Launch Pad: The Platform for Emerging Innovators
Cybersecurity and AI are evolving at an incredible pace, creating new challenges that demand creative solutions. RSAC™ Launch Pad gives early-stage founders a platform to pressure-test promising ideas and get candid feedback from leading venture capitalists who know what it takes to turn an idea into a product worth investing in.
Launch Pad judges review submissions and select five Finalists to pitch their emerging products Shark Tank®-style live at RSA Conference™. For the audience, it’s a rare inside look at what investors value, the questions they ask, and the emerging technologies that could help solve tomorrow’s cybersecurity challenges.
5 finalists
4 expert judges
shark Tank-style format
Innovation Happens Everywhere
RSAC Launch Pad has attracted submissions from more than 14 countries across Latin America, Europe, MENA, and Asia. For first-time founders and startups coming through international accelerators, Launch Pad offers a chance to bring an emerging idea to a global cybersecurity audience and get it in front of investors and industry decision makers who can help shape what comes next.
Every submission is reviewed by four experienced venture capitalists representing leading firms including Ballistic Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, Squadra Ventures, and Rain Capital. For an early-stage entrepreneur, that exposure can be an important first step toward turning a promising idea into a recognized—and potentially fundable—company.
Think Your Idea Belongs on the Launch Pad Stage?
Submissions open December 1. Finalists present their pitch at RSA Conference in April 2027.
- Company has been incorporated for two years or less. Companies are not required to be fully formed. Teams simply need a great idea with the potential to become something more significant.
- Company is privately held with $0 profit and no more than $5,000,000 in investment (“Privately held” means the shares of the company are controlled by a small number of shareholders and are not publicly traded.)
- Company must not be an affiliate of an entity whose shares are publicly traded. “Affiliate” shall mean a legal entity that is controlled by, controls, or is under common control with the company. “Control” means more than 20% of the voting power or ownership interests).
- Product or idea has the potential to make a significant impact on the information security space.
- Product is not available for commercial sale to the public on or before RSAC™ 2027 (April 5 - 8, 2027).
Explore the 2026 Finalists' Pitches
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RSA Conference is filled with brand new, leading-edge innovation. No matter what you’ve seen in the past, you can’t afford to miss a second of what’s to come.