7 Lessons from Dawnguard’s €2.6M Raise in 2025: How to Build a Startup That Redefines Cybersecurity
In the fast-changing cybersecurity landscape of 2025, Dawnguard, a startup based in The Hague, has raised €2.6 million in pre-seed funding to achieve a monumental goal: “rewriting the DNA of cybersecurity.” Backed by leading investors and a team of military and ex-big tech veterans, Dawnguard is introducing a revolutionary approach to embed security into architecture from day one. This milestone serves as a wealth of lessons for entrepreneurs looking to launch startups with big ambitions.
The Dawnguard Story: Redefining Cybersecurity
Dawnguard emerged from stealth mode on July 31, 2025, equipped with a combination of cutting-edge AI/machine learning tools and a radical vision. While many cybersecurity solutions focus on patching vulnerabilities as they appear, Dawnguard aims to “build security by design,” integrating it into the architecture of systems during their earliest development phases.
Key Metrics on Dawnguard’s Funding:
Funding Amount: €2.6 million in pre-seed investments.
Investors: Led by 9900 Capital and supported by angel investors, including experienced CIOs and CISOs.
Core Team: Co-founded by Mahdi Abdulrazak (CEO) and Kim van Lavieren (CTO), Dawnguard’s team includes cybersecurity veterans from IBM, Microsoft, and Amazon, as well as military backgrounds.
Platform Approach: Enhanced security validation integrated into cloud-native and AI-generated code designs.
Their success encapsulates lessons for entrepreneurs across industries, especially those entering the tech and AI space.
7 Key Lessons from Dawnguard’s Success
1. Choose Problems Worth Solving, With Evidence
Dawnguard’s mission to eliminate “checkbox compliance” in security highlights how disruptive solutions emerge from solving deep-rooted industry pain points. Entrepreneurs, especially in cybersecurity or AI, must back their ideas with data and insight.
Actionable Tip: Validate your startup idea in tools like the F/MS SANDBOX. With its support, you can refine your concept while working alongside an AI co-founder, like PlayPal.
2. Create a Core Proposition that Stands Out
Rather than adding yet another tool to already-crowded security kits, Dawnguard embedded automation and continuous compliance to “shift left” in security, appealing to a niche customer base like DevOps engineers.
Lesson for Entrepreneurs: Your product needs to solve problems that competitors ignore by being laser-focused.
3. Build a High-Caliber Team Early
The founding team of Dawnguard brought in veterans from companies like Amazon and Microsoft and the military, not just for reputational capital but for profound, multidisciplinary expertise.
Violetta Bonenkamp’s Advice on Team-Building: Leverage the PlayPal AI Friend to simulate startup scenarios and brainstorm team-building strategies. A diverse team increases your adaptability.
4. Secure “Smart” Money, Not Just Cash
Dawnguard’s backers include experienced CIOs and CISOs who add more value than money, they bring connections, mentorship, and credibility.
Reminder for Startup Founders: Don’t just chase funds; target strategic investors. To ensure you're prepared, use tools like F/MS AI Grant Finder and Application Writer to explore EU grants tailored to your startup.
5. Timing Is Everything
In an era when cybercrime is evolving to target gaps like cloud-native systems or AI-generated code flaws, Dawnguard entered the market when demand was high, and supply was insufficient.
Stat Insight: The global cybersecurity market is expected to reach €196 billion by 2028. Early movers gain more traction.
What This Means for You: Use trend analysis in tools like Business Model Canvas platforms to understand market timing better.
6. Leverage AI for Better Startups
Dawnguard ingeniously used AI to embed security validation into every stage of software lifecycle development, pushing the limits of automation and scalability.
How Entrepreneurs Can Emulate This: Whether building tools or structuring your own startup journey, the application of AI, such as PlayPal or other AI productivity tools, can optimize your actions.
7. Iterate & Learn Quickly Without Breaking the Bank
According to startup expert Violetta Bonenkamp, “Move fast. Break less.” Dawnguard comes with built-in mechanisms to adapt to new attacks. Similarly, founders should continuously improve products based on feedback.
TIP: Start with platforms that simulate the startup journey. Through the F/MS ecosystem, you can build step-by-step, validate iteratively, and, if needed, pivot without starting from scratch.
Avoiding Mistakes in Your Startup Journey (Common Pitfalls)
Starting a new venture is exciting yet daunting; here are common mistakes to avoid:
Skipping Validation: Ensure your problem resonates with real-world customers.
Underestimating Diversity in Teams: Multidisciplinary expertise is non-negotiable.
Ignorance of Legal Agreements: Many startups fail due to overlooked legal barriers. Solutions like the AI Startup Lawyer can keep you safe from bad contracts.
Focusing Only on Funding: Without product-market fit, investments can hurt rather than help.
PlayPal, Your AI Co-founder: Need advice on partnerships, product features, or scaling strategies? Check out the innovative PlayPal AI Friend.
F/MS AI Grant Finder Tool: Find EU funding opportunities fast and use the AI application writer to draft compelling grant proposals tailored to your goals. Learn more about the grant finder tool.
Startup Incubator Resource Hub: From idea validation to product rollout, F/MS supports founders through every phase with educational materials, challenges, and expert mentorship.
Step-by-Step Guide to Launch Your Startup in 2025
Start Small with the Problem: Use the F/MS SANDBOX to validate whether your identified startup problem is feasible.
Leverage Free Resources for Market Testing: Use AI tools to draft your business model and customer profiles.
Engage Advisors: Build an initial team by connecting with people who complement your skillset, a strategy that worked excellently for Dawnguard.
Make Funding Part of Your Strategy, Not the Goal: Do not raise money solely because you can; focus on milestones.
Use Innovative Resources Like PlayPal: Create drafts of roadmaps that adapt over time, clearing bottlenecks.
Conclusion
Dawnguard’s €2.6M pre-seed raise is more than just lofty headlines; it’s a masterclass in starting with the right problem, building the right team, and using funding to amplify, not define, your success.
Whether you’re an aspiring founder or an experienced entrepreneur, platforms like Fe/male Switch offer game-changing support, from chatting with PlayPal to discovering funding grants with AI. In today’s startup landscape, equipping yourself with the right tools, mentors, and networks is no longer optional, it’s essential.
FAQ
1. What is Dawnguard’s mission in cybersecurity?
Dawnguard aims to redefine cybersecurity by embedding security “by design” directly into system architectures, addressing vulnerabilities at the root level rather than as an afterthought. Learn more about Dawnguard’s platform
2. Who backed Dawnguard’s €2.6M funding round?
Dawnguard’s funding was led by 9900 Capital, with contributions from angel investors, including influential CIOs and CISOs. Explore 9900 Capital
3. What makes Dawnguard’s platform unique?
Unlike traditional security solutions, Dawnguard integrates security validation during early software lifecycle design, ensuring robust, scalable, and compliant architectures. Learn more about Dawnguard’s approach
4. Who are the founders of Dawnguard?
Dawnguard was co-founded by Mahdi Abdulrazak (CEO) and Kim van Lavieren (CTO), along with a team of cybersecurity veterans from IBM, Amazon, Microsoft, and military backgrounds. Check out Kim van Lavieren’s LinkedIn profile
5. What is Dawnguard’s core technology focus?
Dawnguard uses AI/ML tools to embed security validation into system architectures, with continuous compliance and elimination of configuration drift. Learn about Dawnguard’s technology
6. What problem does Dawnguard aim to solve?
Dawnguard addresses the issue of “checkbox cybersecurity,” where compliance is prioritized over foundational security architecture, leaving vulnerabilities unchallenged during design. Discover the cybersecurity challenges Dawnguard tackles
7. What industries are Dawnguard targeting?
Dawnguard’s platform is designed for DevOps engineers, security architects, and cloud teams working on cloud-native systems and AI-generated code. Learn more about Dawnguard’s user focus
8. How is Dawnguard leveraging AI in cybersecurity?
Dawnguard uses AI and machine learning to continuously validate and adapt security postures, making systems resilient and secure even in rapidly changing environments. Learn about Dawnguard’s AI-driven security
9. How does Dawnguard eliminate configuration drift?
Dawnguard’s platform enforces continuous security compliance, ensuring that cloud infrastructures remain aligned with validated designs post-deployment. Explore Dawnguard’s infrastructure capabilities
10. What trends align with Dawnguard’s approach?
Dawnguard’s focus on embedding security early aligns with the “shift-left” movement in cybersecurity, which prioritizes secure development from design phases onward. Learn more about the shift-left trend
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch. The Fe/male Switch team is located in several countries, including the Netherlands and Malta.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
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3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
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5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
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Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.