“Pitching Is A Good Way To Learn”

Pictured, Kadri Bussov, startup and ecosystem advisor at SECURITYMADEIN.LU (Photo © Stephanie Jabardo / Silicon Luxembourg)

Kadri Bussov is startup and ecosystem advisor at SECURITYMADEIN.LU. She is also the organiser of the pitching session for cybersecurity startups to be held on 20 October 2022, during the Cybersecurity Week Luxembourg. While discussing details of the event, she explains why pitching is relevant for companies starting out.

During the Cybersecurity Week Luxembourg (CSWL 2022), a pitching session for cybersecurity startups will be held on 20 October 2022. Up to six best innovative cyber-solutions will be pitched on the main stage of the event at Luxexpo The Box, in front of investors and cybersecurity experts. The names of the selected startups will be announced on 13 October.

“This is the first time such an event has been organised by SECURITYMADEIN.LU, the national cybersecurity portal for cybersecurity actors and users,” says Kadri Bussov, event organiser and startup and ecosystem advisor at SECURITYMADEIN.LU.

In an interview with Silicon Luxembourg, she discusses the details of the event.

How did the idea for the pitch come about?

Luxembourg and SECURITYMADEIN.LU are part of the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC). The aim of this network is to increase Europe’s cybersecurity capacities and competitiveness, and to build a strong cybersecurity community. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the ECCC is Pascal Steichen the CEO of SECURITYMADEIN LU.

One of ECCC’s main tasks is to map all existing expertise, services, skills and technologies in Europe, in order to mobilise and involve them in the European Cyber Strategy. It is also a question of identifying the champions of tomorrow.

The idea is to provide the list of all the competent European players in the cyber fields, and to match-make between them and companies.

Therefore, it is part of our mission to build up and support the ecosystem of cybersecurity startups, and to focus on startups at their stage of creation or at their early stage.

We have already developed a dedicated programme, provided by experts who know the world of startups and who can advise them especially on cybersecurity.

The organisation of hackathons and bringing startups and VCs together are among the many projects we are currently developing.

Why organise this Cybersecurity Startup event around a pitch session more specifically?

Indeed, we cannot have enough pitch sessions, because pitch sessions are relevant for companies who are at their starting stage. It is for them a good way of learning. It is important for startups to know how to pitch and to prepare a pitch in order to get funding. A pitch is an opportunity to challenge your solution and business plan, and to get feedback from professionals in your industry and from VCs.

“Up to six best decks will get the opportunity to pitch on the main stage in front of investors and cybersecurity experts.”

Kadri Bussov, startup and ecosystem advisor at SECURITYMADEIN.LU

What are your selection criteria?

We intentionally did not include criteria, in order to include all startups which identify and see themselves as cybersecurity companies and to encourage them to apply. The bottom line for us is to identify early-stage companies with strong teams and who would benefit from the support that ECCC network and SECURITYMADEIN.LU can provide.

Who are the jury members?

We have four jury members: Christophe Bianco, Managing Partner at Excellium Services, who has been very supportive and has an extensive experience in cyber security, which will be very helpful for the startups who need some feedback on cyber security.

Then Pascal Bouvier, who co-founded and runs VC companies which invest in fintech.

Then Teona Khubutia from Luxembourg Business Angels Network.

And finally, we have a representative from EIB Carlos Munos who is an financial advisor on innovative initiatives for Europe.

What will be the highlights of the pitch session?

The pitch session will be held from 12.30 noon until lunch on 20 October. Up to six best decks will get the opportunity to pitch on the main stage in front of investors and cybersecurity experts. The three best pitches will then be selected for the final and will be rewarded with an exclusive invitation to the Cybersecurity Week Luxembourg Gala & Awards Night. The winner will be announced during the pitch session. This event is an excellent opportunity to network and meet potential customers and partners, and to receive invaluable feedback and visibility.

What important message would you share with startups?

Come and pitch, even if you are not ready. Don’t wait to pitch until you are perfect, don’t wait to pitch until you have picked everything up. Pitching is a good way to learn. Pitch early! Pitch often!

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