Top Cyber Security Founders To Watch in 2025
Presented by Forbes Technology Council in collaboration with Senior Executive Media, this Top 33 Cybersecurity Founders to Watch in 2025 list highlights visionary founders who are driving innovation in cybersecurity and reshaping digital security across industries.
See The ListPresented by Forbes Technology Council in collaboration with Senior Executive Media, this Top Cybersecurity Founders to Watch in 2025 list highlights 33 cybersecurity founders who are shaping the future of digital security across industries. These founders are the driving forces behind advanced security solutions, addressing critical challenges in data protection, threat mitigation, and cybersecurity infrastructure at a time when online safety has never been more essential.
Strong, visionary leadership is crucial in the fast-paced cybersecurity sector, where agility, innovation, and proactive defense are critical. The founders on this list are pioneering technologies in areas like software development, computer and network security, IT and services, and data encryption. These leaders have also recently secured significant funding, allowing them to accelerate their research, expand operations, and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats—setting them apart as the industry’s forward-thinkers.
From emerging startups to fast-growing cybersecurity firms, the funding these leaders have received has allowed them to tackle some of the most complex issues in data security today. Their work safeguards businesses and lays the foundation for long-term resilience in sectors ranging from finance and healthcare to e-commerce and government.
As a publisher focused on spotlighting leaders who drive innovation, Senior Executive Media curates exclusive lists to recognize individuals who exemplify leadership in cybersecurity, foster valuable industry connections, and reveal trends that are transforming digital protection.
Forbes Technology Council is a vetted professional organization for senior-level technology executives. Its members include some of the country’s most influential cybersecurity leaders. Members are selected for their demonstrated expertise, impact, and commitment to advancing cybersecurity—qualities embodied by the individuals on this prestigious list.
Please contact Senior Executive Media’s editorial team here to suggest an update to the information on this list or recommend a cybersecurity founder making an impact in the industry.
Tech Pulse is a free, weekly newsletter with insights from esteemed members of Forbes Technology Council delivered straight to your inbox. Get the latest insights on emerging topics in the technology industry, including AI, cybersecurity, DevOps, data privacy, and more.
Sign up free to receive the Tech Pulse newsletter every week.
Top Cybersecurity Founders To Watch in 2025
As the leader at DefenseStorm, Paige S. Barry manages a team of 51-200 employees in the Computer & network security sector. The company, based in Alpharetta, Georgia, continues to make strides in its field.
- DefenseStorm
- Vice President Strategic Partnerships
- Computer & network security
- 51-200
As Co-Founder, President of Metabase Q, Louise Ireland plays a critical role in overseeing initiatives in the Computer and Network Security space. The company, located in San Francisco, California, employs 51-200 professionals.
- Metabase Q
- Co-Founder, President
- Computer and Network Security
- 51-200
Sublime Security is a key player in the Computer & network security industry with 11- 50 employees. As Co-Founder and CEO, Josh Kamdjou oversees company strategy from their headquarters in Washington, District of Columbia.
- Sublime Security
- Co-Founder and CEO
- Computer & network security
- 11- 50
Lisa Kaplan holds the role of Founder and CEO at Alethea, a company with 51- 200 employees in the Technology, information and internet sector. Headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia, United States, the company is recognized for its impactful work.
- Alethea
- Founder and CEO
- Technology, information and internet
- 51- 200
Yasir Khalid, Founder and CEO of StrikeReady, drives the vision for a company in the Computer & network security industry. Based in Palo Alto, California, the company employs 51- 200 people and continues to thrive under their leadership.
- StrikeReady
- Founder and CEO
- Computer & network security
- 51- 200
Huzeyfe Onal holds the role of Co-Founder and CEO at SOCRadar, a company with 101- 250 employees in the Computer & network security sector. Headquartered in Middletown, Delaware, United States, the company is recognized for its impactful work.
- SOCRadar
- Co-Founder and CEO
- Computer & network security
- 101- 250
Alastair Paterson, CEO and co-founder of Harmonic Security, drives the vision for a company in the Technology, Information and Internet industry. Based in San Francisco, California, the company employs 11-50 people and continues to thrive under their leadership.
- Harmonic Security
- CEO and co-founder
- Technology, Information and Internet
- 11-50
Chris Pierson holds the role of Founder & CEO at BlackCloak, a company with 51-200 employees in the Computer and Network Security sector. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, United states, the company is recognized for its impactful work.
- BlackCloak
- Founder & CEO
- Computer and Network Security
- 51-200
Joe Saunders, Founder and CEO of RunSafe Security, drives the vision for a company in the Computer & network security industry. Based in Mclean, Virginia, the company employs 11-50 people and continues to thrive under their leadership.
- RunSafe Security
- Founder and CEO
- Computer & network security
- 11-50
Marina Segal holds the role of Co-founder and CEO at Tamnoon, a company with 11-50 employees in the Computer & network security sector. Headquartered in Sammamish, Washington, United States, the company is recognized for its impactful work.
- Tamnoon
- Co-founder and CEO
- Computer & network security
- 11-50
Edward Wu, Founder and CEO of Dropzone AI, drives the vision for a company in the Computer & network security industry. Based in Seattle, Washington, the company employs 11- 50 people and continues to thrive under their leadership.
- Dropzone AI
- Founder and CEO
- Computer & network security
- 11- 50