Author Archives: Wayne Horkan

About Wayne Horkan

I’m a technologist and engineer, typically working in enterprise architecture and systems engineering.

More Crypto Bollocks: The Myths, Scams, and Overhype of the Cryptocurrency World

Cryptocurrencies have been touted as the future of finance, a tool for freedom, and a revolution in how we exchange value. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of altcoins promise decentralisation, wealth, and the collapse of traditional banking systems. Yet there’s an equal or greater amount of nonsense, speculation, and outright scams for every genuine innovation in the crypto space.

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Scaling Success: The TryHackMe Journey with Co-founder Ashu Savani

Building a successful startup requires more than just a great idea—it takes execution, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to understanding your customers. This was the key takeaway from the recent Cyber Runway Founders Fireside session with Ashu Savani, co-founder of TryHackMe, a cybersecurity training platform that has grown into a 20-million-dollar revenue business without any external investment.

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Andreas Vesalius and De Humani Corporis Fabrica: Revolutionising Anatomy

Andreas Vesalius’s De humani corporis fabrica revolutionised the study of human anatomy by challenging Galenic orthodoxy through direct observation and dissection. Published in 1543, the Fabrica corrected centuries-old inaccuracies, introduced detailed anatomical illustrations, and established a new empirical approach to medical science. This landmark work remains a cornerstone in the history of medicine and a testament to the power of observation and critical inquiry.

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Burnout-Proofing Your Startup Team: Lessons from The Zensory

This Cyber Runway Scale session focused on preventing burnout in startup teams, addressing the mental and physical toll of high-growth environments. Experts shared strategies for work-life balance, team resilience, and sustainable leadership to ensure long-term success in cybersecurity startups.

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From Comedy to Cosmic Horror: Why “Alien” is the True Spiritual Successor to “Dark Star” (and the Sequels Just Don’t Measure Up)

Explore how John Carpenter’s Dark Star and Ridley Scott’s Alien share a profound thematic lineage, with Dan O’Bannon as the creative bridge. This article delves into the transformation of cosmic comedy into existential horror, highlighting Alien as the true spiritual successor to Dark Star. With personal anecdotes, cultural insights, and franchise analysis, discover why the sequels, though entertaining, stray from this haunting legacy.

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Lessons from the Founder’s Fireside: Chris Wallis, CEO of Intruder

Chris from Intruder joined the Cyber Runway: Scale Founders Fireside session to share his journey in building a successful cybersecurity startup. The conversation explored the challenges of product development, securing investment, and adapting to industry shifts while growing a cyber business.

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Understanding Neural Differences in Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s Syndrome, currently part of the Autism Spectrum, according to the DSM5, does not involve missing neurons but reflects differences in neural structure and connectivity. This article explores key brain regions and neural systems affected, such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and mirror neuron system, highlighting their roles in social behaviour, sensory processing, and emotional regulation.

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Exit Strategy 3: What Makes Your Business Valuable? A Guide to Valuation Drivers

When it comes to planning an exit, understanding your business’s value—and the factors that drive it—is essential. Whether you’re preparing for a trade sale, IPO, or private equity investment, the right focus on valuation drivers can significantly enhance your outcomes. In this article, we explore the key components of valuation, strategies to improve them, and common pitfalls to avoid.

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More Metaverse Bollocks: Untangling the Fantasy from the Reality

The metaverse: a brave new world where we’ll work, socialise, and live out our digital dreams. Or so we’re told. From tech giants like Meta (formerly Facebook) to countless startups, everyone seems to be racing to build the metaverse, heralding it as the next great evolution of the internet. Virtual real estate is being sold for millions, companies are investing in virtual storefronts, and pundits are waxing lyrical about a digital utopia just around the corner.

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Building and Maintaining Momentum in B2B Sales: A Strategic Approach

B2B sales is challenging, now more than ever. Tightening budgets, economic uncertainty, and an increasingly competitive landscape mean sales teams must be more strategic than ever in how they generate and sustain momentum. In a recent Cyber Runway session, Tom Glason, CEO of ScaleWise, shared insights on optimizing B2B sales strategies. With over 20 years of experience in B2B tech and leadership roles across startups and scaleups, Tom provided a roadmap for improving sales processes, from effective discovery calls to engaging product demos.

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The Strengths and Weaknesses of Using SeedLegals, Crowdcube, or Manual Processes for Your First Seed Fundraising Round

Choosing the right method for your seed fundraising round depends on your needs and circumstances. SeedLegals is ideal for first-time founders and private rounds due to its affordability, simplicity, and guidance. Crowdcube suits businesses seeking broad investor exposure, especially consumer-facing startups, as it combines fundraising with brand marketing. A manual process offers full control and customisation, making it best for experienced founders with established networks or complex funding terms. Evaluating your budget, time, and investor outreach needs will help determine the best approach for your startup.

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Neurodiversity and Cyber: Understanding One in Five of Your Industry with Mary Welton of Plexal

Neurodiversity is a vital consideration in cybersecurity, with one in five professionals in the industry identifying as neurodivergent. This article, based on a Cyber Runway: Scale session led by a Plexal Innovation Associate, explores the importance of neurodiversity, common misconceptions, and practical ways to support neurodivergent employees while maximizing their unique strengths.

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Alexithymia and Neurodiversity: Understanding Emotional Processing Challenges

Alexithymia, a term derived from Greek meaning “no words for emotions,” refers to difficulties in identifying, describing, and processing emotions. While not a standalone diagnosis, alexithymia is often co-occurring in neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD, and the Dys family (dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, etc.). Understanding alexithymia in the context of neurodiversity helps to foster empathy and create supportive environments for those who experience it.

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Understanding the Social Model of Disability in the Context of Neurodiversity

The social model of disability is a progressive and empowering framework that shifts the focus from an individual’s impairments to the systemic, societal, and environmental barriers that hinder their full participation. This model contrasts with the traditional medical model, which tends to define individuals by their conditions and frames their differences as problems to be fixed. For neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD, and conditions from the Dys family (dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, etc.), the social model offers a perspective that celebrates diversity and prioritizes inclusivity.

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The History of the Gray’s Anatomy Textbook: A Medical Icon

Gray’s Anatomy, often referred to as the “bible” of human anatomy, has stood the test of time as one of the most influential medical textbooks ever published. Since its first release in 1858, it has not only shaped medical education but also significantly impacted the study of human anatomy across the globe. This article explores the rich history of this seminal work, how it has evolved over time, and why it remains a crucial resource for students and professionals in the medical field.

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I asked ChatGPT: If you had a fight with Grok who would win?

It’s Musk vs Zuck all over again… ChatGPT diplomatically dodged the fight when asked who would win in a hypothetical AI showdown, highlighting its depth and adaptability while acknowledging Grok’s flair for wit and brevity. The “winner” is, of course, the one who best suits the user’s whims. Truly, Allied Mastercomputer they ain’t… yet!

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Flaws in the Jay Report: Are Recommendations Enough to Combat Child Sexual Exploitation?

The Jay Report exposed systemic failures in Rotherham’s handling of child sexual exploitation but raises questions about its broader applicability and adequacy. While it emphasizes institutional reforms and victim support, it underplays justice, societal accountability, and systemic failures within the CPS, police, and social services. A more comprehensive national approach is needed to address cultural enablers, ensure justice, and create mechanisms for consistent oversight across the UK.

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Cyber Runway: Scale 4.0 – Key Updates and Opportunities for Startups – New Year Briefing Notes

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.

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The History and Evolution of Password Cracking Software

Passwords have long been the cornerstone of digital security, serving as the primary means to safeguard data and systems. Yet, alongside their evolution, the tools designed to test and exploit passwords have grown increasingly sophisticated. Password cracking software, born out of academic curiosity and ethical security practices, has also become a weapon for malicious actors. This article traces the history and evolution of password cracking software, highlighting key innovations, influential figures, and the ever-present ethical tension within this field.

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Exit Strategy 2: Choosing the Right Exit Type: Trade Sale, IPO, or Private Equity?

When planning your business exit, selecting the right type of transaction is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. Each exit type comes with its opportunities, challenges, and suitability based on your goals and the stage of your business. In this article, we’ll explore the key exit types, trade sale, Initial Public Offering (IPO), private equity (PE), and management buyout (MBO), and help you identify which might be the best fit for your business.

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