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The journey of building a startup is often as challenging as it is rewarding. For Ambuj Kumar, co-founder and CEO of Simbian, this journey began in Bihar, India, and traversed the halls of IIT Kanpur before culminating in Silicon Valley’s high-stakes world of tech innovation.
In a recent podcast, Ambuj shared his insights on entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and leadership. His story is not just about success but about resilience, learning, and innovation.
The Journey of an Innovator
“There is no rational reason to be an entrepreneur because it’s so difficult,” says Ambuj Kumar, reflecting on the challenging path of building startups. Yet, his journey demonstrates that the drive to solve meaningful problems often outweighs the odds stacked against you.
Growing up in Bihar, India’s poorest state, Ambuj’s aspirations led him to IIT Kanpur, one of India’s most prestigious engineering colleges. After working on NVIDIA’s first generations of GPUs and later joining Cryptography Research Inc., Ambuj was inspired to step into entrepreneurship. His first venture, Fortanix, revolutionized data security with “confidential computing,” earning $135 million in funding and becoming a recognized leader in the space.
In 2022, he founded Simbian, an AI-driven cybersecurity startup that has already raised $11 million in seed funding. “It’s an exciting time”, Ambuj remarks, as he tackles the ever-evolving challenges of cybersecurity in a world increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure.
Fundraising: From Grit to Strategy
Raising funds is one of the most daunting tasks for any startup founder, and Ambuj’s journey illustrates the importance of persistence and preparation. In his first venture, Ambuj pitched to over 75 investors before securing his first term sheet. This experience instilled in him the resilience to persist despite rejection.
For Simbian, however, the process was markedly different. With a proven track record from Fortanix, Ambuj attracted investor interest even before creating a slide deck. This underscores the value of building credibility and leveraging past successes to simplify future fundraising efforts.
Ambuj’s approach to building a strong advisory board has also been key. He attributes this to trust and mutual respect, stating, “These are people I have worked with and trust. They trust me, and they believe in our mission.” This network of experts, including industry leaders from Datadog and Goldman Sachs, has been instrumental in Simbian’s early success.
Hiring: The Power of Hustle and Hunger
“We value hustle, hunger, and the ability to learn over experience,” Ambuj shares when discussing his approach to hiring. For Simbian, early hires are doers who embrace challenges with energy and adaptability.
Ambuj’s hiring philosophy revolves around the company’s core values of excellence, replication, and ownership. These values foster a culture of innovation and accountability. He emphasizes that the right hires should align with these values and be motivated by the company’s bold mission.
Interestingly, he cautions against relying solely on experienced professionals during a startup’s early stages. “Too much experience can hold you back,” he says, explaining that fresh perspectives often lead to breakthroughs. However, as a company scales, the need for experienced individuals grows to bring structure and avoid repeated mistakes.
Innovating in Cybersecurity: Fighting AI with AI
Cybersecurity is no longer just about protecting credit card information. Attackers now target hospitals, water supplies, and critical infrastructure, making the stakes higher than ever. “You need AI to fight AI,” Ambuj declares, summarizing Simbian’s mission to build AI agents for cybersecurity.
Unlike traditional endpoint agents, Simbian’s AI agents operate like virtual assistants. Powered by large language models (LLMs), these agents analyze security tools, identify threats, and take proactive measures to safeguard organizations.
With over 5.5 million cybersecurity professionals globally protecting 8 billion people, the industry faces a significant resource gap. Simbian aims to close this gap by automating repetitive tasks and enabling professionals to focus on strategic challenges. By delivering actionable insights and automating responses, Simbian empowers organizations to defend against ever-evolving threats efficiently.
The Scrappiness of Startups
Startups thrive on ingenuity, and Ambuj’s stories illustrate this beautifully. In one instance, Simbian secured a demo opportunity with a major customer but lacked the necessary features. “Between Wednesday and Monday, we built everything,” Ambuj recalls, recounting an intense five-day sprint. The result? A successful demo that impressed the customer and cemented Simbian’s reputation for agility.
Such stories underscore the importance of scrappiness—the ability to adapt and deliver under pressure—in the early stages of a startup’s life.
Navigating Mental Health as a Founder
Entrepreneurship comes with immense stress, and Ambuj acknowledges the importance of mental health. “You’re only responsible for doing your duty, not the outcome,” he says, sharing a mantra that helps him manage the highs and lows of startup life.
For Ambuj, maintaining a clear separation between work and personal life is essential. Weekdays are dedicated to work, while weekends are reserved for family and relaxation. Exercise and mindfulness also play a vital role in sustaining his energy and focus.
Simbian’s Vision: A Safer Future
Simbian’s mission is as bold as it is inspiring: to solve cybersecurity and create a safer world. By addressing challenges such as resource gaps, rising AI-powered attacks, and the complexity of modern security landscapes, Simbian aims to become a multi-generational company that leaves a lasting impact.
“The world is always rooting for new heroes,” Ambuj notes. With its innovative approach and relentless pursuit of excellence, Simbian is poised to be one of those heroes, transforming the cybersecurity industry and protecting the digital infrastructure that powers our lives.
Ambuj Kumar’s journey offers a wealth of inspiration and actionable insights for entrepreneurs and leaders navigating the complex world of startups. Here are the key takeaways from his story
Resilience Pays Off
Whether it’s pitching to 75 investors or tackling monumental challenges, persistence and belief in your mission can overcome significant hurdles.
Innovation Drives Success
Ambuj’s ability to pioneer solutions like confidential computing and AI-driven cybersecurity highlights the power of embracing bold, transformative ideas.
Hire for Hustle, Not Just Experience
Building a team with hunger and adaptability, rather than over-relying on experience, fosters innovation and aligns with startup dynamics.
Balance Matters
Creating boundaries between work and personal life, coupled with a focus on physical and mental well-being, helps manage the intense pressures of entrepreneurship.
Vision Shapes Legacy
Simbian’s mission to revolutionize cybersecurity isn’t just about building a business; it’s about creating a safer, more secure future for everyone.
By staying true to core values, cultivating a culture of learning, and relentlessly innovating, Ambuj Kumar and Simbian are setting the stage not just for business success, but for a transformative impact on the cybersecurity landscape.
