https://simplecast.com Welcome to the Cyber Thoughts podcast, where we explore the world of cybersecurity through the eyes of practitioners and leaders in the field. In each episode, we invite a guest from the world of Infosec to share their insights and expertise on the latest trends and developments in the cybersecurity market. Whether you're a seasoned Infosec professional or just starting in the field, this podcast is for you; our guests will provide valuable insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the Infosec market. Join us as we delve into the world of Cybersecurity and learn from the experts on the Cyber Thoughts podcast. — Subscribe to our monthly Cyber Thoughts newsletter: lyticalventures.com/subscribe lyticalventures.com linkedin.com/company/lyticalventures/ twitter.com/lyticalventures 2023 Lytical Ventures en Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:54:39 +0000 https://cyber-thoughts.simplecast.com https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/14ee7cf4-7d59-4b2a-8104-d227b7ff9c2e/a38a22b2-ca1a-403c-b073-94217c97fc78/3000x3000/gradient-pastel-minimalist-modern-podcast-cover.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://cyber-thoughts.simplecast.com episodic Welcome to the Cyber Thoughts podcast, where we explore the world of cybersecurity through the eyes of practitioners and leaders in the field. In each episode, we invite a guest from the world of Infosec to share their insights and expertise on the latest trends and developments in the cybersecurity market. Whether you're a seasoned Infosec professional or just starting in the field, this podcast is for you; our guests will provide valuable insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the Infosec market. Join us as we delve into the world of Cybersecurity and learn from the experts on the Cyber Thoughts podcast. — Subscribe to our monthly Cyber Thoughts newsletter: lyticalventures.com/subscribe lyticalventures.com linkedin.com/company/lyticalventures/ twitter.com/lyticalventures Lytical Ventures false https://feeds.simplecast.com/8tAkqRM0 cyber thoughts, cyberthoughts, steve berg, lytical ventures, graham carroll, lytical, lucas nelson Lytical Ventures communications@lyticalventures.com 76ebb3c3-b7ee-439b-8098-df40cb6f0126 Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 communications@lyticalventures.com (Mike Privette, Lucas Nelson) https://cyber-thoughts.simplecast.com/episodes/ep-15-mike-privette-g1ABS_I4 EP 15: Mike Privette Mike Privette, Lucas Nelson 00:19:52 In this episode of Cyber Thoughts, Lucas Nelson is joined by Mike Privette, founder of Return on Security, for a data-driven look at the state of cybersecurity funding and M&A. Mike breaks down why Q3 was such a strong quarter, how mega-deals like Wiz fit into the broader trends, and what his latest analysis reveals about the real role of AI in security. He also shares where he sees the most interesting opportunities emerging and what he’s tracking next in his deep-dive reports. In this episode of Cyber Thoughts, Lucas Nelson is joined by Mike Privette, founder of Return on Security, for a data-driven look at the state of cybersecurity funding and M&A. Mike breaks down why Q3 was such a strong quarter, how mega-deals like Wiz fit into the broader trends, and what his latest analysis reveals about the real role of AI in security. He also shares where he sees the most interesting opportunities emerging and what he’s tracking next in his deep-dive reports. cybersecurity, mike privette, cyber thoughts, vc, ai, infosec, cyber, lucas nelson false full 15 a86e22fc-7c4d-4d97-8e0a-073a04c67281 Tue, 9 Sep 2025 22:00:00 +0000 communications@lyticalventures.com (Taylor Margot, Dimitry Shvartsman, Lucas Nelson) https://cyber-thoughts.simplecast.com/episodes/ep-14-dimitry-shvartsman-taylor-margot-dXHweydt EP 14: Dimitry Shvartsman & Taylor Margot Taylor Margot, Dimitry Shvartsman, Lucas Nelson 00:49:04 In this episode of Cyber Thoughts, host Lucas Nelson is joined by Dimitry Shvartsman, co-founder of Prime Security, and Taylor Margot, Lucas’ partner at Lytical Ventures, for a special two-guest discussion. Dimitry shares his journey from two decades in security operations to co-founding Prime Security and explains how the company won this year’s Black Hat Startup Spotlight competition. The conversation covers how to craft a compelling application, the importance of cutting a pitch down to its essentials, and why storytelling matters just as much as technical credibility. Taylor offers insight into how founders can connect emotionally with an audience and turn a technical demo into a narrative judges can’t ignore. In this episode of Cyber Thoughts, host Lucas Nelson is joined by Dimitry Shvartsman, co-founder of Prime Security, and Taylor Margot, Lucas’ partner at Lytical Ventures, for a special two-guest discussion. Dimitry shares his journey from two decades in security operations to co-founding Prime Security and explains how the company won this year’s Black Hat Startup Spotlight competition. The conversation covers how to craft a compelling application, the importance of cutting a pitch down to its essentials, and why storytelling matters just as much as technical credibility. Taylor offers insight into how founders can connect emotionally with an audience and turn a technical demo into a narrative judges can’t ignore. cybersecurity, cyber thoughts, vc, ai, infosec, dimitry shvartsman, cyber, taylor margot, black hat, lucas nelson false full 14 7eb2256a-b301-4abd-8254-739794e0e408 Thu, 24 Jul 2025 15:10:00 +0000 communications@lyticalventures.com (Ross Haleliuk, Lucas Nelson, Lytical Ventures) https://cyber-thoughts.simplecast.com/episodes/ep-13-ross-haleliuk-XBZXcJzq EP 13: Ross Haleliuk Ross Haleliuk, Lucas Nelson, Lytical Ventures 00:40:32 In this episode of CyberThoughts, host Lucas Nelson speaks with Ross Haleliuk, author of "Cyber for Builders" and a cybersecurity founder. Haleliuk discusses his journey into cybersecurity and why he views it as a horizontal, rather than a vertical, market. He introduces the concept of cybersecurity as a "market for silver bullets," where neither buyers nor sellers can guarantee a product's future efficacy, and explains why this, combined with high switching costs, makes market entry for new companies extremely challenging, despite the hype around new technologies like AI. In this episode of CyberThoughts, host Lucas Nelson speaks with Ross Haleliuk, author of "Cyber for Builders" and a cybersecurity founder. Haleliuk discusses his journey into cybersecurity and why he views it as a horizontal, rather than a vertical, market. He introduces the concept of cybersecurity as a "market for silver bullets," where neither buyers nor sellers can guarantee a product's future efficacy, and explains why this, combined with high switching costs, makes market entry for new companies extremely challenging, despite the hype around new technologies like AI. cybersecurity, security, ross haleliuk, cyber thoughts, vc, ai, infosec, venture capital, funding, lucas nelson false full 13 cd996dfa-dec0-466b-8fe0-a3cd2832a7f7 Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:15:00 +0000 communications@lyticalventures.com (Lucas Nelson, John Kanarowski) https://cyber-thoughts.simplecast.com/episodes/ep-12-john-kanarowski-ceo-of-implicit-6ZRkTctn EP 12: John Kanarowski, CEO of Implicit Lucas Nelson, John Kanarowski 00:36:12 In this episode of CyberThoughts, host Lucas Nelson speaks with John Kanarowski, CEO of Implicit (formerly Agolo). Kanarowski shares the journey of Implicit, an AI company that pivoted from summarization technology to entity intelligence and now specializes in product expertise solutions using large language models (LLMs). In this episode of CyberThoughts, host Lucas Nelson speaks with John Kanarowski, CEO of Implicit (formerly Agolo). Kanarowski shares the journey of Implicit, an AI company that pivoted from summarization technology to entity intelligence and now specializes in product expertise solutions using large language models (LLMs). cybersecurity, security, lytical, data, vc, ai, infosec, venture capital, cyber, funding, lucas nelson, llms false full 12 8a56b48d-753f-4e09-8d6f-b635a3233ace Tue, 4 Feb 2025 21:05:00 +0000 communications@lyticalventures.com (Lytical Ventures) https://cyber-thoughts.simplecast.com/episodes/ep-11-mike-privette-round-3-founder-of-return-on-security-n7z2nLXB EP 11: Mike Privette (Round 3), Founder of Return On Security Lytical Ventures 00:25:17 In this episode of Cyber Thoughts, Lucas Nelson and Mike Privette of Return on Security dive into their top cybersecurity predictions for 2025. From AI-driven data loss prevention to the rise of personal cyber insurance and the evolving IPO landscape, they break down key trends shaping the industry in the year ahead. In this episode of Cyber Thoughts, Lucas Nelson and Mike Privette of Return on Security dive into their top cybersecurity predictions for 2025. From AI-driven data loss prevention to the rise of personal cyber insurance and the evolving IPO landscape, they break down key trends shaping the industry in the year ahead. venture, mike privette, lytical, data, vc, ai, infosec, venture capital, cyber, secutity, funding, lucas nelson, lytical ventures false full 11 378b2814-460d-40af-9972-10d48133d2e2 Tue, 24 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 communications@lyticalventures.com (Lytical Ventures) https://cyber-thoughts.simplecast.com/episodes/ep10-mike-privette-round2-Em7pZnvf EP 10: Mike Privette (Round 2), Founder of Return On Security Lytical Ventures 00:35:44 In this episode, Lucas Nelson welcomes back Mike Privette, founder of Return On Security. Together, they discuss Mike’s role as a fractional CISO and his unique blend of consulting, research, and insights into cybersecurity funding and market trends. The conversation covers highlights from major conferences like Black Hat and DEF CON, the evolution of AI in cybersecurity, and the importance of staying ahead of emerging threats. We're excited to make discussions with Mike a regular segment. In this episode, Lucas Nelson welcomes back Mike Privette, founder of Return On Security. Together, they discuss Mike’s role as a fractional CISO and his unique blend of consulting, research, and insights into cybersecurity funding and market trends. The conversation covers highlights from major conferences like Black Hat and DEF CON, the evolution of AI in cybersecurity, and the importance of staying ahead of emerging threats. We're excited to make discussions with Mike a regular segment. security, venture, mike privette, lytical, data, vc, ai, infosec, venture capital, cyber, funding, lucas nelson, lytical ventures false full 10 00b1967c-d841-45ef-ac7a-aec60ac21f31 Tue, 2 Apr 2024 03:11:43 +0000 communications@lyticalventures.com (Lytical Ventures) https://cyber-thoughts.simplecast.com/episodes/ep-9-sameer-malhotra-ceo-and-co-founder-of-truefort-IjWgYg6N EP 9: Sameer Malhotra, CEO and Co-Founder of TrueFort Lytical Ventures 00:28:50 In this Cyber Thoughts episode, Lucas Nelson sits with Sameer Malhotra, Truefort's Founder and CEO, to explore his journey from the financial sector to cybersecurity innovation. Sameer discusses Truefort's genesis during a pivotal time in cyber defense, emphasizing their mission to halt lateral cyber threats through advanced technology. He also touches on the significance of partnerships, utilizing platforms for growth, and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on navigating the startup world and envisioning the future of cyber protection. In this Cyber Thoughts episode, Lucas Nelson sits with Sameer Malhotra, Truefort's Founder and CEO, to explore his journey from the financial sector to cybersecurity innovation. Sameer discusses Truefort's genesis during a pivotal time in cyber defense, emphasizing their mission to halt lateral cyber threats through advanced technology. He also touches on the significance of partnerships, utilizing platforms for growth, and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on navigating the startup world and envisioning the future of cyber protection. security, venture, lytical, data, vc, ai, infosec, venture capital, sameer malhotra, cyber, funding, lucas nelson, lytical ventures false full 9 0d181f23-e8cb-49b9-b696-7fa219abdb4d Wed, 6 Mar 2024 04:20:00 +0000 communications@lyticalventures.com (Lytical Ventures) https://cyber-thoughts.simplecast.com/episodes/ep-8-jeremy-vaughan-ceo-and-co-founder-of-start-left-security-r879sJdb EP 8: Jeremy Vaughan, CEO and Co-Founder of Start Left Security Lytical Ventures 00:27:42 In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas Nelson sits down with Jeremy Vaughan, founder and CEO of Start Left Security. His unconventional path to cybersecurity was sparked by personal experience and professional opportunity. Jeremy details launching Start Left Security during a global pandemic, emphasizing 'starting security left'—at the beginning of software development. He shares insights on building a platform that empowers developers to create secure software, aiming to enhance consumer protection and national security. In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas Nelson sits down with Jeremy Vaughan, founder and CEO of Start Left Security. His unconventional path to cybersecurity was sparked by personal experience and professional opportunity. Jeremy details launching Start Left Security during a global pandemic, emphasizing 'starting security left'—at the beginning of software development. He shares insights on building a platform that empowers developers to create secure software, aiming to enhance consumer protection and national security. security, cyber security, lytical, investing, founder, ai, infosec, venture capital, cyber, lyticalventures, start left, startup, lytical ventures false full 8 8942520f-0653-4528-9906-752057a7014e Tue, 13 Feb 2024 02:00:00 +0000 communications@lyticalventures.com (Lytical Ventures) https://cyber-thoughts.simplecast.com/episodes/ep-7-charles-henderson-global-head-of-ibms-x-force-_vjwhT8d EP 7: Charles Henderson, Global Head of IBM's X-Force Lytical Ventures 00:37:36 In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas Nelson sits down with Charles Henderson, a cybersecurity virtuoso and the global managing partner and head of X-Force at IBM. Charles delves into his intriguing path to cybersecurity prominence, from early 'conferences' to leading one of the industry's most storied teams. With anecdotes of his tenure abroad and with IBM's X-Force, Charles provides a firsthand account of the evolving cybersecurity landscape, the strategic importance of demonstrating ROI in security, and the power of mentorship and community in fostering industry growth. In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas Nelson sits down with Charles Henderson, a cybersecurity virtuoso and the global managing partner and head of X-Force at IBM. Charles delves into his intriguing path to cybersecurity prominence, from early 'conferences' to leading one of the industry's most storied teams. With anecdotes of his tenure abroad and with IBM's X-Force, Charles provides a firsthand account of the evolving cybersecurity landscape, the strategic importance of demonstrating ROI in security, and the power of mentorship and community in fostering industry growth. cybersecurity, ibm, lytical, cyber thoughts, data, vc, investing, ai, infosec, venture capital, cyber, lyticalventures, lytical ventures false full 7 7336a45f-219c-4427-adcf-a4f5733baa15 Tue, 9 Jan 2024 04:50:00 +0000 communications@lyticalventures.com (Lytical Ventures) https://cyber-thoughts.simplecast.com/episodes/ep-6-justine-bone-chief-product-officer-at-redjack-P1YWcfp8 EP 6: Justine Bone: Ballet Dancer, Hacker, Spy Lytical Ventures 00:35:46 In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas interviews Justine Bone, a ballet dancer turned spy who became the first CISO of Bloomberg. Justine's experience as a founder of multiple cybersecurity companies also comes to the forefront, offering a rare insight into the industry's dynamic landscape. In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas interviews Justine Bone, a ballet dancer turned spy who became the first CISO of Bloomberg. Justine's experience as a founder of multiple cybersecurity companies also comes to the forefront, offering a rare insight into the industry's dynamic landscape. cybersecurity, security, venture, lytical, vc, investing, founder, ai, infosec, finance, venture capital, cyber, startup, lytical ventures false full 6 d93687a9-0411-4dad-9a51-ea10f515f0c5 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 17:00:00 +0000 communications@lyticalventures.com (Lytical Ventures) https://cyber-thoughts.simplecast.com/episodes/cyber-thoughts-podcast-episode-5-with-mike-privette-LzdBhzrK EP 5: Mike Privette, Founder of Return on Security Lytical Ventures 00:44:53 In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas is joined by Mike Privette, the founder of Return on Security, a must-read newsletter and blog focusing on the financial aspects of early-stage companies in the cybersecurity sector. Mike, who began his career as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), shares his unique journey in cybersecurity, shedding light on his transition from security consulting to forensics and eventually into leadership roles. In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas is joined by Mike Privette, the founder of Return on Security, a must-read newsletter and blog focusing on the financial aspects of early-stage companies in the cybersecurity sector. Mike, who began his career as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), shares his unique journey in cybersecurity, shedding light on his transition from security consulting to forensics and eventually into leadership roles. cybersecurity, security, venture, lytical, vc, investing, founder, ai, infosec, finance, venture capital, cyber, startup, lytical ventures false full 5 840ebdf7-2b86-4bc1-9289-b8acc2654478 Wed, 8 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000 communications@lyticalventures.com (Lytical Ventures) https://cyber-thoughts.simplecast.com/episodes/ep-4-jamey-cummings-partner-at-jm-search-W18tljYX EP 4: Jamey Cummings, Partner at JM Search Lytical Ventures 00:31:16 In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas sits down for an engaging conversation with Jamey Cummings, a seasoned partner at JM Search, specializing in the dynamic world of cybersecurity recruitment. Jamey delves into his remarkable journey within the cybersecurity domain, leveraging his insights gained from years of experience to find and place top talent in the industry. In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas sits down for an engaging conversation with Jamey Cummings, a seasoned partner at JM Search, specializing in the dynamic world of cybersecurity recruitment. Jamey delves into his remarkable journey within the cybersecurity domain, leveraging his insights gained from years of experience to find and place top talent in the industry. cybersecurity, security, venture, lytical, data, vc, founder, ai, infosec, finance, venture capital, cyber, startup false full 4 72b75390-fe61-4ca3-aa2e-bbefadd49f80 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 20:41:16 +0000 communications@lyticalventures.com (Lytical Ventures) https://cyber-thoughts.simplecast.com/episodes/ep-3-maxime-lamothe-brassard-founder-ceo-of-limacharlie-9s6sF3pa EP 3: Maxime Lamothe-Brassard, Founder & CEO of LimaCharlie Lytical Ventures 00:29:06 In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas interviews Maxime Lamothe-Brassard, the founder and CEO of LimaCharlie, a Lytical Venture's portfolio company. Maxime shares his journey in cybersecurity, starting from his time at the CSE, Canada’s national cryptologic agency, through his stints at CrowdStrike and Google, and founding LimaCharlie. In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas interviews Maxime Lamothe-Brassard, the founder and CEO of LimaCharlie, a Lytical Venture's portfolio company. Maxime shares his journey in cybersecurity, starting from his time at the CSE, Canada’s national cryptologic agency, through his stints at CrowdStrike and Google, and founding LimaCharlie. cybersecurity, cyber thoughts, ai, infosec, founders, venture capital, cyber, lytical ventures false full 3 b4d8db5d-4b30-4870-89fe-d18a3c872e38 Wed, 8 Feb 2023 05:00:00 +0000 communications@lyticalventures.com (Lytical Ventures) https://cyber-thoughts.simplecast.com/episodes/ep-2-PrTIGw2F EP 2: JP Bourget, Cybersecurity Entrepreneur Lytical Ventures 00:35:19 In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas speaks with JP Bourget: virtual CISO, industry expert, and recovering SOAR founder. They discuss JP's unorthodox career progression and explore how Microsoft is set to take over the security market using software bundling. JP provides unique insights given his history as a founder paired with his experiences working with multiple companies at a high level. In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas speaks with JP Bourget: virtual CISO, industry expert, and recovering SOAR founder. They discuss JP's unorthodox career progression and explore how Microsoft is set to take over the security market using software bundling. JP provides unique insights given his history as a founder paired with his experiences working with multiple companies at a high level. cybersecurity, entrepreneur, security, data analytics, enterprise intelligence, lytical, cyber thoughts, investing, venture capital, jp bourget, ciso, lucas nelson, cyberthoughts, lytical ventures false full 2 2186a315-c3af-4d28-bce3-997cda336c33 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 21:10:05 +0000 communications@lyticalventures.com (Lytical Ventures) https://cyber-thoughts.simplecast.com/episodes/ep-1-_1ogxTuD EP 1: Greg Notch, the CISO of Expel Lytical Ventures 00:21:43 This week, we speak with Greg Notch, the CISO of Expel, a recognized leader in managed detection & response. We start with Greg's background and then delve into the world of MDR and what he looks for in new technology. This week, we speak with Greg Notch, the CISO of Expel, a recognized leader in managed detection & response. We start with Greg's background and then delve into the world of MDR and what he looks for in new technology. cybersecurity, expel, greg notch, data analytics, enterprise intelligence, lytical, cyber thoughts, investing, venture capital, lucas nelson, cyberthoughts, lytical ventures false full 1