IB Magazine: Joris den Bruinen on how communities can support successful tech transfers

In a recent interview, Reinder Wolthuis, Programme Manager Partnership for Cyber Security Innovation (PCSI) at TNO and Chris de Vries, Editor in Chief at InformatieBeveiliging magazine,  spoke with three key figures in the field of cybersecurity innovation and investment: Joris den Bruinen (Security Delta HSD), Aldebert Wiersinga (Value Creation Capital), and Reinout van der Meûlen (TIN Capital). Together, they shared their insights on how communities and investors can contribute to successful tech transfer in the security domain.

Joris den Bruinen (HSD): “Without a first customer, there is no future for any startup.”

Joris emphasises the importance of a well-functioning ecosystem in which public and private organisations collaborate on innovative security solutions. HSD plays a connecting role by providing access to knowledge, innovation, market, funding, and talent. According to Joris, the Dutch cybersecurity ecosystem has matured significantly in recent years:

“Stakeholders know each other better, have found their place in the ecosystem, and increasingly collaborate to strengthen our digital resilience.”

One of Joris’ key proposals is for every Dutch CISO to support one cybersecurity startup as a launching customer actively:

“This could be organised through the CISO community NL. The first customer is essential — without customers, there’s no revenue, and without revenue, no future.”

He also highlights strategic opportunities in Operational Technology (OT) and Dual Use innovations:

“In areas like smart grids and the energy transition, secure-by-design products can gain traction. There’s also growing investment potential in Europe for cybersecurity M&A strategies. Let’s use that to build European tech and security autonomy.”

Read the full interview with Joris den Bruinen, Aldebert Wiersinga, and Reinout van der Meûlen for more insights on investment strategies, venture builders, European opportunities, and the link between national security and startup success.

Click HERE for the full article