The Founder’s User Manual is an extensive reference guide for current and aspiring leaders seeking practical insights into the daily challenges of running a startup.
A new book is in the works. This book defines a new methodology for selling complex products and services to an skeptical customers.
Andrew Plato is an experienced CEO, founder, author, and cybersecurity pioneer. In 1995, he founded one of the first cybersecurity companies, Anitian, ran it for 26 years, and exited successfully in 2022. Andrew was an innovator in security technologies, intrusion detection (IDS/IPS), endpoint security, and cloud security. His vision for security culminated in inventing a groundbreaking automation platform that revolutionized the speed and accuracy of cloud security for highly regulated workloads (FedRAMP, PCI, etc.)
After securing venture capital in 2019, Plato guided Anitian through exponential growth, forming close alliances with technology giants such as AWS, Microsoft, Trend Micro, Red Hat, Sentinel One, and Qualys.
After exiting Anitian, Andrew founded Zenaciti, which provides advisory services to founders and investors on matters of cybersecurity, compliance, risk management, go-to-market strategy, and sales. Andrew serves on numerous advisory boards for innovative companies such as Platformr. Andrew is also an active investor in multiple security startups.
Andrew is the author of “The Founder’s User Manual: Practical Strategies for the Startup Leader” a guide that distills his extensive leadership acumen.
Google’s NotebookLM is amazing. Listen to this AI generated 13-minute summary of Andrew’s book. It is remarkably accurate.
In 2019, Andrew spun-out his personal consulting and research business from Anitian.
Zenaciti delivers business and cybersecurity strategies that close deals, challenge conventions, and ignite innovation. Services include go-to-market strategy, technical due diligence, and security risk analysis.
Check out Andrew’s writing on a leadership, cybersecurity, and go-to-market strategy.
Reviews & honest perspectives from readers of The Founder’s User Manual.
Chairman & Founder | R6 Security
Andrew’s reputation as the head of Anitian preceded him, and his expertise in cybersecurity was well-known before we even met. I was fortunate to proof read his insightful new book on the cybersecurity ecosystem. Unlike theoretical texts, his draws on real-world experience, offering practical wisdom you won’t find elsewhere. Andrew isn’t just an author, he’s a seasoned practitioner who’s built a successful company in the field.
Chief Research Analyst | IT-Harvest
Andrew first attracted my attention with his writing. It is rare for a tech founder to be a writer first, and a good one at that. More importantly, he has something to say! I always pay attention when he posts. You should too!
