Conversation
Highlights

• Kyle’s Transition from Government Cybersecurity to Entrepreneurship: Kyle shares his journey from conducting offensive cyber operations within the government to founding Huntress, highlighting the shift from high-stakes government work to the entrepreneurial challenge of building a cybersecurity company.
• The Genesis of Huntress: Starting with a desire to “wreck hackers,” Kyle discusses the early days of Huntress, including the initial challenges of market education and finding the right go-to-market strategy through managed service providers (MSPs).
• Overcoming Early Stage Challenges: Kyle reflects on the difficulties of convincing small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) of the importance of cybersecurity and how these challenges led to a pivot in Huntress’ approach by partnering with MSPs to reach their target market.
• Fundraising Insights: Kyle shares his experiences and lessons learned from fundraising, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and the balance between sharing a compelling vision and realistic projections to attract the right investors without unnecessary dilution.
• The Importance of Addressing Imposter Syndrome: Kyle discusses the significance of recognizing and addressing imposter syndrome within his team and the broader startup ecosystem, highlighting the impact of founder influence on team morale and performance.
• Adapting to a Competitive Landscape: As the cybersecurity market becomes increasingly crowded, Kyle outlines how Huntress maintains its competitive edge through a unique value proposition that focuses on lowering the total cost of ownership for its customers.
• Vision for the Future: Looking ahead, Kyle articulates his vision for Huntress, not just in terms of potential financial milestones like an IPO, but more importantly, in terms of the company’s mission to protect the 99% — the often overlooked SMBs vulnerable to cybersecurity threats.
• Personal Growth and Founder Advice: Kyle shares personal anecdotes and advice for fellow founders, emphasizing the importance of resilience, the value of peer support, and the necessity of continuous learning and adaptation in the journey of building a successful company.