Welcome to the Cyber Thoughts podcast, where we explore the world of cybersecurity through the eyes of practitioners and leaders in the field. In each episode, we invite a guest from the world of Infosec to share their insights and expertise on the latest trends and developments in the cybersecurity market.
Whether you're a seasoned Infosec professional or just starting in the field, this podcast is for you; our guests will provide valuable insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the Infosec market.
Join us as we delve into the world of Cybersecurity and learn from the experts on the Cyber Thoughts podcast.
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In this episode of Cyber Thoughts, Lucas Nelson is joined by Mike Privette, founder of Return on Security, for a data-driven look at the state of cybersecurity funding and M&A. Mike breaks down why Q3 was such a strong quarter, how mega-deals like Wiz fit into the broader trends, and what his latest analysis reveals about the real role of AI in security. He also shares where he sees the most interesting opportunities emerging and what he’s tracking next in his deep-dive reports.
9 Sept 2025
EP 14: Dimitry Shvartsman & Taylor Margot
In this episode of Cyber Thoughts, host Lucas Nelson is joined by Dimitry Shvartsman, co-founder of Prime Security, and Taylor Margot, Lucas’ partner at Lytical Ventures, for a special two-guest discussion. Dimitry shares his journey from two decades in security operations to co-founding Prime Security and explains how the company won this year’s Black Hat Startup Spotlight competition. The conversation covers how to craft a compelling application, the importance of cutting a pitch down to its essentials, and why storytelling matters just as much as technical credibility. Taylor offers insight into how founders can connect emotionally with an audience and turn a technical demo into a narrative judges can’t ignore.
24 Jul 2025
EP 13: Ross Haleliuk
In this episode of CyberThoughts, host Lucas Nelson speaks with Ross Haleliuk, author of "Cyber for Builders" and a cybersecurity founder. Haleliuk discusses his journey into cybersecurity and why he views it as a horizontal, rather than a vertical, market. He introduces the concept of cybersecurity as a "market for silver bullets," where neither buyers nor sellers can guarantee a product's future efficacy, and explains why this, combined with high switching costs, makes market entry for new companies extremely challenging, despite the hype around new technologies like AI.
19 Jun 2025
EP 12: John Kanarowski, CEO of Implicit
John Kanarowski, CEO of Implicit, discusses how his AI company shifted from summarization to entity intelligence, now focusing on product expertise using large language models in this interview with Lucas Nelson.
4 Feb 2025
EP 11: Mike Privette (Round 3), Founder of Return On Security
In this episode of Cyber Thoughts, Lucas Nelson and Mike Privette of Return on Security dive into their top cybersecurity predictions for 2025. From AI-driven data loss prevention to the rise of personal cyber insurance and the evolving IPO landscape, they break down key trends shaping the industry in the year ahead.
24 Sept 2024
EP 10: Mike Privette (Round 2), Founder of Return On Security
In this episode, Lucas Nelson welcomes back Mike Privette, founder of Return On Security. Together, they discuss Mike’s role as a fractional CISO and his unique blend of consulting, research, and insights into cybersecurity funding and market trends. The conversation covers highlights from major conferences like Black Hat and DEF CON, the evolution of AI in cybersecurity, and the importance of staying ahead of emerging threats. We're excited to make discussions with Mike a regular segment.
2 Apr 2024
EP 9: Sameer Malhotra, CEO and Co-Founder of TrueFort
In this Cyber Thoughts episode, Lucas Nelson sits with Sameer Malhotra, Truefort's Founder and CEO, to explore his journey from the financial sector to cybersecurity innovation. Sameer discusses Truefort's genesis during a pivotal time in cyber defense, emphasizing their mission to halt lateral cyber threats through advanced technology. He also touches on the significance of partnerships, utilizing platforms for growth, and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on navigating the startup world and envisioning the future of cyber protection.
6 Mar 2024
EP 8: Jeremy Vaughan, CEO and Co-Founder of Start Left Security
In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas Nelson sits down with Jeremy Vaughan, founder and CEO of Start Left Security. His unconventional path to cybersecurity was sparked by personal experience and professional opportunity. Jeremy details launching Start Left Security during a global pandemic, emphasizing 'starting security left'—at the beginning of software development. He shares insights on building a platform that empowers developers to create secure software, aiming to enhance consumer protection and national security.
13 Feb 2024
EP 7: Charles Henderson, Global Head of IBM's X-Force
In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas Nelson sits down with Charles Henderson, a cybersecurity virtuoso and the global managing partner and head of X-Force at IBM. Charles delves into his intriguing path to cybersecurity prominence, from early 'conferences' to leading one of the industry's most storied teams. With anecdotes of his tenure abroad and with IBM's X-Force, Charles provides a firsthand account of the evolving cybersecurity landscape, the strategic importance of demonstrating ROI in security, and the power of mentorship and community in fostering industry growth.
9 Jan 2024
EP 6: Justine Bone: Ballet Dancer, Hacker, Spy
In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas interviews Justine Bone, a ballet dancer turned spy who became the first CISO of Bloomberg. Justine's experience as a founder of multiple cybersecurity companies also comes to the forefront, offering a rare insight into the industry's dynamic landscape.
12 Dec 2023
EP 5: Mike Privette, Founder of Return on Security
In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas is joined by Mike Privette, the founder of Return on Security, a must-read newsletter and blog focusing on the financial aspects of early-stage companies in the cybersecurity sector. Mike, who began his career as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), shares his unique journey in cybersecurity, shedding light on his transition from security consulting to forensics and eventually into leadership roles.
8 Nov 2023
EP 4: Jamey Cummings, Partner at JM Search
27 Jun 2023
EP 3: Maxime Lamothe-Brassard, Founder & CEO of LimaCharlie
In this episode of the Cyber Thoughts Podcast, Lucas interviews Maxime Lamothe-Brassard, the founder and CEO of LimaCharlie, a Lytical Venture's portfolio company. Maxime shares his journey in cybersecurity, starting from his time at the CSE, Canada’s national cryptologic agency, through his stints at CrowdStrike and Google, and founding LimaCharlie.
8 Feb 2023
EP 2: JP Bourget, Cybersecurity Entrepreneur
25 Jan 2023
EP 1: Greg Notch, the CISO of Expel
This week, we speak with Greg Notch, the CISO of Expel, a recognized leader in managed detection & response. We start with Greg's background and then delve into the world of MDR and what he looks for in new technology.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 24 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
35
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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