Understanding the nuances of the CISO role and its career trajectory is a core principle for us. We've observed a significant and growing trend of operating CISOs considering portfolio roles at venture capital and private equity firms as their next career move.

Based on our extensive conversations with dozens of CISOs in these roles and those exploring this path, we felt it was our duty to provide a candid and realistic perspective. With new data available, we want to share these insights with the community to help everyone make more informed decisions about their professional future.

For many seasoned CISOs, the idea of a Portfolio CISO role at a private equity (PE) or venture capital (VC) firm sounds like the perfect next step. It promises a strategic, high-level view across many companies and an escape from the day-to-day operational grind.

However, many CISOs who jump into this model are surprised by the reality. This role is not the leisurely "exit ramp" it's often perceived to be. In fact, it can be one of the most demanding jobs in our industry, and it's essential to understand the vast differences between the VC and PE models before you make the leap.

VC vs. PE: A Tale of Two Roles

At a high level, the biggest distinction is that PE firms have a much more mature and defined playbook for this role, while we would categorize VC firms as still in the early stages of figuring it out.

• The VC Model: In the VC world, the "Portfolio CISO" role can often be unstructured and if not monitored can quickly become an undefined function. Many in this position also dual operate as a "field CISO"—a resource for PortCo sales and marketing teams or a source of technical advice. Unfortunately, this may at times amount to a glorified lead generation role, which is not the strategic value creation that most CISOs are seeking.

• The PE Model: In contrast, PE firms, with their massive assets under management and diverse portfolios, have a more established and demanding model. The role is less about giving tactical advice and more about driving tangible value across a wide range of companies.  Moving at the speed of the business, your deal teams, and investors is also a major factor of success for the PE roles.  Here, the CISO is a strategic business partner, understands calculated risk and is not just a technical expert.

The Unwritten Job Description: What the Role Really Demands

Whether you're working with a PE or VC firm, success in this role requires a skillset that goes far beyond a traditional CISO's expertise.

• Master of Both Strategy and Execution: You must be able to "zoom out" to see the big picture across an entire portfolio and "zoom in" to provide tactical guidance for a single company. You are expected to be the world’s best project manager and a persuasive communicator, all at once.

• Fluency in the Language of Business: It's no longer enough to speak in terms of threats and vulnerabilities. You must be able to speak the language of finance, which includes understanding deal valuation, product roadmaps, M&A integration, and carve-outs. Many PE CISOs are expected to support non-cyber deals, making it critical to sound intelligent when discussing a manufacturing company or a real estate portfolio.

• Radical Autonomy: This role is for a true independent operator. There is no one to tell you what to do. You are expected to figure out where to add value and then "haul ass" to get it done. The moment you stop delivering value, you risk losing the role.