The CyberShark Pitch Competition, hosted by LaunchTech Communications, a CyberRisk Alliance resource, recently revealed its first two finalists for the 2025 program. This competition offers emerging cybersecurity companies a platform to pitch their products and receive expert feedback from Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) across various industries. The event fosters innovation and collaboration, enabling startups to refine their solutions and better serve the cybersecurity market.
1. About the CyberShark Pitch Competition
- Designed to connect early-stage cybersecurity companies with CISOs for feedback and validation.
- Held during major cybersecurity events like the RSA Conference and Black Hat USA.
- Encourages clear messaging, product-market fit, and real-world performance demonstrations.
2. The 2025 Round 1 Finalists
- Dropzone AI: Offers autonomous AI SOC analysts working alongside human teams to enhance threat detection and response.
- RapidFort: Provides an attack surface management platform that eliminates 95% of software vulnerabilities without code changes.
3. Judging Criteria and Panel Insights
- Judges valued clear problem statements that avoid fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD).
- Importance of product integration with existing systems and cybersecurity ecosystems.
- Emphasis on demonstrating measurable benefits through real-world examples.
4. Community and Industry Impact
- The competition exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the CISO network.
- Provides cybersecurity vendors with valuable market feedback and potential referrals.
- Helps CISOs influence the direction of future cybersecurity innovation.
5. Next Steps in the Competition
- Another pitching round will be held during Black Hat USA 2025 to select two more finalists.
- Finalists from both events will compete virtually in fall 2025.
- Over 2,000 CyberRisk Collaborative members will judge the final round, increasing exposure for the startups.
The CyberShark Pitch Competition continues to be a vital platform for fostering cybersecurity innovation by bridging the gap between emerging technology providers and industry decision makers. By offering constructive feedback and competitive opportunities, the program accelerates the growth and impact of promising cybersecurity solutions, shaping the future of digital defense.
