In a recent announcement made by RSA Conference™, a leading cybersecurity conference and exposition, a groundbreaking initiative was unveiled to support cybersecurity startups in their quest to combat the increasing threats in the digital landscape. The announcement highlighted that starting in April 2025, the Top 10 Finalists in the RSAC Innovation Sandbox (ISB) contest will receive financing to propel their innovative solutions forward and contribute to the ongoing battle against cyber threats.
The RSAC ISB contest, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, has established itself as the premier platform for emerging cybersecurity startups to showcase their disruptive ideas and technologies. Over the years, the contest has attracted approximately 150 applicants annually, serving as a vital source of innovation and ideation in tackling the ever-evolving challenges in cybersecurity. The live ISB event draws in more than 750 investors, cybersecurity leaders, entrepreneurs, and media representatives, further solidifying its position as a cornerstone in the cybersecurity community.
The significance of the RSAC ISB contest is underscored by the success stories of past participants. Companies that have emerged as Top 10 Finalists have collectively raised over $16.4 billion in investments and have been involved in over 90 merger and acquisition transactions since the contest’s inception. The rigorous selection process conducted by a panel of independent judges ensures that only the most promising startups make it to the final stage, where they present their business overviews to a panel drawn from the cybersecurity community.
The introduction of the new investment program in 2025 marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the RSAC ISB contest. Each of the Top 10 Finalists will now receive a $5 million uncapped Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) investment, courtesy of Crosspoint Capital Partners. This generous financial support aims to fuel further innovation in the cybersecurity space and provide startups with the resources needed to develop cutting-edge solutions.
According to Dr. Hugh Thompson, Executive Chairman and program chair of RSA Conference, the continuous innovation from cybersecurity startups is crucial in enhancing global cyber defense capabilities. The RSAC ISB competition has a track record of identifying cybersecurity winners before they achieve success in the marketplace, making it a pivotal platform for budding entrepreneurs in the industry.
Past participants of the ISB contest have attested to the transformative impact of the platform on their businesses. Companies like Wiz, Imperva, SentinelOne, and others have leveraged their ISB exposure to attract customers, secure investments, and accelerate their growth trajectory. The new investment program, coupled with the establishment of the RSAC Founders Circle, will provide additional support and networking opportunities to past and present ISB finalists, fostering a strong alumni network of cybersecurity innovators.
Looking ahead, RSAC is committed to supporting the cybersecurity community through various initiatives, including the RSAC Innovation Sandbox, RSAC Security Scholar, and community philanthropic activities. A portion of the returns generated from investments in the Top 10 Finalists will be reinvested into supporting the broader cybersecurity ecosystem, underscoring the conference’s commitment to driving positive change within the industry.
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, platforms like the RSAC ISB contest play a crucial role in nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and strengthening cyber defense capabilities. The investment program introduced for the Top 10 Finalists in 2025 represents a significant step towards empowering cybersecurity startups to make meaningful contributions in the ongoing fight against cyber threats.