Paladin Security Group Ltd. - Experts & Thought Leaders

Paladin Capital Group, the multi-stage investor specialising in cyber, AI, and advanced technology, launched the Paladin Global Institute with Kemba Walden, former Acting National Cyber Director, joining as President. The Paladin Global Institute will serve as a global convening force, building partnerships and stimulating research and advocacy while working to identify and mitigate cyber, AI, and deep tech risks. Cyber, AI, and deep tech risks The Paladin Global Institute’s mission is to protect global critical infrastructure from cyber threats The Paladin Global Institute’s mission is to protect global critical infrastructure from cyber threats and enhance the safety of people online by investing in research and advocacy, making informed policy recommendations, and bringing together the public and private sectors to share knowledge and create and invest in innovative technologies. In this groundbreaking approach for a venture capital firm, Paladin is leveraging its global reach and deep bench of experts to marshal international stakeholders to identify and mitigate cyber, AI, and deep tech risks. An innovative approach “For more than two decades, Paladin Capital Group has identified and invested in innovative technological solutions that protect against cyber and AI threats. The accelerated development of life-changing technologies such as generative AI and the evolving threat landscape demand a global, collaborative, and innovative approach to protecting public and private sector entities alike from cyber, AI, and other advanced technology risks,” said Michael Steed, Founder and Managing Partner of Paladin Capital Group. He adds, “The Paladin Global Institute will build on our successful investment track record and leverage our network of cutting-edge thought pioneers and policy experts to focus global attention and resources on protecting people and technology from advanced threats.” Safer actionable solutions “In my time at the National Cyber Director’s Office, I saw firsthand how cooperation between the private and public sectors is critical to secure critical technology from increasingly complex cyber threats,” said Kemba Walden, President of the Paladin Global Institute. He adds, “Paladin is taking a truly innovative approach by establishing this Institute to put forth actionable solutions to make cyberspace and the people who use it safer.” Walden's experience Walden previously was an Assistant General Counsel in the digital crimes unit at Microsoft Walden most recently served as acting United States National Cyber Director in 2023 after joining the Office of the National Cyber Director in 2022 as its inaugural principal deputy. Walden previously was an Assistant General Counsel in the digital crimes unit at Microsoft, where she launched and pioneered Microsoft’s counter ransomware programme. Before that role, Walden spent a decade at the United States Department of Homeland Security, including roles at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Cybersecurity strategy and guidance Chris Inglis, former U.S. National Cyber Director and Senior Strategic Advisor to Paladin Capital Group, added, “We are lucky to have Kemba at the helm of this new enterprise." He adds, "Throughout her career, particularly through the instrumental role she played in developing the National Cybersecurity Strategy and the National Cybersecurity Workforce and Educational Strategy while with the Office of the National Cyber Director, Kemba established herself as a strategic and focused pioneer and a coalition builder skills that will be put to good use at the Paladin Global Institute. I am confident that the Institute will accomplish a great deal under Kemba’s incisive guidance.” Promoting online safety The Paladin Global Institute and its experts will be pioneering a global effort to protect the world's critical infrastructure from cyber threats and promote online safety by: Fostering innovation and investment in solutions to protect people and technology from emerging threats; Conducting research and collecting data to help business and government pioneers make smarter investment and policy decisions; Convening global thought pioneers, researchers, policymakers, and technologists to build partnerships and enhance the safety of the online environment worldwide; Providing recommendations and analyses to business and government pioneers; and Advocating for enhanced security by encouraging others in the venture capital community to make cybersecurity a priority in their investments. Cyber experts The Paladin Global Institute sits under Paladin’s Strategic Advisory Group (SAG), which consists of notable cyber experts who advise the firm’s investment team on the cyber landscape. SAG members include former National Cyber Director Chris Inglis, former Congressman James Langevin, Vice Admiral (ret.) Jan Tighe, Sir David Omand, Richard Schaeffer, Richard Clarke, Dr. Mary Aiken, Jeremy Bash, H. Lee Buchanan, Florence Mottay, Rear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Kevin Phillips, and David Hoffman.

Paladin Capital Group, the cyber and advanced technologies investor announces its partnership with Campus Cyber, initiated in 2022 by the President of the Republic of France.  Paladin Capital supports the mission of Campus Cyber to bring together digital security actors in a collaborative space to protect society and promote French excellence in the field. Security-by-design mindset Founded in 2001, Paladin Capital was one of the first investors to recognise the need for coordination between international private and public sectors to support technologies with a security-by-design mindset. Michael Steed, Paladin’s Founder and Managing Partner, said, “We are living in a digital-first society. Advancing, sustaining, and defending critical infrastructure requires both innovation and investment. We applaud the energy and vision that President Macron’s government has put behind its cybersecurity strategy, with Campus Cyber at its core.” Digital solutions Paladin facilitates cyber innovation and research across Europe" Paladin has recently closed its €350 million Cyber Fund II and is actively investing in digital solutions to the absolute need to advance, sustain, and defend critical infrastructure and modern society. Michael Steed continued, “Paladin facilitates cyber innovation and research across Europe. We have invested in 18 early-stage companies with many having operations and employees in the region.” Cybersecurity  Inaugurated on 15 February by the French Minister of the Economy, Bruno Le Maire, Campus Cyber has become the iconic French location dedicated to cybersecurity. With over 3000 m2 dedicated to innovation and 2500 m2 dedicated to event spaces, Campus Cyber is fully equipped to host international meetings and conferences. “Through our partnership with Campus Cyber, Paladin will support French entrepreneurs in scaling up their companies, support the development of synergies between public and private actors to guide technological innovation, and engage in campus-based events and debate,” added Ken Pentimonti, Paladin Principal and European Manager. Campus Cyber Paladin will host an event at Campus Cyber in 2023 for cyber-focused startups and SMEs, public institutions, major companies, researchers, and students, to look at startup challenges and scaling toward international markets. Michel Van Den Berghe, President of Campus Cyber, said, “One of our main objectives is to help French and European cyber start-ups reach international markets. The newly signed partnership with Paladin Capital aims to strengthen the international connections of Campus Cyber and create new synergies.”

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the schedule, speaker lineup and programme for the 2022 AcceleRISE conference, hosted by SIA’s RISE community for young professionals and those new to the security industry. The AcceleRISE 2022 event will be an in-person event, held from August 1 to August 3, 2022, in Austin, Texas, USA. AcceleRISE 2022 AcceleRISE is an exciting, innovative conference, created specifically for tomorrow’s security leaders. The event was designed to ignite new thinking, strengthen leadership and sharpen business acumen in the young security talent. AcceleRISE tackles the issues that matter the most to young professionals in the security industry AcceleRISE tackles the issues that matter the most to young professionals in the security industry and features a diverse array of premier learning sessions, interactive workshops and lively activities geared toward rising stars in the industry. Thought-provoking sessions Kelsey Carnell, the Chair of the SIA RISE Committee at the Security Industry Association (SIA), stated “After two years of virtual conferences and lots of screen time, we’re so excited to finally gather the security industry’s emerging leaders in person for AcceleRISE 2022 in Austin, Texas – a city known for its cutting-edge technology, creativity, culture and fun.” She adds, “Not only will you participate in thought-provoking sessions focused on both critical business and personal growth, you will also be able to partake in some unique networking activities, all with an incredibly dynamic group of attendees and presenters.” Engaging young professionals’ conference Kelsey Carnell continues, “You will not want to miss out on this engaging young professionals’ conference, the only one-of-its-kind. AcceleRISE is a great opportunity to elevate your career, learn more about our industry, make valuable lifelong connections and have tons of fun. We can’t wait to see you in August!” Session topics for AcceleRISE 2022 will include: The metaverse, NFTs and all things Web3 The employee/manager relationship and authentic leadership Navigating construction delivery methods Talent selection and succession planning for leaders Negotiating and thinking about risk Professional pathways in security Fostering diversity, equity and inclusion at your company Building user-focused security products Channel vs. direct sales The security industry’s tech evolution How mergers and acquisitions affect the security industry Attendees will have the chance to form relationships with other young industry professionals and enjoy fun networking happy hours, line dancing and more. Speakers for AcceleRISE 2022 event include: Nisha Advani, Assistant Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, Dormakaba Americas Derek Arcuri, Manager – XaaS transformation, Genetec Paula Balmori, Design Consultant and Onboarding Specialist, Northland Controls Anthony Berticelli, Vice President of Operations, PSA Security Network Kelly Bond, Partner, Davis Mergers and Acquisitions Group Todd Brodrick, ALC Consulting Ron Davis, President, Davis Mergers and Acquisitions Group Kami Dukes, Director of Business Development, North America, AMAG Technology Jon Harris, Business Vision and Strategy Lead, Latch Kabir Maiga, Co-Founder, PassiveBolt Taylor May, National Sales Director, Rekor Systems Kasia Moore, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, ADT Allen Mulanax, Vice President, Business Development, Paladin Technologies Lee Odess, General Manager, Latch Elaine Palome, Director of Human Resources, Americas, Axis Communications Lukas Quanstrom, CEO and Co-Founder, Ontic Eddie Reynolds, CEO and President, iluminar Inc. Erica Reynolds, Founder and CEO, E.L. Reynolds & Associates, LLC Christine Rhinehart, Senior Product Manager, Netflix Ryan Roberts, Sales Manager, Allegion Kristin Shockley, Segment Marketing Manager, Genetec Ernie Ace Velayo, Business Development Manager, AMAG Technology Kevin Wilhelm, Country Manager, Sharry Sabrina Wilson, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Dormakaba Americas AcceleRISE 2022 is supported by Premier Sponsor – Allegion, Full Conference Sponsors - ALC Consulting, Axis Communications, BCD International, Brivo, Dormakaba, Genetec, HID Global, Lee and Jen Odess, Northland Controls and SALTO, and Event Sponsors - AMAG Technology, ISC Security Events, March Networks and System Surveyor. SIA RISE SIA RISE is a collaborative community that fosters the careers of young professionals in the security industry. In addition to hosting AcceleRISE, the SIA RISE community offers fun in-person and virtual networking events, mentorship opportunities through the Talent Inclusion Mentorship Education (TIME) programme, career growth webinars and e-learning, scholarships for use toward education and professional development and career tracks at top trade shows. SIA RISE membership is available to all employees at SIA member companies who are young professionals under 40 or have been in the security industry for less than two years.