Code Story: Insights from Startup Tech Leaders S11 E25: Chris Wallis, Intruder
Nov 11, 2025
Chris Wallis, founder and CEO of Intruder, transitioned from ethical hacking to creating an exposure management platform that identifies internet security weaknesses. He shares the journey of starting with a lean MVP—providing PDF security reports—and evolving to a more automated product. Key discussions include his hiring philosophy emphasizing culture fit, scaling strategies to avoid over-engineering, and the importance of candid feedback in leadership. Wallis also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs about the realities of startup life.
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PDF MVP Before Any Product
- Chris started Intruder by delivering monthly PDF security reports instead of building a product first.
- He validated demand with three to four paying customers before building a UI.
Exposure Management Defined
- Intruder focuses on exposure management: finding weaknesses before attackers exploit them.
- The platform scans everything from customer-facing apps to employee laptops and cloud systems.
From Pen Tester To Founder
- Chris moved from being a penetration tester into an in-house role and found existing tools confusing and hard to use.
- That frustration motivated him to build a simpler, more helpful security product.
