Beware! Cyber Security is Critical

I recently had the honor to represent Vestigo Ventures at the Massachusetts Cyber Security Forum. This first invitation-only event of its kind was organized by Governor Baker’s office. It brought together the state's best cybersecurity companies, public sector and state government agencies, R&D centers and universities, and members of the investment community to discuss the value of private and public partnerships

I recently had the honor to represent Vestigo Ventures at the Massachusetts Cyber Security Forum. This first invitation-only event of its kind. The Forum, organized by Governor Baker’s office, brought together the state's best cybersecurity companies, public sector and state government agencies, R&D centers and universities, and members of the investment community to discuss the value of private and public partnerships. The Governor’s objective in launching the forum was to find ways to solidify Massachusetts' leadership position in business and talent while advancing technology in the global cybersecurity arena.

The program was highly successful for Massachusetts and Vestigo Ventures in terms of strengthening connections and engagement across the Massachusetts cybersecurity ecosystem. Vestigo has expanded our network of cybersecurity businesses and thought leaders both regionally and globally.

During the day-long event, I had the opportunity to engage and share perspectives with a diverse range of experts. These included representatives from Homeland Security, military leaders, members of the Federal Reserve, MIT thought leaders, representatives of Israel, leaders from cyber companies such as MITRE and financial services firms including State Street. 

Vestigo Ventures’ ability to learn firsthand what is top of mind for leaders from a variety of disciplines give us perspective on how to approach investments in strategies in cyber financial services companies. It also gives us deep insight into our own due diligence process across all investment areas.

The connections I made at the Forum have led to a number of appointments for ongoing discussions with many of the companies and government entities referenced. Vestigo has already met with the Israeli Cybersecurity Technologies delegation, and we plan to host the Federal Reserve’s cyber and operations teams in our offices in the coming weeks to share perspectives. 

No surprise that Boston and Cambridge are strong, cyber security epicenters. It is fantastic to have Vestigo located in the center of all this innovation. 

Learning about IBM’s Cyber Range, hearing first-hand about the challenges of protecting government and financial services companies from cyber crime and discovering how various cyber solutions provide protection from a wide range of vulnerabilities was all very eye opening. 

Cyber attacks are not going away anytime soon. Vestigo will draw on the expertise of this network as we continue to invest in financial services technology innovation that creates superior returns through our combined technology assets, capital and unique experience.

Ian Sheridan
Co-founder
Managing Director