Programs with the CyberRisk Collaborative. "By providing a platform for emerging companies to showcase their innovative solutions, we're not just identifying potential game-changers, we're actively investing in the future of cybersecurity. This program is a win-win; cybersecurity vendors gain invaluable feedback to inform their go to market strategy and exposure to potential word of mouth referrals, and our CISO community gains insight into breakthrough solutions and serve to potentially influence how these companies ultimately meet market needs." "We established this program to ensure our clients have the opportunity to validate their solutions and interact directly with industry decision makers,' said Wayne Schepens, Chief Cyber Market Analyst of CyberRisk Alliance. "CyberShark allows vendors to gather valuable input, identify champions, validate their messaging and test their solutions against others. For vendors, there is no better test than pitching industry CISOs in a competitive environment; and for buyers there is no better way for them to play a role in the direction of future innovation. We look forward to continuing this initiative while making it available to more and more practitioners and technology producers.' A second opportunity to pitch CISO judges in person will take place during the week of Black Hat USA 2025, where two more finalists will advance in the CyberShark Pitch Competition. Those finalists, and the finalists from RSA Conference, will go head-to-head in the final round of the competition taking place virtually as part of a live broadcast in the fall of 2025. All 2,000+ members of CyberRisk Collaborative will be invited to participate as judges in the final round. More information about CyberShark can be found here. For more information about LaunchTech Communications, visit About CyberRisk Alliance (CRA) CyberRisk Alliance provides business intelligence that helps the cybersecurity ecosystem connect, share knowledge, accelerate careers, and make smarter and faster decisions. Through our trusted information brands, network of experts, and more than 250 innovative annual events we provide cybersecurity professionals with actionable insights and act as a powerful extension of cybersecurity marketing teams. Our brands include SC Media, the Official Cybersecurity Summits, Security Weekly, InfoSec World, Identiverse, CyberRisk Collaborative, ChannelE2E, MSSP Alert, LaunchTech Communications, TECHEXPO Top Secret and CyberRisk TV. Learn more at
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CyberShark Pitch Competition Names Finalists from First Round of 2025 Event Series
While on site at the 2025 RSA Conference, a panel of 10 CISO judges evaluated pitches from emerging cybersecurity companies in search of stand-out solutions – Congratulations to finalists Dropzone AI and RapidFort BALTIMORE, May 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hosted by LaunchTech Communications, a CyberRisk Alliance (CRA) resource specializing in PR and AR services for the cybersecurity industry, the CyberShark Pitch Competition today announced the first two finalists to advance in the 2025 program. The CyberShark Pitch Competition provides emerging cybersecurity companies with an opportunity to pitch their product and receive feedback from Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). During the in-person event held the week of RSA Conference, CISO judges from a variety of industries – including insurance, technology, food and beverage, pharmaceutical distribution, manufacturing, financial services, and more – voted to determine which presentation conveyed the most distinct value proposition and clear messaging. "Not only did our exceptional panel of judges generously offer their time and deep cybersecurity expertise, but they also brought an incredibly meaningful level of enthusiasm to engage with the early-stage participants," said Taylor Hadley, Vice President, LaunchTech Communications. "Their thoughtful post-pitch feedback ensured that each pitching company received immediate, actionable feedback on their messaging, positioning, and product-market fit in a supportive, low-pressure environment." Congratulations to the finalists! 2025 CyberShark Pitch Competition "Round 1" Finalists: Dropzone AI – Provides pre-trained autonomous AI SOC analysts that work tirelessly alongside human teams. RapidFort – Eliminates 95% of software vulnerabilities without code changes through its attack surface management platform and near-zero CVE images. This round of the pitch event was particularly competitive, with each participating company demonstrating exceptional preparedness and exciting technological advancements. During the judging process, the CISO panel consistently commented on a few key elements of a strong pitch. These included: the value of delivering a clear problem statement, while avoiding FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt); addressing how the product integrates with other systems and how it fits into the broader cybersecurity landscape; and providing examples of how the product performs in real-world scenarios demonstrates measurable benefits. "The CyberShark Pitch Competition exemplifies the community spirit of our CISO network," said Dustin Sachs, Chief Technologist and Senior Director of Programs with the CyberRisk Collaborative. "By providing a platform for emerging companies to showcase their innovative solutions, we're not just identifying potential game-changers, we're actively investing in the future of cybersecurity. This program is a win-win; cybersecurity vendors gain invaluable feedback to inform their go to market strategy and exposure to potential word of mouth referrals, and our CISO community gains insight into breakthrough solutions and serve to potentially influence how these companies ultimately meet market needs." "We established this program to ensure our clients have the opportunity to validate their solutions and interact directly with industry decision makers," said Wayne Schepens, Chief Cyber Market Analyst of CyberRisk Alliance. "CyberShark allows vendors to gather valuable input, identify champions, validate their messaging and test their solutions against others. For vendors, there is no better test than pitching industry CISOs in a competitive environment; and for buyers there is no better way for them to play a role in the direction of future innovation. We look forward to continuing this initiative while making it available to more and more practitioners and technology producers." A second opportunity to pitch CISO judges in person will take place during the week of Black Hat USA 2025, where two more finalists will advance in the CyberShark Pitch Competition. Those finalists, and the finalists from RSA Conference, will go head-to-head in the final round of the competition taking place virtually as part of a live broadcast in the fall of 2025. All 2,000+ members of CyberRisk Collaborative will be invited to participate as judges in the final round. More information about CyberShark can be found here. For more information about LaunchTech Communications, visit About CyberRisk Alliance (CRA) CyberRisk Alliance provides business intelligence that helps the cybersecurity ecosystem connect, share knowledge, accelerate careers, and make smarter and faster decisions. Through our trusted information brands, network of experts, and more than 250 innovative annual events we provide cybersecurity professionals with actionable insights and act as a powerful extension of cybersecurity marketing teams. Our brands include SC Media, the Official Cybersecurity Summits, Security Weekly, InfoSec World, Identiverse, CyberRisk Collaborative, ChannelE2E, MSSP Alert, LaunchTech Communications, TECHEXPO Top Secret and CyberRisk TV. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Media Contact cybershark@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LaunchTech Communications Introduces CRA CyberShark Pitch Competition & Announces 2024 Winners
Annual event series, now accepting nominations for the 2025 program, is an opportunity for emerging cybersecurity vendors to connect with CISOs for critical feedback and market validation BALTIMORE, March 05, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--LaunchTech Communications, a CyberRisk Alliance (CRA) resource specializing in public relations services for the cybersecurity industry, is pleased to unveil details about a new opportunity offered to cybersecurity vendors: the CyberShark Pitch Competition. The CyberShark Pitch Competition is an annual event series designed for emerging cybersecurity companies to pitch the unique value proposition of their solution directly to Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and receive honest, constructive feedback on their messaging, positioning, and product-market fit. Initially launched in 2024, 12 companies competed during gatherings at RSA Conference and Black Hat USA to prove to CISOs from the CyberRisk Collaborative community and the broader cybersecurity ecosystem why their approach to solving a particular challenge shouldn't be overlooked – with just a 7-minute pitch. "Standing out in a crowded market is hard enough, and getting solutions directly in front of CISOs and decision makers can be near impossible. CyberShark is designed to be a two-way street, a mutually beneficial experience for both vendors and CISOs," said Wayne Schepens, Founder and Managing Director of LaunchTech Communications and Chief Cyber Market Analyst at CRA. "Our team is proud to serve as a connector of innovative solutions and fresh perspectives; creating a collaborative feedback loop where CISOs can evaluate cutting edge products in a low-pressure environment and vendors can gain immediate reactions to their approach." 2024 CyberShark Pitch Competition Winners & Finalists Based on the feedback and tabulated votes of over 50 CISO judges, the following two companies have earned the title of 2024 CyberShark Pitch Winner: Zero Networks – Effortless and effective zero trust microsegmentation Nucleus Security – Vulnerability and exposure management platform The following companies were among the finalists in the last stage of the 2024 competition: Brinqa – Unified Exposure Management Platform BlueFlag Security – Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Security and Governance platform Votiro – Zero-trust content and data security platform Uptycs – Cloud security platform for large hybrid cloud environments ADAMnetworks – Proactive, zero-trust security solutions provider Nominations are Open for the 2025 CyberShark Pitch Competition The 2025 CyberShark Pitch Competition event programming will operate as follows: The first opportunity to pitch CISO judges in person will take place during the 2025 RSA Conference, from which two finalists will advance. The second opportunity to pitch CISO judges in person will take place around Black Hat USA 2025, where two more finalists will advance. Those four finalists will go head-to-head in the final round of the competition, which will take place virtually as part of a live broadcast in the fall of 2025. A benefit of making it to the final virtual event is that all 2,000+ members of CyberRisk Collaborative are invited to participate as judges. The potential for exposure to a broad CISO audience for the four finalists is invaluable. "We are so grateful to the members of our CISO community for their willingness to give back to the cybersecurity community as CyberShark judges. While they may very well benefit from discovering a solution that could be a game changer for their security posture, they are generously offering time to provide constructive feedback to each emerging vendor selected to pitch in this event program," added Chris Ancharski, Head of National Engagement and Recruitment, CyberRisk Collaborative. If you are an emerging cybersecurity vendor and would like to be considered for a pitch slot in the 2025 CyberShark competition, please submit your self-nomination to cybershark@ All nominations should include: company name, website URL, market category, product description, and any supporting materials such as recent press releases, blogs, etc. For more information about LaunchTech Communications, visit About CyberRisk Alliance (CRA)CyberRisk Alliance provides business intelligence that helps the cybersecurity ecosystem connect, share knowledge, accelerate careers, and make smarter and faster decisions. Through our trusted information brands, network of experts, and more than 250 innovative annual events we provide cybersecurity professionals with actionable insights and act as a powerful extension of cybersecurity marketing teams. Our brands include SC Media, the Official Cybersecurity Summits, Security Weekly, InfoSec World, Identiverse, CyberRisk Collaborative, ChannelE2E, MSSP Alert, LaunchTech Communications, TECHEXPO Top Secret and CyberRisk TV. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Media Contact Taylor Hadley(978) Sign in to access your portfolio
