Global cyber accelerator playbook: Must-know guide for founders & investors in 2025

💻 Latest Episode: https://youtu.be/YO3p1f-cZvs?si=a9cufrWZ6VEqic8J

Cyber security continues to be a hotspot for venture capital investment in the first half of 2025, with funding hitting a three-year high. Think of the cyber security startup scene as a rapidly growing forest: venture capital is the rain and sunlight flooding the ecosystem, nurturing thousands of new saplings startups focused on cyber and privacy, that collectively attracted $9.4 billion globally. Massive funding rounds like Cyera’s $540 million Series E and Cato Networks’ $359 million Series G are like towering trees soaking up the most resources, standing tall in this dense forest. This surge reflects the urgent need for advanced defenses amid rising cyber threats and a rapidly evolving technological landscape, where AI-driven security solutions act like the newest growth rings, adding strength and resilience. Learn more HERE.

However, just as many young trees struggle to grow beyond the sapling stage in a crowded forest, many cyber security startups face challenges scaling and reaching maturity. Despite the abundance of capital, startup exits and IPOs remain limited, revealing the difficult terrain of commercialising cyber innovation. Accelerators act like skilled forest guides and gardeners, providing early-stage companies with the essential nutrients of resources, mentorship, and market access to help these startups navigate the complex, fragmented global market and grow into sturdy, successful enterprises.

UK’s Top Cyber Accelerators you should know:

The UK cyber security ecosystem remains vibrant, anchored by five key accelerators designed to shepherd startups from concept to market fit. Programs like Cyber Runway (Plexal), Launch and CyberASAP (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) cater to the earliest stages, focusing on academic spinouts and idea validation. The National Cyber Security Centre for Startups connects MVP-stage companies with national security resources, while CyLon Spark and LSET Accelerator offer critical access to London’s dense tech network, supporting both homegrown and immigrant-founded ventures.

For early-stage founders targeting the UK market, these accelerators offer a blend of government-backed credibility and deep investor networks, providing an essential platform to scale securely in a jurisdiction that values cyber security innovation.

Cheat-Sheet: In-demand, career pathways & recruitment tips you should know:

Europe’s Cyber Security Accelerators you should know:

Europe’s cyber security acceleration scene is defined by its geographic and sector diversity, with each leading program offering something unique. Estonia’s Wise Guys Cyber specialises in cyber-only cohorts at the MVP and early stage, reflecting the country’s reputation as a digital pioneer. Switzerland’s Tech4Trust (Trust Valley) bridges digital trust and cyber security, accommodating startups from pre-seed to Series A, emphasising privacy and compliance.

Germany’s in CUBE (Cube 5) focuses heavily on pre-seed cyber security incubations, while Axeleo in France drives growth in cyber and enterprise SaaS through investor-backed acceleration. Belgium’s Birdhouse rounds out the group by supporting broad tech startups with a welcoming stance toward cyber security, underlining the need for cross-sector solutions in the European market.

Startups expanding in Europe benefit from this pan-continental network of accelerators that balance local regulatory insight with global market ambitions.

Five Eyes & U.S. Cyber Accelerators you should know:

The Five Eyes intelligence alliance countries, led by the U.S., maintain some of the most advanced and defense-integrated cybersecurity accelerators. R9Accelerator in New Zealand nurtures local cyber and tech startups, emphasizing mentorship and market access in the Pacific region. Australia’s CybX Accelerator and Canada’s Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) cybersecurity stream offer intensive programs with strong industry and government partnerships. These programs underscore a unique ecosystem where startups gain not only funding but also strategic positioning within defense and national security markets. Finally, the U.S.-based DataTribe Challenge leverages deep government ties to fuel defense-focused cybersecurity ventures, blending public sector R&D with commercial scaling. DataTribe’s unique “reverse In-Q-Tel” model focuses on extracting advanced technology developed within government labs and helping startups build commercial products around that research. This strategy emphasizes talent over government contracts, providing seed-stage funding and deep mentorship to first-time founders transitioning from government to market.

Worried about the Cyber Resilience Act? Here’s what OT & IoT leaders are saying & how they’re responding:

How Cyber Security Accelerators Can Help Your Startup Win:

As cyber threats grow in sophistication, accelerators have evolved beyond just providing capital, they are essential ecosystems that offer startups the tools to navigate complex regulations, build trust with enterprise customers, and rapidly iterate their technologies. Each region’s approach reflects the global nature of cyber security challenges, requiring a blend of tailored local knowledge and international market access.

Choosing the right accelerator can unlock invaluable access to investors, mentors, and strategic customers, transforming promising startups into industry leaders. For investors and corporate partners, these accelerators serve as high-value scouting grounds for the next generation of cyber security breakthroughs.

If you’re an early-stage startup, founder, innovator, or investor seeking opportunities, reach out directly to Justin (Jay) Adamson or myself Warren Atkinson. We’re here to help you navigate the accelerator landscape and connect you with the right partners to accelerate your growth.

Struggling to Stand Out? Here is how you can cut costs & scale faster with Root Access 360

Meet Leo Scott - The Founder Behind the Founders.

Leo Scott is the Managing Director at DataTribe, a unique startup foundry based in the Washington, D.C. area that blends deep tech innovation with world-class cyber talent. With over 30 years of experience as a three-time startup CTO turned investor, Leo brings a rare combination of hands-on technical expertise and investor insight. Under his leadership, DataTribe has helped launch breakout companies like Dragos, Inc., now a $1 billion OT cyber security unicorn. DataTribe’s hybrid model - part venture fund, part company builder  is designed to transform deeply technical concepts into high-growth startups. Since launching in 2016, they’ve co-built 19 startups, including Strider Technologies, BLACKCLOAK, Enveil, N2K, Inertial Sense, Inc., SightGain, Quickcode.ai, ContraForce, SixMap, Inc., Balance Theory, Fianu, Vigilant Ops, Inc., Frenos, XONA and recently closed Fund III at $41M to continue fueling mission-driven cyber and deep tech founders.

Why This Episode is a Must-Watch & Value You’ll Gain:

In this power-packed episode, Leo Scott, Managing Director of DataTribe and architect behind some of the most disruptive cyber security startups, pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build and back game-changing innovation in today’s threat landscape. From his personal failures and hard-earned leadership lessons to bold predictions on AI, national security, and catastrophic cyber risk, Leo goes far beyond theory. You’ll get insider access to how DataTribe spots “founder DNA,” what investors are missing, and how their Start-Up Challenge and “over-resourcing” model are reshaping the cyber security venture playbook. Whether you're a founder, CISO, VC, or technologist, this is the kind of conversation that sharpens your edge and fuels your strategy.

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Curious about the Databricks AI Security Framework 2.0? Check out our latest Live Stream.

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SECURE | CYBER CONNECT COMMUNITY – UPDATES

Do Not Miss this Opportunity | The DATATRIBE CHALLENGE 2025

If you’re an early stage, startup or scaleup in cyber security- this is for you!

Before you go to chasing millions to bankroll your cyber security dream, check out the Datatribe Challenge. This November 4th will be the eighth time the Fulton, Maryland-based early-stage foundry has lined up leading investors and potential customers to help entrepreneurs hone their pitch.

This is open to entrants across the globe, so get those submissions in by September 12th. Learn more about the DataTribe Challenge HERE.

EVENTS YOU SHOULD KNOW!

Join founders, innovators & investors from across the globe | 4th November.

The cyber security funding ecosystem includes heavy hitters such as firms like Evolution Equity Partners, Gula Tech Adventures, March Capital, Ballistic Ventures, Blu Ventures, Perlion Venture Partners, Access Venture Partners, Bull City Venture Partners, Dreamit Ventures, Forgepoint Capital, Noblis and Holly Ventures. These firms are not just funding innovation; they’re helping startups scale through hands-on mentorship, sector-specific accelerators, and strategic connections.

DataTribe plays a critical role by bringing these investors together for events like Cyber Innovation Day - a unique platform fostering collaboration between founders, VCs, and industry experts.

If you're looking to get on the radar of top venture firms in cyber, check out Cyber Innovation Day 2025. Register HERE.

Join the Cyber Leaders’ from across the UK & Benelux | 22nd – 23rd September, Belgium

The Cyber Leaders' Summit (CLS BNLX) is an exclusive, invite-only event held once a year in Brussels, bringing together senior cybersecurity leaders, decision-makers, and budget holders from across Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Join your peers from across the UK | 30th Sept – 1st Oct, London

Join thousands of leading cybersecurity professionals at the International Cyber Expo (30 Sept – 1 Oct 2025, Olympia London) to explore cutting-edge tech from 100+ exhibitors, gain insights from global experts across 3 stages, and network with industry leaders from 85+ countries all under one roof!

Join AI, Cyber, Data & Technology Leaders | 1st – 2nd October, London

Digital Transformation EXPO (DTX) London is where cutting-edge business transformation meets practical innovation, bringing together leaders in AI, cyber, data, and digital technology. Held at ExCeL London, the event empowers attendees to drive real change through collaboration, insight-sharing, and future-focused solutions.

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