The Cybersecurity Summit that Celebrates the DMV Region
Hard problems. Innovative solutions. Industry leaders. Right here in the DMV.
Let's continue to rise, together. Join us on September 18th at the DMV's most innovative security summit.
DMV Rising 2025
September 18, 2025
The HUB | 1801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Floor 5
Experience the Energy of DMV Rising
This glimpse of DMV Rising showcases the region's premier cybersecurity event where industry leaders and innovators converge. Experience breakthrough discussions, valuable connections, and cutting-edge solutions that define our thriving cyber community. Join us September 18, 2025, at The HUB in Washington DC, where the future of cybersecurity takes center stage.
DMV is the place to be for cyber innovation
With a robust talent pool fed by top-tier universities, a strong government presence driving demand for cutting-edge solutions, and a thriving ecosystem of investors and entrepreneurs, the DMV region has established itself as a top-tier player in the global cyber industry.
DMV Rising celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of the our region's cybersecurity community, connecting the brilliant minds shaping the future of the field, and showing firsthand why the DMV is the beating heart of cyber innovation.
See Past Speakers
Agenda
12:00 PM - 01:30 PM ET
Lunch & Executive Roundtables
Invite Only
01:30 PM - 02:00 PM ET
Registration Check-in / Coffee & Networking
All Registered Attendees
02:00 PM - 05:25 PM ET
DMV Rising Main Sessions
All Registered Attendees
02:00 PM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
02:10 PM
Panel 1: Early Cyber Innovators
Securing the Future: AI, Open Source, and the Evolution of Managing Vulns
Entrepreneurs and cutting-edge innovators reveal how emerging technologies are transforming cybersecurity fundamentals. Get the inside track on what's next in DevSecOps, vuln management, and risk observability from the pioneers building it.
Moderator:
Jennifer Bisceglie
CEO & Founder, Interos
Speakers:
Michael Edenzon, Founder & CEO, Fianu
Daniel Bardenstein, Founder & CTO, Manifest Cyber
Jason Kaplan, CEO, SixMap
02:45 PM
Panel 2: Category Creators
Finding Product Market Fit: The Art of Building Category-Defining Cybersecurity Companies
Meet the founders who didn't just enter markets—they created them. These visionaries have successfully scaled their revolutionary ideas into mature, category-defining enterprises that now set industry standards. Learn how they identified gaps others missed, transformed technical expertise into foundational products that continue to shape the future of cybersecurity.
Moderator:
Mishi Choudhary
General Counsel, Virtru
Speakers:
Mike Brown, Founder & CTO, Strider Intelligence
Will Ackerly, Founder & Chief Architect, Virtru
Dave Merkel, Founder and CEO, Expel
03:30 PM
Networking Break
03:45 PM
Panel 3: Vision for Global Leadership
Examining Israeli Cyber Culture to Strengthen DMV Industry Leadership
What makes Israel's cyber ecosystem thrive, and how can we replicate that success here? This dynamic panel brings together experts straddling both worlds to explore concrete strategies for unlocking the DMV's untapped potential. Discover actionable insights on technology transfer from government to commercial ventures, university innovation pipelines, investment networks, and cultural shifts needed to position our region as the next global cybersecurity powerhouse.
Moderator:
John Funge
Venture Partner, Data Tribe
Speakers:
Yossi Appleboum, CEO, Sepio
Seth Spergel , Managing Partner, Merlin Ventures
Stephanie Cherrin, Partner, JP Morgan Technology Ventures
04:30 PM
Panel 4: Defense Tech Disruption
The Last Supper is Over: How a New Wave of Defense Tech Players are Disrupting Traditional Prime Contractors
The defense technology landscape is undergoing a radical transformation. Gone are the days when a handful of prime contractors owned the entire market. This high-energy panel spotlights the new wave of agile defense tech innovators who are securing significant contracts, attracting unprecedented investment, and bringing Silicon Valley speed to national security challenges. Learn how these disruptors are rewriting the rules of engagement in a sector long resistant to change—and what it means for the future of defense technology.
05:15 PM
Closing Remarks
05:30 PM - 08:30 PM ET
Rooftop Reception & Cocktails
05:30 PM
Entertainment: Two Car Living Room
A classic rock, blues and pop band, native to the DMV!
Attendee Takeaways
Unlike large-scale tech conferences, DMV Rising fosters community for D.C.-area cybersecurity executives in an intimate setting that facilitates meaningful conversation. By participating in DMV Rising, attendees:
Learn about the latest cybersecurity innovations from leading experts
Gain actionable strategies to secure their organizations against emerging threats
Network with 150+ security leaders from the federal government and private sectors driving change in the DMV region
Contribute to conversations with the aim of shaping more resilient security practices across sectors
"DMV Rising was terrific. The wealth of knowledge and experience sitting around the table was humbling. I enjoyed our lively discussion and appreciated everyone’s insights. Looking forward to future events where our paths may cross again"
Arion Lawrence, VP of Technology and CTO
CodeHunter
“You pulled off a fantastic inaugural event, and I’m already looking forward to next year.”
Jeremy Schroop
King & Spalding
“DMV Rising was a great event! I can only see it growing in the future. Please keep me and Flashpoint in mind for future events.”
Gray Loftin
Flashpoint
“DMV Rising seemed like a big success. Don’t hesitate to reach out if I can ever support in the future.”
Coleman Mehta
Palo Alto Networks
“DMV Rising was a very well executed event. I really enjoyed it, especially the amazing rooftop! I look forward to participating again next year.”
John Funge, Managing Partner
Data Tribe
“I was very happy to be a part of the inaugural DMV Rising.”
Keith Stone
Brown Advisory
“I had many great conversations with Cyber and IT leaders at DMV Rising.”
Jerry Tuan, CIO
CARE USA
"DMV Rising was terrific. The wealth of knowledge and experience sitting around the table was humbling. I enjoyed our lively discussion and appreciated everyone’s insights. Looking forward to future events where our paths may cross again"
Arion Lawrence
VP of Technology and CTO
CodeHunter
“You pulled off a fantastic inaugural event, and I’m already looking forward to next year.”
Jeremy Schroop
King & Spalding
“DMV Rising was a great event! I can only see it growing in the future. Please keep me and Flashpoint in mind for future events.”
Gray Loftin
Flashpoint
“DMV Rising seemed like a big success. Don’t hesitate to reach out if I can ever support in the future.”
Coleman Mehta
Palo Alto Networks
“DMV Rising was a very well executed event. I really enjoyed it, especially the amazing rooftop! I look forward to participating again next year.”
John Funge
Managing Partner
Data Tribe
“I was very happy to be a part of the inaugural DMV Rising.”
Keith Stone
Brown Advisory
“I had many great conversations with Cyber and IT leaders at DMV Rising.”
Jerry Tuan
CIO
CARE USA
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors
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Thank you to our 2025 Community Partners
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