this founder got to $7M ARR in under 2 years: here’s why Vanta is compliance theatre not real cybersecurity

this founder got to $7M ARR in under 2 years: here’s why Vanta is compliance theatre not real cybersecurity

Author: Cody Schneider September 30, 2024 Duration: 41:34

https://www.graphed.com/ - AI data analyst to build dashboard and get insights

In this episode, Bryan Onel, co-founder of Oneleet, discusses his journey from hacker to cybersecurity entrepreneur. Bryan shares insights on bootstrapping strategies within a venture-backed model, the importance of community-driven growth, and how to differentiate from competitors by being authentic and customer-focused. Bryan also discusses tactical approaches to leveraging testimonials, participating in relevant conversations, and calling out industry inadequacies to drive growth and establish Oneleet as a leading alternative to incumbent platforms like Vanta -- a strategy that helped grow Oneleet from zero to $7 million ARR in 20 months. 

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Timestamps:

(00:10) Being a successful founder requires total commitment and an all-consuming passion for the business.

(02:10) Bryan transitioned from being a hacker to building cybersecurity tools after realizing the need for companies to defend themselves against breaches.

(04:01) Working with close partners, like friends or family, can simplify the challenges of maintaining work-life boundaries in a startup.

(19:21) Many compliance-focused companies prioritize checklists over real security, leading to a false sense of safety for their clients.

(37:12) Building trust by genuinely helping potential clients, even if it means advising them not to purchase, can lead to strong word-of-mouth referrals.


Host Links:

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https://twitter.com/codyschneiderxx

https://www.linkedin.com/in/codyxschneider/

https://codyschneider.com/

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Guest Links:

https://nl.linkedin.com/in/bryan-onel


https://x.com/BryanOnel86


https://www.oneleet.com/

LandingCat: SEO for ecommerce - https://www.landingcat.com/


There’s a certain kind of clarity that comes from being in the thick of it, where theory meets the messy reality of building something. In the Pit with Cody Schneider is built on that premise. Host Cody Schneider creates a space that feels less like a formal interview and more like pulling up a chair next to someone who’s figuring it out as they go. You’ll hear his own unfiltered brain dumps alongside conversations with founders and marketing leaders who are currently on the front lines. The focus is relentlessly practical: how do you actually land those crucial first customers, then scale that growth without breaking everything? What does it take to move from scrappy tactics to building a marketing team that can sustain momentum? This podcast digs into the specific strategies and operational choices that make a difference when the pressure is on. It’s for anyone who prefers gritty, firsthand accounts over polished success stories. Tune in for a regular dose of actionable insight from inside the trenches of startups and growth marketing.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 65

In the Pit with Cody Schneider | Marketing | Growth | Startups
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