Meet Kristian Kamber, CEO & Co-Founder at SplxAI:

Kristian Kamber is the CEO & Co-Founder of SplxAI, a startup providing companies with advanced cybersecurity solutions for GenAI applications and chatbots. Kristian, as a seasoned ICT and IT Solution Sales expert, oversees the go-to-market strategy execution, investor relations, and business development. His decade-long career is marked by leadership roles in cybersecurity, SaaS, consulting, and regional sales management. He has consistently driven growth and delivered exceptional customer experiences.

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Quick Read: Kristian Kamber, CEO & Co-Founder at SplxAI, Interview Highlight

Introduction: Diving into Generative AI Security

On a recent episode of Default Global, I sat down with Kristian Kamber, the Co-Founder and CEO of SplxAI, an emerging leader in the generative AI security landscape. With over a decade of experience in IT and leadership across Germany, Dubai, and the U.S., Kristian recently secured $2 million in pre-seed funding for his venture. As we embarked on this dialogue, I was eager to unpack the journey of raising and scaling a global-first AI cybersecurity company.

The Genesis of SplxAI

When I asked Kristian about his journey from the conventional IT space into the niche of generative AI security, he shared:

“I was in security the last two and a half years as a leader in Zscaler, a unicorn in cloud security.”

The transition to AI security wasn’t abrupt but rather a culmination of a broader understanding of security in the digital age. This space is not only a business issue but a societal one, addressing ethical and moral obligations around AI usage.

Navigating the Investment Landscape

With the AI security market expected to swell to $40 billion by 2030, I was curious about Kristian’s take on the investment dynamics in this crowded arena.

Kristian recalled:

“There’s about 100 companies in the Gen AI security space. It’s a significant space and venture capital firms are investing because it’s the next wave.”

He emphasized that the industry’s expansion is comparable to the early days of the cloud era, suggesting AI’s transformative potential is even more profound.

Fundraising Journey: Lessons and Challenges

As this was Kristian’s first venture into raising capital, I delved into his fundraising strategy.

Kristian shared:

“We bootstrapped for half a year and the first investment was from a Swiss entrepreneur”

Despite initial hurdles, including unstructured outreach and misaligned VC targets, they managed to secure funding with the help of a proactive investor, Innova from Poland. He likened the fundraising process to a dating game, noting, “Once we had the first term sheet, more VCs showed interest.”

Strategic Focus and Learnings

Reflecting on the fundraising experience, Kristian acknowledged the value of strategic focus.

He advised:

“I would equip myself with the right advisors in cybersecurity and AI space,”

By honing in on VCs experienced in scaling AI cybersecurity ventures, founders can reduce unnecessary meetings and focus on product development and customer acquisition.

The Importance of Specialized Investors

I probed Kristian on the significance of having investors with a background in cybersecurity.

He noted:

“It’s not just about return on investment in security. You sell the team, the tech, and market access.”

Collaborating with investors who understand the nuances of AI and cybersecurity is crucial for sustained growth and strategic positioning.

Remote-First Team Dynamics

In discussing SplxAI’s global-first approach, Kristian clarified, “Our product development is centralized in Croatia. Go-to-market needs to be on-site.” The company leverages top local talent while ensuring market teams are on-ground to foster trust and relationships, key tenets in cybersecurity.

Conclusion: Building the Future of AI Security

Talking to Kristian Kamber provided a comprehensive look into the foundational steps of building and scaling an AI cybersecurity company. His insights underline the importance of strategic investor relationships, a clear go-to-market strategy, and the need for trust-building in the technology space. As the generative AI security domain rapidly evolves, SplxAI appears well-positioned to lead and innovate with its unique global approach.