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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the technical roadmap and build a secure, scalable cybersecurity platform.
- Company: Stealth cybersecurity startup focused on real-world security risks.
- Benefits: Equity-only compensation with full decision-making authority.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of cybersecurity and lead a passionate team.
- Why this job: Make a true impact by building something that matters in cybersecurity.
- Qualifications: 8–12+ years in software engineering with strong security focus.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
About the role
We are a stealth cybersecurity startup building a high-impact platform focused on reducing real-world security risk for modern cloud-first organizations. We are looking for a Founding CTO / Head of Engineering to own the end-to-end technical roadmap and lead the product from first principles through MVP and early pilots. This is a hands-on, builder role for someone who wants to lead, ship, and own — with meaningful equity and full technical decision-making authority.
What you will do:
- Define the 12–18 month technical roadmap from MVP to pilot-ready product
- Architect a secure, scalable cloud-native platform (multi-tenant SaaS)
- Build core security capabilities (detection/prevention, policy, identity, response automation—depending on final scope)
- Embed security and compliance practices early (SOC 2-ready controls, secure SDLC, threat modeling)
- Recruit and lead early engineers/contractors as needed
- Partner with the founder on product strategy, positioning, and customer discovery
What we are looking for:
- 8–12+ years of software engineering experience, including security-focused systems
- Proven zero-to-one leadership (startup, internal product, or skunkworks)
- Strong cloud experience (AWS/Azure/GCP), plus modern backend practices
- Security depth in at least two areas: IAM, cloud security, appsec, infra security, detection/response, data security, network security
- High bar for engineering quality: reliability, performance, documentation, and clean architecture
- Clear communicator who can translate between product, security, and engineering
Nice to have:
- Prior security product experience (B2B SaaS) or experience selling into security buyers
- Experience with Kubernetes, service mesh, SIEM/SOAR, Zero Trust, or policy engines
- Contributions to patents, open-source, standards, or published security research
- Experience with SOC 2 / ISO 27001 preparation
Why this role:
- True founding impact: own architecture, team building, and product direction
- Build something that matters: security outcomes, not 'checkbox' features
- Equity-only until funding; designed for founders who want real ownership
Founding CTO / UK Cybersecurity Startup (Equity Only, Pre-Funding) in London employer: NeedTech Labs
Contact Detail:
NeedTech Labs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding CTO / UK Cybersecurity Startup (Equity Only, Pre-Funding) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the cybersecurity space and let them know you're on the hunt for a Founding CTO role. Attend industry meetups or webinars to meet potential collaborators and investors who might be interested in your skills.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects, especially those related to security and cloud-native platforms. This will give you an edge when discussing your vision for the technical roadmap with potential partners.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to startups that excite you. Express your interest in their mission and how your experience aligns with their needs. You never know what opportunities might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re all about connecting with passionate individuals who want to make a difference in cybersecurity. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and shows your commitment to joining our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Founding CTO / UK Cybersecurity Startup (Equity Only, Pre-Funding) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for cybersecurity shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about building secure systems and reducing risks for organisations.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: Make sure to emphasise your zero-to-one leadership experience. We’re looking for someone who can own the technical roadmap and lead a team, so share specific examples of how you've successfully built and guided teams in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Use straightforward language to explain your technical skills and experiences. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your application is easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at NeedTech Labs
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with security-focused systems and how you've architected secure, scalable solutions in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Founding CTO, you'll need to demonstrate your zero-to-one leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've built teams from scratch, led projects, and made critical technical decisions that shaped the direction of a product or company.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You’ll need to bridge the gap between product, security, and engineering. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as this will show your ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Be ready to discuss your vision for the technical roadmap and how you would approach building core security capabilities. Think about how you would embed security practices early on and be prepared to share your thoughts on customer discovery and product strategy.