Product Partnership
Build a Cybersecurity Product CSOs Want to Buy
Get expert product validation, GTM guidance, and access to a CSO network for real design partnership.
You’re Building Something Big — Make Sure It’s Solving a Real Problem through Expert Validation
Get clear product direction, early design partners, and a strategy built to win from day one.
Design Partnership
Get real feedback from CSOs who’ve evaluated thousands of tools—and helped shape the products dominating today’s market.
Team Alignment
Align your product, engineering, and go-to-market teams around a shared vision and strategy.
Story Telling
Craft a compelling narrative that resonates with CSO buyers and translates technical capability into business value.
Trusted Introductions
Access our network of CSOs, CISOs, and security leaders for design partnerships and early validation.
Leadership You Can Trust
Expertise You Can Measure
vCSO.ai was founded by Nick Shevelyov, cybersecurity executive, speaker, and author of Cyber War and Peace.
With over three decades of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, boards, and government agencies, Nick bridges technology, governance, and business strategy.
Achievements
- 25+ years in cybersecurity, risk management, and leadership.
- 15 years as CSO for Silicon Valley Bank (2007–2021), the bank of the innovation economy.
- Deep network across cybersecurity, venture capital, and startup ecosystems.
- Recognized speaker, advisor, and thought leader in cybersecurity governance.
- Author: "Cyber War…and Peace"
Our mission
From 2007 - 2021 my mission was to protect the bank of the global innovation economy. My secondary mission was to help improve our clients’ probability of success. I had the privilege of collaborating as a design, go-to-market and capital raise partner to many cybersecurity startups, that today are giants in our industry. That experience taught me systems I now bring to my clients.
Get guidance from someone who spent 15 years evaluating thousands of security products and helped build the category leaders you know today.
Deep Product Experience
- Former CSO and CIO at Silicon Valley Bank for 15 years
- Evaluated and was pitched hundreds of solutions
- Direct understanding of how CSOs assess, compare, and buy
Unmatched Network Access
Board member of the Bay Area CSO Council with reach to some of the largest companies headquartered in Silicon Valley, and high-growth startups.
Who This Is For
Founders building cybersecurity products with real market potential.
Early-Stage Teams
Pre-seed to Series B companies building in cyber risk, data privacy, threat detection, or incident response.
AI-Driven Products
Teams using AI, automation, or modern architecture to build faster, leaner, more adaptive security tools.
PMF-Focused Founders
Companies that need real buyer validation to ensure they’re solving a meaningful problem.
Capital-Raising Companies
Teams preparing to raise and needing credible validation before talking to investors.
FAQ
Common Questions
What stage companies do you work with?
Pre-seed through Series B. After Series C, most companies already have clear PMF and a defined GTM motion. In series C and beyond, we may take a Board role.
How much time do you commit?
Engagements are tailored to your stage and needs. Typical advisory relationships involve regular check-ins and on-demand availability for critical decisions.
Do you take equity?
Depending on the stage and scope of engagement, we may structure compensation to include an equity component alongside advisory fees.
Can you help with fundraising?
We provide credible validation that strengthens your fundraising narrative and can make introductions to investors in our network.
Do you help with messaging?
Yes. We help refine your product narrative to resonate with CSO buyers and translate technical capabilities into business outcomes.
Will you review our product roadmap?
Absolutely. We evaluate your roadmap through the lens of a CSO buyer to ensure you’re building features that drive real purchasing decisions.
How long is the engagement?
Engagements are flexible and structured based on your needs. Most advisory relationships are ongoing, with clear milestones and deliverables.