Episode 54: Building AI Security Infrastructure: From Cisco Engineer to Startup Founder with Jaz Lin

Join Den Jones as he sits down with Jaz Lin, founder and CEO of Skyrelis, to explore the journey from network security engineer to AI infrastructure entrepreneur.

This episode dives deep into the challenges of AI agent security, the philosophy of building for security teams rather than developers, and the mindset shifts required for startup leadership in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

- From Network Engineer to Security AdvocateJaz shares how being assigned to VPN projects changed his perspective on security from "preventing people from doing anything" to understanding security as "the brake on the car" that allows you to go fast safely

Key quote: "Security, like the brake on the car. So allow you to go safe, allow you to go fast safely, and it with competence"

- The Problem That Sparked Skyrelis

Discussion of why current AI security solutions are built for developers rather than security operations teams

Key quote: "Today's most of the solution solutions is actually built for developers, not built for security operations"

- Fundraising Philosophy: Finding Partners, Not Just Money

Jaz explains her approach to fundraising as finding aligned partners rather than just selling ideas

Key quote: "A lot of people kind of remind me that this is finding a partner in marriage because this you have to be in English together"

- Leading Through Shared Experience

How the team uses their own product to understand customer pain points

Key quote: "We deploy this agenda solution in our network. I have them using it. I have them feel the pain without the right tool to manage it"

- Security Mindset and MindfulnessThe mental challenges of security work and the importance of meditation and mindfulness practices

Key quote: "Every day I tell my teams what really kills us is what we don't know. We don't know"

- AI Security Market ConcernsDiscussion of how current AI security approaches burden developers rather than empowering security teams

Key quote: "Developers are developer, they don't sign up for to handle security compliance"

- The AI Prototype vs. Production RealityWarning about the gap between AI prototypes and production-ready solutions

Key quote: "Using AI to be a prototype is very easy. Production level is completely different"

- The IP Dilemma in AI-Driven BusinessesDiscussion of business sustainability versus traditional IP protection in the AI era

Key quote: "Every time that GBT have a new version come out, but now 500, the AI native app company have closed"