AppointmentFrank Kim of SANS Institute joins YL Ventures as its new CISO-in-Residence
Appointment
Frank Kim of SANS Institute joins YL Ventures as its new CISO-in-Residence
Kim’s predecessor, Ryan Gurney, has transitioned to the role of Operating Partner
YL Ventures, a Seed-stage venture capital firm investing in Israeli cybersecurity startups, has announced the appointment of Frank Kim as its new full-time CISO (Chief Information Security Officer)-in-Residence. The SANS fellow, already a seasoned advisor to many cybersecurity startups, will work with the firm’s portfolio companies and vetted entrepreneurs to guide their ideation, value propositions and customer relations.
YL Ventures pioneered the CISO-in-Residence position for investment firms three years ago in a strategic move to advance its vetting processes and value-add program. The program has counted a roster of elite cybersecurity leaders as alumni, including Roger Hale (CSO at Agora), Sounil Yu (CISO and Head of Research at JupiterOne) and Ryan Gurney (Former CISO at Looker, acquired by Google). It is an extension of the firm’s strategy to connect entrepreneurs to their customer base for feedback and opportunities, which additionally relies on the firm’s Venture Advisory Network of over 115 enterprise cybersecurity leaders from Fortune 500 enterprises.
Kim’s predecessor, Ryan Gurney, has transitioned to the role of Operating Partner, joining the firm’s growing roster of in-house CISO experts that also includes Andy Ellis, former CISO of Akamai.
YL Ventures manages over $800 million and specializes in cybersecurity. The firm's track record includes investment in Israeli cybersecurity unicorns Axonius and Orca Security, as well as successful, high-profile acquisitions by major corporations including Palo Alto Networks, Microsoft, CA and Proofpoint.
