The New York tech ecosystem is booming, and cybersecurity leadership is more crucial than ever. This list highlights CISOs and security leaders connected to high-growth startups, cybersecurity tech companies, and influential security roles in NYC. These professionals are shaping the way emerging companies approach security, balancing innovation, growth, and trust.
Lenny Zeltser — Chief Information Security Officer, Axonius
Lenny Zeltser blends deep technical expertise with a strong business mindset. As CISO at Axonius, he leads the security and IT program, focusing on earning customers’ trust while enabling company growth. His work spans product security, corporate IT, and cybersecurity operations, helping Axonius progress from a fledgling startup to a recognized leader on Forbes Cloud 100 and Deloitte Technology Fast 500. Beyond Axonius, Lenny is a Faculty Fellow at the SANS Institute and the creator of REMnux, the go-to Linux toolkit for malware analysis. His career draws on over 25 years of experience, a Computer Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from MIT Sloan.
Alex Stamos — Chief Security Officer, Corridor
Alex Stamos brings global CISO experience to the startup world. Currently CSO at Corridor, he is focused on making AI coding safe and trustworthy. Stamos previously served as CISO of Facebook, Yahoo, and SentinelOne, where he built counter-terrorism capabilities, strengthened data protections, and responded to some of the world’s most advanced cyber attacks. Beyond corporate roles, he co-founded the Stanford Internet Observatory, created the first collegiate trust and safety computer science course, and established the Journal of Online Trust and Safety. His unique blend of startup, academic, and global security experience positions him as a thought leader in AI and cybersecurity.
Ankur Ahuja — CEO and Founding Executive, Suraksha Catalyst
Ankur Ahuja operates at the intersection of cybersecurity, growth, and global collaboration. With more than 18 years of experience spanning Big 4 firms and industry, he’s known for building high-impact teams and turning security into a business enabler. Formerly a CISO at Billtrust, a private equity-owned SaaS fintech company, Ankur oversaw security for an enterprise that processes over $100 billion in transactions across 2,700 customers. His leadership emphasizes strategic security initiatives that support growth, innovation, and market expansion.
Gavin G — CISO, Lead Bank
Gavin G brings a multifaceted background in government, financial services, and technology to his role as CISO at Lead Bank. Skilled in DevSecOps, project management, and technical compliance, he ensures robust security practices while enabling organizational agility. Prior to Lead Bank, Gavin contributed to Team8 as a “Villager,” supporting the security startup ecosystem in the New York City metropolitan area.
Cedric Curry — Chief Information Security Officer / Digital Inclusion Officer, NYC Citywide Administrative Services
Cedric Curry leverages more than 20 years of experience across financial systems, IT development, and executive leadership. As CISO and Digital Inclusion Officer at NYC Citywide Administrative Services, he leads cybersecurity governance, compliance, and risk programs while advancing digital equity citywide. Cedric’s work spans incident response, policy enforcement, PCI compliance, and public engagement, reflecting a holistic approach that bridges cybersecurity resilience with accessibility and trust.
Securing New York’s Startup Future
These leaders exemplify the dynamic role of cybersecurity in high-growth environments. From protecting AI innovations to scaling fintech security programs and advancing digital equity, they demonstrate that robust security and rapid growth are not mutually exclusive. As NYC’s tech ecosystem continues to evolve, these CISOs are at the forefront, ensuring startups can innovate confidently while safeguarding their most critical assets.