12 Leading Angel Investors in Cybersecurity You Should Know
Finding the right angel investor for your cybersecurity startup can be a challenge. We've listed 12 active investors you should know as you prepare to fundraise.
Rho Editorial Team
- Angel investor funding in cybersecurity provides startups with not just capital, but also valuable industry expertise and network access from experienced operators.
- Some notable backers of startups in the cybersecurity sector include Sam Baker, Gaurav Garg, Richard Wells, and Alex Clayton.
- If you’re raising or have just closed a round, Rho’s platform can help you manage your new capital with FDIC-insured accounts, corporate cards offering up to 2% cashback, automated bill pay, spending controls, and real-time accounting integrations.
For founders in the cybersecurity and InfoSec sectors, knowing the key angel investors is a critical part of raising capital. These individuals are often the first to provide funding and can become valuable advisors.
Angel investors typically operate differently from venture capital firms, often making faster investment decisions and offering more direct, personal mentorship.
To help with your fundraising process, we curated this guide to some of the most active angel investors in cybersecurity. Use it to identify potential partners who align with your company's vision.
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Top Cybersecurity Angel Investors By Stage
Cybersecurity angel investors often focus on pre-seed and seed-stage companies. At this early point, their industry expertise and mentorship can be just as valuable as their capital.
Understanding who these investors are and what they look for will help you build a targeted list of potential partners for your startup.
Pre-seed Angel Investors in Cybersecurity
Pre-seed is the earliest funding stage, often used to validate an idea and build a minimum viable product. For this initial capital, you might connect with investors like Gaurav Garg, Rick Lewis, and Neal Bloom, who have experience with pre-seed companies.
Seed Stage Angel Investors in Cybersecurity
Seed funding helps your startup move beyond the concept phase to refine your product and begin finding market fit. Cybersecurity investors active at this seed stage include Michael Fey, Sam Baker, and Venky Ganesan.
Series A Angel Investors in Cybersecurity
A Series A round is typically for companies with a proven product and customer base, providing capital to scale operations and expand market reach. Some investors to consider for your Series A are Rama Sekhar, Dror Nahumi, and Avery More.
Series B Angel Investors in Cybersecurity
Series B funding is focused on scaling a business that has already demonstrated significant traction and a solid revenue model. Investors like Richard Wells, Alex Clayton, and David Lawee often participate in Series B rounds to help companies expand.
Keep in mind that many investors are flexible and participate in multiple funding rounds, adapting their strategy to a company's specific needs and growth trajectory.
Below, we offer a closer look at some of the top angel investors in cybersecurity. We've included key details on their typical investment stages, areas of focus, location, and the qualities that can make them valuable partners for founders.
1. Sam Baker
Sam Baker is an investor at Scale Venture Partners, a firm that backs companies in the seed and Series A stages. He concentrates on several areas, including cybersecurity, SMB software, robotics, and marketplaces.
His background includes roles in growth and strategic planning at companies like Box, suggesting he offers founders practical operational support. He often participates in sizable rounds, with notable investments in companies like HUMAN and ProcessUnity.
Sam could be a great match for founders in his focus industries who are raising a significant seed or Series A round. His experience is particularly valuable for teams looking for an investor who understands the path to scaling a business.
- Investment stages: Seed, Series A
- Industries of focus: Cybersecurity, SMB Software, Robotics, Marketplaces
- Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
- Ideal investment range: $5.0M - $15.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: HUMAN, ProcessUnity
You can find more information about Sam Baker on the Scale Venture Partners website or his LinkedIn profile.
2. Gaurav Garg
Gaurav Garg is a founding partner at Wing Venture Capital, where he invests in early-stage, business-focused technology companies. He is known for backing startups that are building the next generation of enterprise tools.
He shows a strong interest in SaaS, AI, and cybersecurity, and invests across pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds. His portfolio includes high-growth companies like Cohesity and Theom, indicating a focus on businesses with significant scaling potential.
Gaurav could be an excellent partner for founders developing sophisticated B2B technology, especially in his core sectors. His experience is well-suited for teams that need a capital partner who understands the long-term journey of building an enterprise company.
- Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A
- Industries of focus: SaaS, Enterprise, Analytics, Cybersecurity, AI
- Geographical presence: Based in Atherton, California
- Ideal investment range: $100K - $20.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: Cohesity, Theom, Findem
You can find more information about Gaurav Garg on the Wing VC website or his LinkedIn profile.
3. Richard Wells
Richard Wells is a managing director at Insight Partners, a venture capital firm known for backing growth-stage software companies. He often invests in businesses that are scaling up their operations and market presence.
He concentrates on Series A and B rounds across several sectors, including cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and developer tools. His portfolio, which includes companies like Sonar and OneTrust, shows an interest in businesses with strong technical foundations and high-growth potential.
Richard could be a good partner for founders who have already achieved product-market fit and are seeking significant capital to expand. His focus is well-suited for companies in the enterprise software and health IT spaces that are ready for their next phase of growth.
- Investment stages: Series A, Series B
- Industries of focus: Cybersecurity, Cloud Infrastructure, Enterprise, Health IT, Data Services, Developer Tools
- Geographical presence: New York, New York
- Ideal investment range: $10.0M - $350.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: Sonar, OneTrust, commercetools
You can find more information about Richard Wells on the Insight Partners website or his LinkedIn profile.
4. Alex Clayton
Alex Clayton is a general partner at Meritech Capital, a firm that invests in later-stage, high-growth companies. He tends to focus on businesses in the SaaS, cloud, and enterprise infrastructure sectors.
He primarily participates in Series A and Series B rounds, with an interest in companies that are ready to scale. His portfolio includes notable investments like Flock Safety and Personio, suggesting a focus on businesses with strong market traction.
Alex could be a valuable partner for founders who have established a solid product and are seeking capital for expansion. He is a good fit for companies in the enterprise software and cybersecurity spaces raising a significant growth round.
- Investment stages: Series A, Series B
- Industries of focus: Cloud Infrastructure, SaaS, Enterprise, Cybersecurity, Data Services, SMB Software
- Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
- Ideal investment range: $5.0M - $25.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: Flock Safety, Personio, Framer, tray.io
You can find more information about Alex Clayton on the Meritech Capital website or his LinkedIn profile.
5. Michael Fey
Michael Fey is an angel investor with a deep specialization in the security sector. He appears to invest individually, making him a direct point of contact for founders rather than a partner within a large venture firm.
His investment history shows a clear pattern of backing early-stage cybersecurity companies, often at the seed and Series A stages. With a typical check size between $5,000 and $50,000, he provides crucial early capital and validation, as seen in his support for companies like Cycode and Axis Security.
Michael is an ideal investor for founders building a security-focused startup who need an experienced operator on their cap table. His smaller investment size makes him a great fit for rounds that are being filled out with strategic angels.
- Investment stages: Seed, Series A
- Industries of focus: Cybersecurity, Security
- Geographical presence: Based in Texas
- Ideal investment range: $5K - $50K
- Notable portfolio companies: Cycode, Axis Security, Demisto
You can find more information about Michael Fey on his LinkedIn profile.
6. Rick Lewis
Rick Lewis is a partner at U.S. Venture Partners (USVP), where he invests in early-stage companies. He is known for backing founders in both consumer and enterprise technology sectors.
He focuses on pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds across a variety of industries, including SaaS, cybersecurity, and e-commerce. His portfolio includes companies like Darwinium and Oliver Space, showing his involvement in substantial early-stage funding rounds.
Rick could be a good match for founders building companies in the enterprise software or e-commerce spaces. His experience is well-suited for teams looking for an investor to support them through the initial phases of growth.
- Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A
- Industries of focus: E-commerce, Media/Content, DeepTech, Enterprise, SaaS, Cybersecurity
- Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
- Ideal investment range: $2.0M - $10.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: Darwinium, Oliver Space, TaskHuman
You can find more information about Rick Lewis on the USVP website or his LinkedIn profile.
7. Venky Ganesan
Venky Ganesan is a partner at Menlo Ventures, where he invests in early-stage companies across the enterprise and consumer sectors. He is known for backing founders who are building businesses in areas like cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and AI.
He participates in Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds, often with a significant check size. His portfolio includes companies like Strata Identity and Immersive Labs, which points to an interest in businesses with strong technical products and clear market opportunities.
Venky could be a valuable partner for founders building enterprise or cybersecurity startups who are raising a substantial round. His experience is a good fit for teams looking for a partner to help them scale their B2B technology company.
- Investment stages: Seed, Series A, Series B
- Industries of focus: Cybersecurity, Enterprise, Cloud Infrastructure, Consumer Internet
- Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
- Ideal investment range: $8.0M - $15.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: Strata Identity, Immersive Labs, HomeLight
You can find more information about Venky Ganesan on the Menlo Ventures website or his LinkedIn profile.
8. David Lawee
David Lawee is a partner at CapitalG, the growth equity fund financed by Google's parent company, Alphabet. He is known for investing in later-stage companies and has a long history within Google, including roles as VP of Corporate Development and CMO.
His investment focus is on high-growth businesses, often at the Series B stage, in sectors like cybersecurity, enterprise software, and FinTech. With experience as a founder and a long-time Google executive, he brings significant operational and strategic depth to his portfolio companies, which include major players like Fireblocks and Lyft.
David could be an excellent partner for founders who have already found product-market fit and are raising a Series B round to scale aggressively. His background is particularly relevant for companies in the enterprise and cybersecurity spaces looking for a capital partner with deep connections and experience inside a tech giant.
- Investment stages: Series B
- Industries of focus: Cybersecurity, FinTech, Enterprise, Web3/Crypto, TransportationTech
- Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
- Ideal investment range: $100K - $5.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: Fireblocks, Lyft, Convoy, Thumbtack
You can find more information about David Lawee on the CapitalG website or his LinkedIn profile.
9. Neal Bloom
Neal Bloom is an investor and founder with Interlock Capital, where he supports early-stage companies. He is active in the San Diego tech community and invests across a wide array of industries.
He primarily backs companies at the pre-seed and seed stages, with a broad interest in sectors from cybersecurity and FinTech to Space and AgTech. His portfolio, which includes companies like Trust & Will and Acquire.com, shows his commitment to backing founders at the very beginning of their journey.
Neal could be a great partner for founders building an early-stage tech company, particularly those who value an investor with operational experience. His wide industry focus makes him approachable for many different types of startups.
- Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed
- Industries of focus: Digital Health, FinTech, Space, AgTech, Enterprise, Cybersecurity, AI, ClimateTech/CleanTech
- Geographical presence: San Diego, California
- Ideal investment range: $50K - $1M
- Notable portfolio companies: Trust & Will, Acquire.com, Concert Health
You can find more information about Neal Bloom on the Interlock Capital website or his LinkedIn profile.
10. Rama Sekhar
Rama Sekhar is a partner at Norwest Venture Partners, where he invests in early-to-growth stage enterprise technology companies. He is known for backing businesses that build foundational tools, with a focus on cybersecurity, AI, and cloud infrastructure.
His investment approach shows an interest in deeply technical products, from developer tools to security platforms. His portfolio includes high-growth companies like Harness and Dremio, indicating a pattern of supporting businesses through significant scaling phases.
Rama could be a strong partner for founders building sophisticated B2B products, especially in the cloud, AI, and cybersecurity sectors. He is a good fit for teams seeking a capital partner who can support them from the seed stage through later growth rounds.
- Investment stages: Seed, Series A, Series B
- Industries of focus: Cloud Infrastructure, Enterprise, Cybersecurity, AI, Security, Developer Tools
- Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
- Ideal investment range: $1.0M - $30.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: Harness, Dremio, Veza, Astrix Security
You can find more information about Rama Sekhar on the Norwest Venture Partners website or his LinkedIn profile.
11. Dror Nahumi
Dror Nahumi is a General Partner at Norwest Venture Partners, where he invests in companies from their early stages through their growth phases. He has been with the firm since 2008, indicating deep experience in supporting startups over the long term.
His investment activity shows a strong interest in enterprise technology, particularly in cybersecurity, AI, and semiconductors. He participates across Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds, with portfolio companies like Intezer and ActiveFence highlighting his focus on technically complex businesses.
Dror could be a valuable partner for founders building B2B technology companies who are raising a substantial round. His background is well-suited for teams that need a capital partner with experience in scaling enterprise-focused businesses.
- Investment stages: Seed, Series A, Series B
- Industries of focus: Cybersecurity, Enterprise, AI, Semiconductors, Consumer Internet
- Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
- Ideal investment range: $1.0M - $30.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: Intezer, ActiveFence, Guidde, lakeFS
You can find more information about Dror Nahumi on the Norwest Venture Partners website or his LinkedIn profile.
12. Avery More
Avery More is a venture capitalist with Menlo Ventures who invests in early-stage technology companies. He is known for backing founders across a wide spectrum of industries, from enterprise software to consumer internet.
His investment approach centers on Seed and Series A rounds with a substantial check size, typically between $8.0M and $20.0M. His portfolio includes companies like Vidyo and AeroScout, showing his interest in businesses with long-term growth potential.
Avery could be a great partner for founders raising a significant Seed or Series A round for a technology-driven company. His broad industry experience makes him a good fit for teams in sectors like SaaS, AI, cybersecurity, and FinTech.
- Investment stages: Seed, Series A
- Industries of focus: SaaS, Enterprise, Cybersecurity, AI, FinTech, Cloud Infrastructure
- Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
- Ideal investment range: $8.0M - $20.0M
- Notable portfolio companies: Vidyo, AeroScout
You can find more information about Avery More on the Menlo Ventures website or his LinkedIn profile.
What Startup Founders Should Look for in a Cybersecurity Investor
Choosing the right cybersecurity investor goes beyond securing capital. The ideal partner offers relevant industry knowledge and operational experience that can guide your startup through its early growth stages. Look for an investor whose background aligns with your specific challenges and long-term vision.
Our list highlights a few trends. Many investors are based in tech hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area, and their interests often extend to related fields like enterprise software and AI. This overlap can provide broader strategic value for your company.
As you prepare to find angel investors, focus on a few key areas of alignment:
- Stage and Check Size: Ensure their typical investment matches your current funding needs
- Portfolio Synergy: Consider how your company fits with their existing investments
- Personal Connection: A good working relationship is crucial for a long-term partnership
Raise Confidently with Rho
Having a focused list of relevant investors saves you critical time and energy during a fundraise, letting you build relationships with the right partners.
If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes. Our platform provides business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay designed for startups.
This helps you manage your new capital efficiently, making sure your angel investment is directed toward growth rather than lost to manual financial admin.
FAQs about Cybersecurity Angel Investors
Are there active cybersecurity angel investors outside of California and New York?
Yes, while many investors are in major hubs, cities like Austin and Boston have growing ecosystems. Founders can find strategic capital and mentorship in these emerging tech centers, often with less competition.
How do cybersecurity investors view AI-focused startups?
Many cybersecurity investors are actively interested in AI-driven solutions. They look for companies using artificial intelligence to automate threat detection, improve response times, and create more sophisticated security platforms for the market.
What's the difference between early-stage and late-stage funding for cybersecurity?
Early-stage funding (pre-seed, seed) focuses on product development and market validation. Late-stage rounds (Series C, D) provide capital for scaling proven business models, expanding globally, and pursuing market leadership.
Do angel investors fund B2B SaaS cybersecurity companies?
Absolutely. Many angel investors specialize in B2B SaaS because of the recurring revenue models and scalability. A strong enterprise sales strategy and clear product-market fit are key to attracting their interest in this space.
What are common mistakes to avoid when pitching to angel investors?
A common mistake is not researching an investor's portfolio. You should also avoid unrealistic projections and have a clear understanding of different startup funding types to tailor your ask and valuation effectively.
How can Rho help manage my new angel investment?
Once you've secured funding, Rho helps you manage it effectively. Our platform offers corporate cards, automated bill pay, and banking services designed to keep your finances organized so you can focus on growth.