Join us for Episode 61 of the Cybersecurity Matters Podcast as we sit down with Austin Gadient, CTO and Co-Founder of Vali Cyber, a company revolutionising Linux and hypervisor security. Austin shares his journey from the Air Force Academy's competitive hacking team to securing the nation's satellite infrastructure, and ultimately co-founding Vali Cyber after raising $20 million in funding.In this conversation, we explore the critical security gaps Austin discovered while working with satellite systems in the US Air Force, the unique challenges of protecting Linux environments where traditional Windows-focused tools fall short, and how these real-world problems led to the creation of Vali Cyber. Austin discusses the father-son founding team dynamic, managing technical and business responsibilities as a startup CTO, and building a company culture that values diverse thinking and psychological safety.Key ThemesFrom hacking competitions to satellite securityLinux security gaps in satellite systemsBuilding startups with family as co-foundersPrioritisation over balance in startup lifeTechnical culture as competitive advantageLeadership through listening, not commandingHiring for learning ability over experienceHypervisor security as emerging threat category Missionary selling in nascent marketsStrategic investment for execution runwayChapters:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:04 Austin's Journey into Cybersecurity03:52 Founding Valley Cyber06:23 Balancing Engineering and Business08:26 Company Culture and Team Dynamics10:59 Industry Diversity and Talent Acquisition18:12 Hypervisor Security and Market Education24:10 Future of Cybersecurity and Final ThoughtsAbout the Guest:Austin Gadient is the CTO and Co-Founder of Vali Cyber, leading the development of high-performance Linux and hypervisor security solutions. He continues to serve as a Distinguished Security Engineer in the US Air Force Reserve, managing advanced space cyber capabilities. With experience securing satellite infrastructure and driving security research, Austin brings deep technical expertise to the emerging field of hypervisor security.Website: www.valicyber.comThe Cybersecurity Matters Podcast is brought to you by neuco, a global recruitment agency that specialises in sourcing brilliant people for groundbreaking companies in the cybersecurity space.

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