In this episode of Cyber Security District, we speak with Mahdi Abdulrazak, a cybersecurity leader, serial investor, and one of the most remarkable self-made minds in the field. He just left his CISO position SHV Energy, where he led a team of over 100 professionals, but his journey started much earlier as a refugee, a teenage hacker, and a relentless entrepreneur.

Mahdi’s story spans continents, industries, and disciplines. Fluent in over 8 languages and driven by curiosity, he's not only built pioneering technology platforms but also invested in some of the most promising cybersecurity startups in Europe, including Hadrian and Workwise, and now his own venture Dawnguard. From building his first tech company in the early 2000s to mentoring the next generation of founders, Mahdi brings a rare blend of street smartness, deep technical insight, and philosophical clarity.

After years witnessing how reactive cybersecurity slows innovation, Mahdi is building Dawnguard to make security-by-design the new default, shifting security left from day zero with the power of AI and automation.

In this episode, we explore:

• How growing up in poverty sparked Mahdi’s hacker mindset


• His first steps into cybersecurity at age 15


• Co-founding a platform ahead of its time in smart connectivity


• Investing in cybersecurity startups across Europe


• Why he always invests in people, not products


• Advice for professionals who want to become entrepreneurs


• How to deal with pressure and avoid burnout in security roles


• His vision for agentic AI, machine learning, and the future of cyber defense

Mahdi speaks with striking honesty about risk, purpose, and what it means to truly contribute. Whether you’re a young professional, a seasoned CISO, or an aspiring founder, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:40 - Meet Mahdi Abdulrazak

03:00 - From Warzone to Amsterdam

07:20 - Hacking as a Form of Learning

11:00 - Building a Tech Startup in the Early 2000s

16:45 - Investment Philosophy: People over Products

21:30 - Why Dutch Cyber Needs More Startups

25:00 - Becoming CISO of SHV Energy

29:15 - Handling Pressure & Avoiding Burnout

33:50 - Advice for Cybersecurity Entrepreneurs

37:40 - The Promise of Agentic AI in Cyber Defense

41:00 - Leaving a Legacy & Staying Curious

44:20 - Final Message to Global CISOs

Connect with the guest:

Mahdi Abdulrazak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahdiabdulrazak/

Learn more about Dawnguard – www.dawnguard.ai

Follow Cyber Security District:

Laurens Jagt (Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensjagt/

Website: https://www.cybersecuritydistrict.com/

All channels & newsletter: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritydistrict