This article summarizes key announcements and discussions from the latest Cyber Runway: Scale session, including updates on the new Founders Forum, upcoming trade missions, regional events, and opportunities for startups to engage with investors and government stakeholders.

The latest cohort of Cyber Runway: Scale brings new opportunities for UK cybersecurity startups. During a session hosted by Plexal and supported by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, industry leaders head about the latest program updates, funding opportunities, and growth initiatives. I attended on behalf of Cyber Tzar, the Enterprise Supply Chain Risk Management platform, to explore how startups can leverage government-backed support, mentorship, and investment opportunities to accelerate their growth.

Contents

New Year Briefing 7th January 2025

This video is publicly available on the Plexal YouTube playlist for the Cyber Runway programme.

Key Announcements and Updates

Introducing the Founders Forum

A major update is the transition from Growth Groups to the Founders Forum, which will now run every fortnight from this Thursday, 1 PM to 2 PM. The sessions will serve as an open forum where founders can discuss challenges, share insights, and lead conversations on chosen topics.

Key highlights:

• The forum will be informal and founder-led.
• Anyone interested in leading a discussion on a specific topic is encouraged to step forward.
• The focus is on peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, allowing founders to exchange experiences and tackle pressing business challenges.

East Coast Trade Mission (Washington DC & Philadelphia)

Applications are now open for an upcoming East Coast Trade Mission, with a deadline of January 12th, 23:59 GMT. The trip is scheduled for the week commencing February 17th and is fully funded, except for flights.

Mission Highlights:

• Day 1: Travel to Washington DC, welcome dinner.
• Day 2: Ecosystem Day – Meetings with local government innovation hubs, US-based startups, and investment networks.
• Day 3: Soft Landing Day – Learn from UK founders who have successfully expanded into the US.
• Day 4: Philadelphia Visit – Pitching opportunities with Comcast’s senior leaders, investors, and corporate venture capital (CVC) representatives.

Who should apply?

• Startups serious about US expansion or with an existing US market entry strategy.
• Companies looking to learn from other UK founders and network with US government and investors.

RSA Conference Trade Mission (San Francisco, April-May 2025)

Applications are now open for a trade mission to RSA Conference, one of the world’s largest cybersecurity events. The application deadline is January 17th, with a competitive selection process.

What’s Covered?

• Flights & hotels funded by Plexal and DSIT.
• Networking events with investors, government officials, and US-based companies.
• Opportunities for customer engagement and investor meetings.

This mission is designed for startups with clear US expansion plans and a strong cybersecurity focus.

DEO London Showcase (February 3rd, 2025)

The DEO Showcase in London will feature a curated panel discussion rather than individual startup pitches. This is a chance for selected startups to discuss industry challenges, trends, and their company’s unique approach to cybersecurity.

Key details:

• No traditional pitch format—instead, startups will engage in a discussion-based panel format.
• Selected startups will receive individual prep calls with DEO.
• A networking session will follow the panels.

Upcoming Regional Events

Manchester Investment Pitch Event (February 26, 2025)

• Lightning pitches from startups to curated investors based on funding stage.
• Investors will select startups for one-to-one meetings in the afternoon.
• Priority given to startups actively fundraising or planning to raise capital soon.

Cyber Runway Graduation (February 27, 2025, Manchester)

• A celebration event bringing together all Cyber Runway cohorts.
• Keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.

Other Regional Opportunities:

• Sunderland Smart Cities Event (February 5, 2025): Focus on smart city cybersecurity solutions.
• Glasgow Financial Services Event (January 22, 2025): Lloyds Bank is seeking cybersecurity solutions, particularly in data leakage management.

Cyber Runway 360 – A Cross-Stream Learning Initiative

Starting this Wednesday, Cyber Runway 360 is a one-month mini-program offering additional learning sessions covering neurodiversity in cyber, scaling challenges, and leadership development. Sessions will be recorded for later access.

Final Weeks of Cyber Runway: Scale 4.0 – What’s Coming Up?

Several high-profile speakers are lined up, including:

• Tom Glassen – Talking this Thursday.
• Chris Wallace (Intruder) – January 14th.
• Ashu & John-Orr Hanna – January 16th.
• Jonathan Kinson – January 23rd.
• Jonathan Scuttar (ForgeRock co-founder) – February (TBC).
• Rupert Cook – February 11th.

Additionally, there will be pitch practice sessions ahead of investor meetings at DEO and regional events.

Conclusion

With multiple trade missions, investment events, and networking opportunities, the coming months present significant chances for startups to secure funding, expand into the US, and refine their strategies. Founders are encouraged to take advantage of the Founders Forum, apply for trade missions, and participate in regional and showcase events to maximize their growth.