Running a business is never easy, but building a resilient one? That’s a whole different challenge, and it’s one that today’s guest, Miguel Ribeiro, understands deeply. If you’re involved with tech startups in Toronto, this insight is invaluable, especially when considering cybersecurity for tech startups.
In my latest episode of Tenacity with Sonia C, I sat down with Miguel, founder of VBS IT Services, to talk about the reality behind entrepreneurship, cybersecurity for startups, and the pivotal life experiences that shaped how he runs his business today. As someone dedicated to helping tech startups located in Toronto grow and succeed, cybersecurity for tech startups was among the conversation’s many important lessons I believe every founder needs to hear.
Here’s a breakdown of the major takeaways.
Building a Resilient Business Before You Even Need It
One of the most critical parts of Miguel’s story was how his business survived a personal health crisis because he unknowingly built it with resilience in mind, factoring in the need for cybersecurity for tech startups.
Before suffering a major concussion in 2012 that left him unable to work for a year, Miguel had already implemented CRM systems, automation workflows, and cybersecurity protocols. Those foundations allowed VBS IT Services to continue operating without him. Such practices, including cybersecurity for tech startups, are crucial for Toronto’s tech startups or any other startups aiming for stability.
Startup Growth Tip:
👉 Don’t wait until a crisis to build your systems. Building resilience, including cybersecurity for tech startups, into your operations from day one is key for tech startups aiming for long-term success.
When mentoring tech founders, I often discuss this lesson: systems aren’t “nice to have”. They are essential components in cybersecurity for tech startups.
Why Cybersecurity Can’t Be an Afterthought
Another topic that stood out to me in our conversation was the critical need for cybersecurity for startups. Miguel and I discussed how many founders assume their software is secure, only to realize later, often when clients ask uncomfortable questions, that their technology was built without proper security protocols. Especially if you’re hiring offshore or low-cost developers, you cannot assume security is part of the package. As Miguel said, “they’re optimizing for low cost, not for safeguarding your business.” For Toronto-based tech startups, integrating cybersecurity for tech startups is a prerequisite for success.
Building Secure Startups:
- Integrate cybersecurity planning during the development phase, not after launching your product. Implement effective cybersecurity for tech startups right from the outset.
- Vet your technology partners carefully.
- Understand that your customers, especially in regulated industries like mining, healthcare, or finance, will demand proof of security compliance.
Working with startups and corporate clients, I’ve seen first-hand how overlooking cybersecurity can derail a business overnight. If you’re serious about scaling, cybersecurity must be part of your growth strategy, especially in tech startups around Toronto.
The Hard Lessons in Scaling and Why Diversification Matters
Miguel also shared a candid story about losing 51% of his business because he became too reliant on one industry, cannabis, right before COVID-19 hit. It was a harsh lesson reinforcing the importance of diversifying your client base.
For startup growth:
- Don’t rely on one big customer or industry. In cybersecurity for tech startups, spread your networks.
- Build a portfolio of small to mid-sized clients to strengthen your foundation.
- Align with clients that match your company culture and values.
This advice resonated with me deeply, especially since I’ve experienced scaling multiple startups myself. If you aim for sustainable startup growth, diversify for revenue and long-term stability. In dynamic environments like those tech startups face in Toronto, diversification is a survival tool.
Final Advice for Tech Founders: Plan and Execute with Intention
We wrapped up the episode with Miguel offering his best advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, and it couldn’t have been more spot-on.
✔️ Write a real business plan, not just a vision board.
✔️ Set clear goals and review them every 90 days.
✔️ Work toward your goals with three focused actions every day.
After working in tech for over twenty years, I’m passionate about helping founders navigate the messy middle of building companies, the part where it’s not about flashy headlines but the real, hard work that leads to lasting success. For those building tech startups, especially in Toronto, planning and executing with precision is essential.
In Toronto’s tech ecosystem, if you’re serious about building resilient, scalable tech, this episode is full of hard-earned wisdom you can’t ignore.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here
By Sonia Couto | Startup Mentor | Founder | Speaker | Host of Tenacity with Sonia C
