FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2023
BALTIMORE, MD — CISOExecNet, a peer-to-peer organization for information security professionals, announced a strategic partnership with Squadra Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage cyber and national security companies.
Through this partnership, Squadra’s team and extended network will support CISOExecNet as it continues to grow its 2,500-member community of cybersecurity executives, expands to new cities across North America and delivers enhanced opportunities for collaboration to those who protect the most important networks in the world.
CISOExecNet brings together leading executives in information security, IT risk management, privacy and compliance for half-day roundtables that provide the latest industry analysis from leading experts, cybersecurity technology trends and opportunities for professionals to make connections.
“As the scale and sophistication of cyber attacks continue to grow, it’s more important than ever that the executives responsible for protecting the networks that run our economy come together. CISOExecNet provides a forum for collaboration that benefits the industry, and cyber warriors around the world,” said Chuck Meyo, CEO of CISOExecNet. “Through our partnership with the seasoned team at Squadra, we are excited about the opportunity to grow into new markets with an expanded portfolio of solutions.”
Founded in 2005 by 30-year cybersecurity veteran Bill Sieglein, CISOExecNet began as a regular meeting of executives in Baltimore, Maryland. Today, the organization is made up of more than 2,500 members in 32 chapters who participate in over 200 roundtables a year.
Meyo assumed the role of CEO, effective June 30. He has executive experience across international public companies, high-growth technology companies, startups and services companies. Meyo and Sieglein are joined on the leadership team by General Managers Andy Land and Franklin Kessler.
“Over the last 18 years, CISOExecNet has grown into a nationwide forum for cybersecurity leaders,” said Sieglein. “We’ve come a long way from a group of CISOs gathering for bagels and coffee in Baltimore to a network of nationwide chapters that hold seven meetings a year. Through our partnership with Squadra, we’re excited to continue to extend our reach across the industry.”
Each event gathers about 15 executives at a partnering legal practice for facilitated dialogue led by CISOExecNet’s experienced general managers, and presentations from vendors who offer a look at the latest solutions, while providing sponsorship for the event.
“As a longtime member of CISOExecNet through several roles and multiple chapters, I have truly enjoyed the interactions with my peer CISOs, and find the dialogue enriching and informative,” said Shaun Marion, Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at McDonald’s. “Although the time investment asked of me is minimal, the return I receive is great. I look forward to our continued interactions.”
CISOExecNet’s team will work with the Squadra Ventures team to foster relationships between leaders in their network who share a common focus on protecting vital infrastructure, and build a bridge between startups and enterprise leaders through programming and content at chapter events. As part of its dedicated post-investment strategy and commitment to building the cybersecurity ecosystem, Squadra connects seasoned executives and operators to startup teams to provide operational support, technical guidance and mentorship.
“By bringing together the world’s top cybersecurity leaders for frequent events that strengthen the industry, CISOExecNet has become a powerful resource and massively connected community,” said Guy Filippelli, Managing Partner of Squadra Ventures. “I’m excited to work with the organization’s impressive leadership team to continue to grow the network, and catalyze innovation that will protect our most critical assets.”
To propel its continued expansion, CISOExecNet has opened a new headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland.
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Press Contact: Stephen Babcock <stephen@squadra.vc>
About CISOExecNet
CISOExecNet is a peer-to-peer professional organization serving information security, IT risk management, privacy, and compliance executives from US entities. The organization reaches members across the United States in 32 metropolitan chapters. Learn more at https://cisoexecnet.com/
About Squadra Ventures
Squadra Ventures is a venture capital firm led by founder-operators that invests in early stage cyber and national security companies. Grounded in the belief that success is a combination of people, product, and planning, the Squadra team provides transformational support to startup leaders in the complex dual-use technology ecosystem. By applying a growth-stage mindset at the seed stage and a commitment to building alongside entrepreneurs, Squadra empowers extraordinary teams to win and leave a lasting positive impact on the world. Learn more at https://squadra.vc.
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