Revolutionizing Remote Work Security: The Pomerium Journey to Modern Access Control
Company profile
Company business details
Motivation to build the product
The founders were motivated by the need to improve security in remote work environments, recognizing that traditional access control methods were inadequate for modern, distributed teams. They aimed to create a solution that not only secured access but also adapted to the evolving needs of users and organizations.Problem that their product solves
Pomerium solves the problem of secure access control for remote workers by providing a solution that goes beyond traditional VPNs. The end users are companies with remote employees who need secure access to internal resources without compromising on flexibility and usability. Solving this problem is crucial for maintaining productivity and security in a remote work setting.Their unfair advantage
Pomerium's unfair advantage lies in its open source nature, which fosters community contributions and transparency, as well as its innovative approach to access control that integrates identity and context rather than relying solely on network location.Strategies
Pre-Launch (Product Development & MVP)
Open Source Development
Pomarium was developed as an open-source internal access control and security platform. This approach attracted engineers who were passionate about contributing to open-source projects, creating a community around the product. By being transparent about their development process and allowing external contributions, Pomarium built trust with potential users and candidates, making it easier to recruit talent who valued open collaboration.
Open Source Approach
Bobby DeSimone, founder and CEO of Pomerium, adopted an open source approach for his product from the very beginning. This decision was rooted in his belief that transparency builds trust with users. By making Pomerium open source, he allowed potential customers to see the code, understand its functionality, and assess its security. This strategy not only attracted early adopters but also positioned Pomerium as a credible solution in the market, as users could verify the quality and reliability of the software themselves.
Launch Stage
Podcast Marketing
Boris Epstein and Alexis Merer launched 'The First 10 Podcast' to share insights on building early engineering teams. They invited experienced founders like Bobby DeSimone to discuss their journeys, challenges, and strategies in the startup world. This podcast serves as a platform to connect with early founders and engineers, providing valuable content that resonates with their target audience. The podcast not only builds brand awareness for First 10 but also establishes them as thought leaders in the startup ecosystem.
Targeting Enterprise Customers
During the launch stage, Bobby focused on targeting enterprise customers by showcasing Pomerium's ability to enhance security and streamline access control. He shared success stories of early adopters, including a Fortune 50 company that integrated Pomerium into their operations. This strategy not only validated Pomerium's effectiveness but also attracted attention from other large organizations looking for robust security solutions. Bobby's approach highlighted the importance of real-world applications and case studies in convincing potential customers of the product's value.
Utilizing Personal Networks for Fundraising
When raising his Series A, Bobby leveraged his personal network and connections within the tech community to secure meetings with potential investors. He emphasized the importance of building relationships and trust with investors, which he achieved through genuine conversations about Pomerium's vision and progress. This strategy not only helped him raise capital but also ensured that he partnered with investors who shared his passion for the product and its mission.
Learn more about Pomerium
#2 Bobby DeSimone, Pomerium.io Founder: Building an Open and High Performing Startup Culture
