The 2025 CyberShark Pitch Competition, a premier event spotlighting the latest advancements in cybersecurity technology, has announced its first two finalists following an intensive round of presentations held during the RSA Conference week. The competition, designed to provide early-stage cybersecurity companies with a dynamic platform to introduce their products, leverages direct feedback from seasoned Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) representing sectors ranging from insurance and pharmaceuticals to financial services and manufacturing. The meticulous evaluations conducted by the judges emphasized clear communication of value propositions, precise problem statements free of fear-inducing rhetoric, and practical demonstrations of integration capabilities within broader cybersecurity frameworks.
Earning the distinction as finalists from a notably competitive field are Dropzone AI and RapidFort. Dropzone AI impressed the judges with its pre-trained autonomous AI Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts, designed to seamlessly complement human cybersecurity teams by continuously monitoring and responding to threats without fatigue. This innovation notably addresses industry-wide concerns over human resource constraints and escalating alert volumes. RapidFort secured its finalist position by showcasing a sophisticated attack surface management platform capable of eliminating up to 95% of software vulnerabilities without altering the existing code base. Its use of near-zero CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) images represents a significant advancement in threat mitigation efficiency, directly addressing urgent industry demands for reduced operational risk and improved security posture.
The judges’ panel, comprising CISOs with deep industry expertise, provided detailed, real-time feedback to all participants, reinforcing the CyberShark Pitch Competition’s commitment to fostering a supportive yet constructive environment. According to Taylor Hadley, Vice President at LaunchTech Communications, the judges not only lent their expertise but also enthusiastically engaged with participants, offering immediate and practical insights that enhanced the clarity of messaging, positioning strategies, and alignment with current market needs. This immediate feedback is invaluable for startups refining their solutions to meet real-world security demands effectively.
Dustin Sachs, Chief Technologist at CyberRisk Collaborative, highlighted the broader impact of the competition, emphasizing how it reflects the collaborative spirit of the cybersecurity community. The event not only identifies groundbreaking technologies but actively contributes to shaping the future cybersecurity landscape by facilitating critical exchanges between vendors and cybersecurity decision-makers. As Wayne Schepens, Chief Cyber Market Analyst at CyberRisk Alliance, explained, the CyberShark platform is uniquely effective in enabling vendors to validate solutions, fine-tune their go-to-market strategies, and establish influential relationships with industry leaders.
Looking ahead, the CyberShark Pitch Competition will continue its momentum, hosting a second round of pitches during Black Hat USA 2025. Two additional finalists will be selected during this event, ultimately joining Dropzone AI and RapidFort for the final virtual round later in the fall. The grand finale will expand participation by inviting over 2,000 CyberRisk Collaborative members to serve as judges, democratizing the decision-making process and broadening the exposure and influence of these innovative cybersecurity solutions. By creating these critical connections, the CyberShark Pitch Competition ensures both emerging companies and cybersecurity leaders actively collaborate in shaping solutions that address tomorrow’s digital security challenges.
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