Meet our Premium Member Dirk Fisseler – Founder and CEO of Agnostic Intelligence

Please tell us about Agnostic Intelligence.

Cyber attacks are increasing day by day. Companies are targeted by hackers due to their critical data. However, we estimate that 2/3s of the cyber-attacks are not directly made against them but on their suppliers to access the critical data. With more than hundreds or thousands of suppliers available, it is almost impossible for these companies to have a comprehensive overview of the status of their security environment. That is why we decided to create Agnostic Intelligence.

Founded in February 2022, Agnostic Intelligence is an AI-powered B2B SaaS platform that automatically analyses different sources and continuously determines the associated company cybersecurity risks for the supply chain. We have created a powerful solution that digitises and automates the whole process. With one click, you can get a holistic overview of all your suppliers’ risks. Our software uses advanced algorithms and machine learning to analyse the supply chain and identify potential cyber risks. It provides real-time monitoring and alerts organisations of any potential security breaches or vulnerabilities in the supply chain.

Tell us more about your plans for 2023. What is your long-term vision?

After one year of operation, we recognize that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors play a critical role in the overall risk profile of an organisation. Therefore, this year, we are looking to expand our services to include ESG risk assessment and management. Our ESG risk assessment software will enable organisations to identify and evaluate potential environmental, social, and governance risks across their supply chain, including risks related to climate change, labour practices, and corporate governance. The software will also provide recommendations and best practices to help organisations mitigate these risks, improve their ESG performance, and enhance their overall sustainability.

Agnostic Intelligence’s long-term vision is to manage the whole supply chain. We plan to expand our offerings to include risk assessments for a variety of other topics, such as financial, legal, and reputational risks. By broadening our services, we can provide a more comprehensive approach to risk management, enabling organisations to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks across their operations. We believe that our continued expansion into new risk areas will position us as a leading provider of risk assessment and management software in the supply chain.

What has been the biggest success that you have achieved in your startup?

Our company has achieved significant success in a short period of time. We are proud to say that we are already market validated with our innovative product being embraced by a growing number of customers coming from diverse industries i.e. financial services, consumer goods, chemical industries, etc. We have already attracted more than 20 major companies to partner with us. Additionally, we are proud to report that we broke even in 2022, demonstrating our financial stability and sustainability. This success is a reflection of the dedication and hard work of our talented team, and we are excited to continue to grow and expand our business in the years to come.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? What are your biggest learnings?

Starting a cybersecurity startup in Switzerland can be challenging, especially considering the unique circumstances surrounding the European market. Firstly, it can be hard to find people with the necessary skills and expertise to develop and implement innovative cybersecurity solutions. In addition to talent scarcity, European customers are not always extremely open to innovative startups, especially when it comes to cybersecurity. Building trust and credibility with potential customers can be a lengthy process.

Switzerland is not traditionally known for its cybersecurity innovation, unlike the United States or Israel. This lack of reputation can make it difficult for startups like us to establish themselves in the market and attract investment. However, we are convinced that with the right strategy and approach, it is possible for a Swiss startup to succeed and thrive in the global cybersecurity industry.

What motivates you to continue your business every day?

Our motivation to continue our business every day is deeply rooted in our mission to make the world a more secure place. Cybersecurity threats are growing increasingly sophisticated and prevalent, and we believe that our solutions can help protect individuals, organisations, and governments from these threats. In addition to our mission, we are also motivated by the desire to show the world that in Switzerland, it’s possible to have a cybersecurity software unicorn. We hope to demonstrate one day that Switzerland can be a hub for cybersecurity startups and attract more investment and talent to the country.

One piece of advice for someone who is just starting out with their startup?

My advice would be to stay motivated and persevere hang on. As an entrepreneur, you will inevitably go through both good and bad times, but it’s important to maintain a positive mindset and focus on your goals. Remember, being an entrepreneur means that you have the power to actively change and influence the world, rather than waiting for change to happen. This is a powerful and inspiring mission, and it’s what drives many successful entrepreneurs to persevere through tough times.

What does it mean to you to be a member of the Swiss Startup Association?

I joined the Swiss Startup Association because I am passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation, and I want to connect with like-minded individuals who share my vision and motivation. Being part of this network provides me with a unique opportunity to meet people from various industries and backgrounds, share ideas and experiences, and gain inspiration for my own entrepreneurial journey.

Is there anything that we haven’t asked you that you would like to share with us/the community?

We are always looking for talented individuals and potential investors who are interested in our mission to make the world a more secure place. If you share our passion for cybersecurity and entrepreneurship, we would love to hear from you.

Find Agnostic Intelligence on LinkedIn

Back