The Power Behind the Fund: How Portfolio Development Supercharges Cyber Startups

Live from BlackHat 2025, we sit down with Halyna Vasylevska, Sector Lead of Cybersecurity Portfolio Development at Munich Re Ventures, to pull back the curtain on how one of the world’s biggest reinsurers is fuelling the next generation of cybersecurity startups.

In this episode, Halyna shares how her team partners with founders from day zero, helping them navigate go-to-market strategy, talent, partnerships, and global expansion. We dive into the unique role of portfolio development, why it’s the secret weapon most people overlook in venture capital, and how Munich Re Ventures is building one of the most influential CISO communities in the industry.

We also explore the growing issue of CISO liability and executive risk, the challenges of balancing technical backgrounds with commercial demands, and the hidden ways VCs can supercharge startup success long before an exit.If you’ve ever wondered how cyber startups really scale, what VCs look for beyond the pitch deck, or why CISOs are becoming the most important voice in venture, this episode is packed with insider insights you won’t hear anywhere else.

Halyna's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/halynavasylevska/

Munich Re Ventures - https://www.linkedin.com/company/munich-re-ventures/

Oliver's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverlegg/

Aspiron Search - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspiron-search/