In Season 2 Episode 8, we talk to Ankita Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO @ Akto.io

Ankita shares her unique journey into the cybersecurity space, discussing her diverse background and the inception of her API security company. She emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, the role of co-founders in a startup's success, and the surprising maturity of buyers in the cybersecurity industry. Ankita also delves into marketing strategies for cybersecurity startups, highlighting the need for differentiation and continuous iteration in messaging. In this conversation, Ankita discusses various aspects of marketing strategies for enterprise SaaS, the challenges of building a brand in a competitive market, and the importance of API security. She emphasizes the need for startups to identify specific problems within their target market and how LLMs can significantly enhance API security. The discussion also touches on the necessity of experimentation and iteration in integrating AI into products.

Key Takeaways

- Understanding customer needs is crucial for product development.

- A strong co-founder relationship is vital for startup success.

- Buyers in cybersecurity are more mature than in other industries.

- Marketing should focus on product differentiation.

- Iterate marketing positioning continuously based on feedback.

- Networking is important, but building a customer base is essential.

- Cybersecurity tools are often purchased through structured processes. Social media is crucial for enterprise SaaS marketing.

- Branding requires a clear representation of the product's value.

- API security is a growing concern that needs addressing.

- LLMs can revolutionize the way API security is approached.

- It's essential to iterate and experiment with AI technologies.

- The market for API security is significant, even if not immediately recognized.

- Startups should not shy away from basic use cases with LLMs.

Tune in to find out more! 

Contacting Ankita

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankita-gupta-89214515/

* Akto: https://www.akto.io/

Contacting Anshuman

* LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshumanbhartiya/

* X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/anshuman_bh

* Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anshumanbhartiya.com/

* ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/anshuman.bhartiya

Contacting Sandesh

* LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/anandsandesh/

* X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/JubbaOnJeans

* Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boringappsec.substack.com/