In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, certain individuals and organizations are making waves by doing things differently. One standout figure is Hila Zigman, a general partner at Cyberstarts, an Israeli venture capital firm with a singular focus on cybersecurity. Zigman has a unique perspective on the industry, having transitioned from a successful entrepreneurial journey with Noname Security to now being a key player in one of the most influential VCs in the cybersecurity space. In this interview, Hila Zigman discusses her experiences and insights on building a cybersecurity company, navigating venture capital, and the evolving trends in tech, and especially the growing role of women in leadership positions.
Starting a Startup: The Journey of Noname Security
Hila Zigman’s journey in cybersecurity began with her co-founding Noname Security, a company that started with nothing more than an idea and three ambitious individuals. “We didn’t know what we were doing at first,” she admits, reflecting on the early days. Like many startup founders, Zigman and her team entered the world of entrepreneurship with a level of confidence that quickly gave way to the humbling realization of how complex and challenging it is to build something that can truly scale.
Noname Security’s growth was rapid, reaching 250 employees in just four years before being acquired by Akamai. What started as three “cocky” founders with a loose idea about API security, evolved into one of the most successful companies in the cybersecurity space, illustrating the power of determination and adaptability. One key to their success was understanding that cockiness had to be tempered with the willingness to learn from others, especially from industry veterans and mentors.
The Role of Venture Capital in Cybersecurity
After her time at Noname, Zigman transitioned into the world of venture capital, joining Cyberstarts, a venture capital firm dedicated exclusively to cybersecurity. Cyberstarts is unique not only in its industry focus but in its hands-on approach. Zigman emphasizes that the firm doesn’t just invest and walk away. “We always say to the founders, you have us when you need us for anything. They call in the middle of the night, they’re texting. We’re coming to help them.”
Cyberstarts takes pride in being deeply involved with the companies they invest in, helping to shape strategies, interview executives, and even understand markets before products are built. This approach allows them to guide startups from their earliest stages, ensuring that new entrepreneurs aren’t rushing into product development without a clear understanding of market needs. Zigman highlights the fact that many of their companies are market leaders, partly due to Cyberstarts’ ability to help founders navigate their first year and beyond.
From Cocky Founders to Humble Learners
One of the most fascinating parts of Zigman’s experience lies in her own transformation as a founder. In the early days of Noname Security, the team had confidence in spades. “We were super cocky and thought we were going to nail it and it’s super easy,” she recalls. However, as they gained more experience, that confidence turned into humility. The more they succeeded, the more they realized how much they didn’t know, a common experience among successful entrepreneurs. For Zigman, the journey from the initial stages of Noname to joining Cyberstarts has been marked by constant learning.
She emphasizes that this humility is essential for founders, particularly first-timers. In her role at Cyberstarts, she often sees first-time founders who are defensive when their ideas are challenged. In contrast, more experienced entrepreneurs tend to be better listeners, open to feedback, and more adaptable. The ability to listen, reflect, and adjust is what differentiates seasoned entrepreneurs from first-timers.
Navigating the Challenges of Venture Capital
As Zigman took on her role at Cyberstarts, she quickly realized that venture capital offers a different set of challenges compared to running a startup. One of the most exciting aspects of working in venture capital, she notes, is the ability to have a broader perspective. “You get to see scale, you get to see broad and unique cases, and you learn a lot in a few months,” she says. Being involved in multiple companies, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities, allows Zigman to learn continuously and apply her insights across the portfolio.
However, the challenges of venture capital are not lost on her. Working closely with founders, helping them scale their companies, and ensuring they maintain momentum are all part of the day-to-day grind. Cyberstarts’ level of involvement is rare in the VC world, where many firms only check in with founders during board meetings. Zigman believes that this hands-on approach, combined with their focus on cybersecurity, sets Cyberstarts apart from other VCs.
The Increasing Role of Women in Cybersecurity
One of the most significant trends Zigman has noticed during her time in the industry is the increasing presence of women in leadership roles. In the past, it wasn’t uncommon to be the only woman in the room during meetings, a reality that is starting to shift. Today, more women are entering the tech and cybersecurity fields, and they’re not just filling seats—they’re taking on leadership roles.
Zigman herself is involved in initiatives aimed at empowering women in tech, including serving as a mentor and volunteer for organizations that focus on supporting women in the industry. “I think it’s amazing to see women helping women in the industry, and you get to see a lot more now,” she says. While there is still progress to be made, the trend is moving in the right direction, with more women rising to leadership positions in tech and cybersecurity.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Israeli Tech
As for where the cybersecurity and tech industry is heading, Zigman sees nothing but growth. The digital transformation shows no signs of slowing down, and with it, the need for cybersecurity will continue to rise. What’s particularly exciting for her is the shift in mindset among Israeli entrepreneurs. Whereas a decade ago, many founders were content to build small companies and sell them to larger corporations, today’s entrepreneurs have much bigger ambitions. “They’re not settling with building something for three years and selling it. They’re building really large and successful companies,” she observes.
This shift marks a significant change in the Israeli tech landscape, with entrepreneurs now focused on building long-lasting companies that can scale globally. The rise of large, successful tech companies coming out of Israel is a trend that is likely to continue in the coming years, and venture capital firms like Cyberstarts are playing a crucial role in supporting this new generation of entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
Hila Zigman’s journey from startup founder to venture capital partner offers a unique perspective on the cybersecurity landscape. Her experiences at Noname Security, coupled with her deep involvement at Cyberstarts, highlight the importance of adaptability, humility, and hands-on guidance in building successful companies. As the cybersecurity industry continues to grow, so too does the role of women in leadership, marking an exciting time for both tech and venture capital. The future looks bright for Israeli tech, with more ambitious entrepreneurs stepping up to create the next generation of global companies.
Discover more with IsraelTech! For additional exclusive interviews, explore our IsraelTech blog. If you’re looking to elevate your next event with unique coverage and engagement, check out IsraelTech Events. Or, experience Israel’s tech scene firsthand with our IsraelTech Tours. Click through to learn more!
