Cloud computing has become the backbone of modern technology, powering everything from streaming services and apps to enterprise infrastructure. It promises flexibility, cost savings, and scalability that were unimaginable a decade ago. But like any hyped technology, cloud computing is surrounded by its fair share of misconceptions, overpromises, and, yes, bollocks.
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The Enlightenment, spanning the 17th and 18th centuries, was a transformative period in intellectual and scientific history. During this era, humanity began to apply rational thought, empirical observation, and mathematical rigor to address questions of uncertainty and risk. The formalization of risk assessment emerged as a critical outcome of this intellectual revolution, driven by advancements in actuarial science, economics, and probability theory. This essay explores the key contributions of the Enlightenment to the field of risk assessment, highlighting pivotal figures, innovations, and ideas that continue to shape our understanding of risk today.
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St. Patrick’s Day has always been more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a time for gathering, for stories, for laughter, and for remembering. Over the years, I’ve celebrated many a St. Patrick’s Day. And many of those at the Village Maid pub in Handsworth, once a place filled with music, laughter, and the warmth of familiar faces. But like so many things, the Village Maid is gone now, just another memory of a time that once was.
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Throughout this series, we’ve explored every stage of the exit process, from understanding the basics of an exit strategy to maximizing value during negotiations. Each article has delved into the nuances of preparation, industry dynamics, and strategic decision-making, all aimed at empowering you to achieve a smooth and successful exit.
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This virtual book is a guide to the entrepreneurial journey, drawn from real-world experiences in cyber startups. It distils insights from my time on the NCSC for Startups accelerator (cohort 13, 2023), the DSIT Cyber Runway Scale programme (2024/2025), and my mentoring on DSIT’s Cyber ASAP programme. It’s a collection of lessons, reflections, and hard-earned knowledge from the founders, investors, and industry leaders I’ve met along the way. Thanks to Marcel Duchamp you can think of it as a “ready made”, a curated work built from my blog articles, assembled to help you navigate the path from startup to scale, and beyond.
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The Ides of March is a fitting time to reflect on betrayal, resilience, and the realities of UK cybersecurity. In the past two weeks, I’ve balanced DSIT’s Cyber Local funding process, chaired the West Midlands Cyber Working Group (WM CWG), led two funding bids, scaled one startup in a brutal funding climate, and booted up a second from scratch. Along the way, I’ve won the Pitch Battle at Cyber Runway Live, launched the UK’s first dedicated universal cyber risk score and comparison site, and tackled everything from weaponised AI threats to Kafka-powered scalability, all while navigating the messy, unpredictable, and often painful journey of building something that lasts.
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Education technology, or EdTech, is often heralded as the saviour of modern learning. From AI tutors and personalised learning platforms to interactive apps and virtual classrooms, we’re told that technology will democratise education, close achievement gaps, and prepare students for the jobs of the future. But despite billions of dollars poured into EdTech solutions, the reality often falls far short of the hype.
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The Renaissance marked a transformative era of intellectual and scientific discovery, laying the foundations for many modern disciplines. Among its most significant contributions was the birth of probability theory, a mathematical framework that profoundly influenced the field of risk quantification. This period of innovation bridged abstract mathematical inquiry with practical applications, particularly in areas like gambling, insurance, and finance, establishing a systematic approach to understanding uncertainty.
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The negotiation stage of an exit strategy is where the value of your hard work and preparation truly comes to fruition. Securing a favourable deal requires balancing your business’s worth, buyer expectations, and strategic interests. To maximize value, you need to enter negotiations well-prepared, stay focused on key priorities, and employ effective tactics.
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Radia Perlman, often called the “Mother of the Internet”, revolutionized networking with her Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and contributions to Open Shortest Path First (OSPF). Her innovations enabled loop-free redundancy in Ethernet networks and fast, scalable routing in modern infrastructure. Beyond STP and OSPF, Perlman has worked on network security, PKI, and TRILL, ensuring the internet remains resilient and efficient. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, recognizing pioneers like Perlman reminds us of the vital role of women in shaping technology.
Wearable technology is everywhere, from smartwatches and fitness trackers to “revolutionary” health-monitoring rings and smart glasses. Promoted as tools to enhance your health, productivity, and connectivity, these devices promise to be indispensable. But while wearables do have some legitimate uses, the market is oversaturated with overhyped claims, gimmicks, and, frankly, bollocks.
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The Middle Ages was a period of significant transformation in commerce, trade, and risk management. With the expansion of trade routes and the growing complexity of financial transactions, merchants and traders faced numerous uncertainties, including piracy, shipwrecks, and fluctuating market conditions. These challenges necessitated the development of innovative mechanisms for risk mitigation, many of which laid the foundation for modern financial and insurance systems.
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In business, opportunities often come when you least expect them. An unsolicited offer, an industry consolidation wave, or a sudden market shift could present the perfect moment to exit. However, without preparation, even the best opportunities can slip away. Building a resilient business ensures you’re always ready to capitalize on these moments while maintaining long-term growth and stability.
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Green technology is often hailed as the saviour of our planet. From solar panels and electric cars to carbon capture and smart grids, we’re told that innovation will lead us to a cleaner, greener future. While there’s no doubt that technology plays a vital role in addressing climate change, the reality of green tech is often far messier than the marketing suggests.
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Risk, as we understand it today, was not a formalized concept in antiquity. Instead, it was deeply rooted in survival instincts and the need to navigate an unpredictable world. Ancient civilizations relied on rituals, divination, and early forms of governance to mitigate uncertainty and prepare for the unknown. These efforts, though primitive by modern standards, reflect the human desire to manage risks in the face of natural and societal challenges.
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In the world of software engineering, The Mythical Man-Month by Fred Brooks is regarded as a seminal work, a collection of essays reflecting the complexities, challenges, and lessons learned from managing large-scale software development projects. Published in 1975, the book is best known for its contributions to project management theory and software development practices. Despite avoiding superlatives I feel it is the most important book on Computer Systems design and development and that all aspiring technologists should read it. Interestingly, beneath its technical content lies a rich layer of Christian symbolism and theological reflection that often goes unnoticed. This symbolism reflects Brooks’s deeply held Christian beliefs and provides a moral and philosophical framework for understanding the lessons of the book.
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No two industries are alike, and the same holds true for exit strategies. Buyers in different sectors prioritize unique metrics, value drivers, and risk factors, which means your exit plan must align with the dynamics of your specific industry. Whether you’re in technology, healthcare, retail, or manufacturing, understanding these nuances can significantly enhance your valuation and attract the right buyers.
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Self-hosting advanced AI models like DeepSeek grant unparalleled control but poses severe risks if ethical constraints are removed. With relatively simple modifications, users can disable safeguards, enabling AI to assist in cybercrime, fraud, terrorism, and psychological manipulation. Such models could automate hacking, facilitate gaslighting, and fuel disinformation campaigns. The open-source AI community must balance innovation with security, while policymakers must consider regulations to curb AI misuse in self-hosted environments before it becomes an uncontrollable threat.
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Data privacy is a hot topic in the modern age, with tech companies, governments, and advocacy groups all claiming to take it seriously. From GDPR compliance banners to promises of “end-to-end encryption,” the message is clear: your data is safe and secure. Or is it? Beneath the glossy surface of privacy pledges lies a mess of contradictions, loopholes, and outright bollocks.
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This glossary provides clear definitions of key terms used in pipeline management and lead generation, covering sales cycles, qualification stages, and marketing tactics. It simplifies complex concepts like MQLs, SQLs, ABM, and pipeline conversion rates, making it easy for sales and marketing teams to follow best practices in generating and closing deals.
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