Cleo Capital Accelerator just made a bold move—and it’s something early-stage cybersecurity founders should pay attention to. With the launch of its very own Cybersecurity Accelerator, Cleo Capital is officially stepping into a sector that’s heating up fast: digital security. In a world where cyber threats are skyrocketing, this initiative isn’t just timely—it’s strategic. Let’s break down what this means for startup founders, especially those building in security, infrastructure, and digital defense.
What Is Cleo Capital Accelerator?
Cleo Capital Accelerator is an early-stage VC firm founded by Sarah Kunst in 2018. While it’s traditionally a generalist fund—backing sectors like AI, fintech, and consumer brands—it’s always had one clear edge: backing underrepresented founders, especially women of color.
- Typical investment: $100K–$1M
- Focus: Software startups, Delaware C-corps
- Thesis: The future of income, complex consumer needs, and decentralized enterprise
🧠 So why is Cleo making a play in cybersecurity? Simple. The opportunity is huge—and underserved.
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Why Cybersecurity, Why Now?
Cyber threats are no longer a niche concern—they’re a global issue. In the U.S. alone, cybercrime caused $12.5 billion in losses in 2023.
For founders building in security, the problem is clear. The challenge? Getting the right early support.
That’s where accelerators come in. And Cleo Capital is now offering one that’s remote, founder-friendly, and laser-focused on big security challenges.
Inside the Cleo Capital Cybersecurity Accelerator
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment | $250K |
| Equity Taken | 7% |
| Program Duration | 12 weeks |
| Location | Fully remote |
| Application Type | Rolling admissions |
| Focus Areas | Consumer protection, defense, infra tools |
| Stage | Pre-seed and seed |
This is not just a mentorship program. It’s capital + community + tactical advice from people who get it.
🌍 Who Can Apply?
Any cybersecurity startup, anywhere in the world. The first cohort kicked off in February 2025, but new applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
What Startups Should Know Before Applying
Cleo Capital Accelerator isn’t just about handing out checks—it’s about backing the right founders with the right ideas at the right time. To stand out, here’s what you really need to bring to the table:
✅ 1. Mission-Driven Founders
Cleo Capital Accelerator is looking for founders who are deeply motivated—not just by the size of the market, but by the real-world problems they’re solving. You don’t need a decade of experience in cybersecurity or a degree from Stanford. What matters more is that you’re obsessed with solving something meaningful—like protecting consumers from scams, fighting cyber fraud, or defending critical infrastructure.
If your “why” is personal, urgent, and clear, that’s a big plus. They want to see founders who wake up thinking about this problem—and who won’t quit until they’ve made a dent.
💬 Ask yourself: Why you? Why this problem? Why now?
✅ 2. Big Ideas in 3 Critical Areas
Cleo’s not interested in incremental features or minor upgrades. They’re looking for founders going after high-impact problems in one of these three categories:
- 🧍 Consumer Protection
Build tools that help everyday people protect their digital lives. That could mean smarter identity verification, fraud detection platforms, scam prevention tools, or even browser-level protections that guard against phishing and malware. - 🛡️ Defense
Think bigger—way bigger. This includes safeguarding governments, enterprises, and high-risk targets from organized cyber threats, nation-state actors, and large-scale vulnerabilities. Whether you’re building proactive threat intelligence or secure communications, defense is mission-critical. - 🔧 Infrastructure Tools
These are the behind-the-scenes systems that keep the internet running. Can you make digital infrastructure more secure, reliable, or scalable—without sacrificing privacy or performance? This could include zero-trust architecture, secure-by-design protocols, or privacy-preserving data infrastructure.
If your startup lives at the intersection of security, usability, and scale, you’re right in the zone.
✅ 3. Clear Privacy Considerations
It’s not enough to just secure things—you also need to respect them.
Sarah Kunst, Cleo’s founder, has emphasized that cybersecurity shouldn’t come at the expense of user privacy. If your startup collects data, you should be crystal clear about how it’s handled, stored, and protected. Even better—if your product minimizes data collection or uses privacy-first tech like differential privacy or zero-knowledge proofs, that’s a compelling edge.
🎯 Pro tip: Be ready to explain your privacy stance just as clearly as your security features.
✅ 4. Coachability + Traction
Cleo Capital Accelerator isn’t looking for “perfect” startups—they’re looking for founders who can grow fast.
That means:
- You’re open to feedback (and act on it).
- You’ve tested your assumptions with real users.
- You’ve run small experiments, built prototypes, or launched MVPs.
- You’ve got early traction—even if it’s just a few customers, pilot programs, letters of intent, or strong engagement metrics.
And if you haven’t? No problem—if you’re coachable, quick to iterate, and clearly learning fast, that’s equally impressive. This program is mentorship-heavy, and Cleo wants founders who can absorb insights, adapt under pressure, and build smarter as they go.early feedback, pilots, or validation will help you stand out. So will openness to learning fast.
What Makes Cleo Capital Accelerator’s Program Different?
- Focus on Underrepresented Founders
Most cybersecurity VCs are chasing the same types of teams. Cleo intentionally looks outside that mold. - Remote-First
No need to relocate or commute to a coast. Cleo’s program is accessible wherever you are. - Consumer-Friendly Lens
While many security accelerators focus solely on enterprise tools, Cleo’s wide-angle approach includes solutions for everyday users.
Who’s Behind It All?
Sarah Kunst, Cleo Capital Accelerator’s Founder and Managing Partner, is leading this push into cybersecurity.
- Inspired by rising fraud in fintech and crypto
- Advisor to companies like Bumble
- Deep belief: cybersecurity shouldn’t just be for billion-dollar enterprises
💡 If you’re building something that protects people—and you’re a sharp, underdog founder—this accelerator was built with you in mind.
Beyond the Accelerator: Can You Still Raise from Cleo?
Yes. Cleo Capital Accelerator may still make direct investments in cybersecurity startups outside the accelerator. Especially if:
- You’re at the early or seed stage
- You’re tackling a complex security problem
- You’re building something scalable and privacy-conscious
🧭 Don’t assume you need to fit into a cohort to work with Cleo.
How to Stand Out in Your Application
If you’re planning to apply (and you should if you’re building in this space), keep these in mind:
- Nail your founder-market fit – Why you for this problem?
- Show early traction – Pilot customers, waitlists, or even technical validation
- Simplify the complex – Cybersecurity is tough. Can you explain your product like you’d explain it to a journalist?
- Lean into your uniqueness – Especially if you’re from a background that’s underrepresented in tech or security
- Highlight your privacy stance – Privacy ≠ afterthought. Make it clear how you respect user data
🧠And yes, submit early. It’s rolling admissions, but don’t wait until your perfect pitch deck is ready.
Other Cybersecurity Accelerators to Consider
Cleo Capital Accelator is not the only game in town—here are a few other standout programs:
| Accelerator | Investment Terms | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| MACH37 (US/Europe) | Varies | General cybersecurity |
| AWS + CrowdStrike Cyber Accelerator | $25K AWS credits + potential funding | Cloud, AI in cybersecurity, identity |
| gener8tor Cybersecurity | $100K | General cybersecurity |
| Startup Wise Guys – Cyber & Defense | Varies | B2B cybersecurity, defense (Europe) |
| NREL CECA (US) | Stipend | Renewable energy cybersecurity |
Final Thoughts: Is Cleo Capital Accelerator Right for You?
If you’re an early-stage founder building in cybersecurity, especially outside the traditional enterprise mold—Cleo Capital’s accelerator is a rare opportunity.
✅ $250K in non-dilutive funding
✅ Remote format
✅ Founder-first approach
✅ Focus on consumer and infrastructure security
✅ Backing from a VC firm with a mission to change who gets funded
🧩Bottom line? Cleo Capital Accelator is looking for bold founders with big ideas who want to build secure, scalable, and inclusive tech. If that’s you—don’t just build in stealth. Apply.
Ready to apply?
📍 Visit Cleo Capital Accelerator website
Want to get noticed?
📣 Reach out on LinkedIn, show traction, and make sure your deck is dialed.
