From start-up to unicorn: The VC playbook for building billion-dollar cyber & AI companies

From startup CTO to investor, Leo Scott helped launch billion-dollar cyber unicorn Dragos - now he’s sharing what founders need to build the next one.

Leo Scott is the Managing Director at DataTribe, a unique startup foundry focused on cyber security, data science, and AI/ML. With over 30 years of experience as a three-time startup CTO turned investor, Leo brings deep technical knowledge and hands-on guidance to the companies he supports. Under his leadership, DataTribe helped launch Dragos, a now $1 billion operational technology cyber security “unicorn” that began as a small team working out of DataTribe’s foundry.

Founded in 2016, DataTribe’s mission was bold: to bring Silicon Valley’s venture capital and company-building expertise to the Washington, DC region and combine it with the world’s most concentrated pool of cyber security talent. The firm’s hybrid model, part venture fund, part startup studio, and entirely hands-on-has since co-built 19 startups, including notable names like Strider Technologies and BlackCloak. Recently, DataTribe closed its third fund at $41 million, continuing its commitment to invest early in mission-driven founders tackling over-the-horizon problems.

In this episode, Leo shares his insights on the evolving cyber security investment landscape, DataTribe’s “over-resourcing” approach, and the annual DataTribe Cyber Security Start-Up Challenge. Tune in to hear what kinds of startups they are looking for right now, how AI and deep tech are shaping the industry, and what’s next for DataTribe after closing their latest fund.

👋 Jay Adamson and Warren Atkinson welcome you to the SECURE | CYBER CONNECT Podcast, where we’re joined by Information and Cyber Security, Technology, and Talent Acquisition professionals who share their journeys, unique perspectives, and offer valuable advice and guidance.

The SECURE | CYBER CONNECT Community & team offers tailored resources and strategic introductions to help you thrive in the evolving landscape of Corporate Governance, Information Security & Cyber Security, addressing Cultural, Technological & Talent Acquisition challenges.

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📢ANNOUNCEMENTS📢

🎯 The DATATRIBE CHALLENGE | CYBER INNOVATION DAY: If you’re a startup, scaleup, founder, or innovator in cyber security- this is for you!

Before you go to chasing millions to bankroll your cyber security dream, check out DataTribe Challenge. This November 4th will be the eighth time the Fulton, Maryland-based early-stage foundry has lined up leading investors and potential customers to help entrepreneurs honor their pitch. Learn how to take part in event, this year in Washington, DC – at the DataTribe website.

Registration closes 12th September, learn more here: https://cid.datatribe.com/

🚀 Check out the launch of SECURE | CYBER CONNECT LIVE, where we’re joined by our friends from @databricks & @arhasi:
https://www.youtube.com/live/rPcDGcZnhis?si=D_X4lB6PFDMlAe1t

🤫 Followed by an exclusive, private session & the launch of - CYBER CONNECT F*K UPS edition, only available on the SECURE | CYBER CONNECT Community platform:
https://smart-connect-cyber.mn.co/

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