451. Who Wins in the Cat and Mouse Game of Cyber, Open Source’s Role in Security, The Dealflow Network that Sources Deals and Vetts Them, and Will The Future Bring More Bundling or Unbundling? (Oren Yunger)
Sep 16, 2024
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Oren Yunger, a venture capitalist at Notable Capital, dives into the dynamic world of cybersecurity and open source. He discusses the cat and mouse nature of cyber threats and the role of community in supporting startups. The conversation sheds light on the transformative impact of AI on security measures and the evolving investment models in the sector. Oren also explores the balance between bundling and unbundling in technology solutions, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships in navigating market complexities.
Oren Yunger emphasizes the necessity of tailored investment strategies in cybersecurity, acknowledging each company's unique context for informed decision-making.
The podcast highlights the pivotal role of open-source solutions in enhancing collaboration within cybersecurity, addressing the industry's evolving technological challenges.
Deep dives
Tovala's Remarkable Growth and Retail Partnership
Tovala has achieved significant success as a meal kit company, recording three consecutive months of profitability and surpassing nine figures in revenue. The company recently announced its largest retail partnership with Costco, believing it to be the ideal partner to expand their reach. As part of their strategy, Tovala has been showcasing its offerings via taste tests across various states, indicating their commitment to increasing customer exposure. This surge in retail presence not only highlights Tovala's quality meals that can be prepared swiftly but also exemplifies the company's robust growth trajectory.
Oren Younger's Journey to Venture Capital
Oren Younger has transitioned from engineering to venture capital, with a strong background in cybersecurity, holding various roles in the tech field before becoming the managing partner at Notable Capital. His journey includes significant experience in Israel's cybersecurity industry and co-founding tech communities aimed at fostering innovation. Now, at Notable Capital, he focuses on investing in early to growth-stage companies in sectors like cloud infrastructure and applications. Oren's diverse experience informs his investment strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding evolving technology landscapes.
The Importance of Tailored Investment Strategies
Notable Capital adopts a tailored and thematic approach to investing, moving away from generic playbooks. Oren emphasizes that each company is distinct and requires an understanding of its unique context to drive effective decision-making and strategy formulation. By leveraging their extensive networks and focusing on specific opportunities, Notable Capital connects companies with potential customers early in their development. This method is exemplified by recent investments in startups aiming to resolve pressing issues within cybersecurity, demonstrating their commitment to discerning the future of technology.
Emerging Trends in Cybersecurity and Investment Approaches
The podcast delves into the changing landscape of cybersecurity, highlighting three key innovation drivers: identity and access management, cloud security, and application security. Oren notes that as organizations increasingly rely on cloud services, they face unique vulnerabilities that necessitate sophisticated security measures. The episode discusses the evolving role of open-source solutions in cybersecurity and their potential to enhance collaboration between development and security teams. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for continuous adaptation and innovation in response to new technological challenges in the cybersecurity sector.
Oren Yunger of Notable Capital joins Nick to discuss Who Wins in the Cat and Mouse Game of Cyber, Open Source’s Role in Security, The Dealflow Network that Sources Deals and Vetts Them, and Will The Future Bring More Bundling or Unbundling? In this episode we cover:
The hosts of The Full Ratchet are Nick Moran and Nate Pierotti of New Stack Ventures, a venture capital firm committed to investing in founders outside of the Bay Area.