Rick Gordon is working to back the next generation of security companies. He’s a managing partner at MACH37, a novel cybersecurity accelerator based in Virginia that helps entrepreneurs build cybersecurity firms and get them off the ground. Just last week, MACH37 held its fourth demo day since launching in the fall of 2013.
What do you actually do all day in your job?
Wake up, have my first cup of coffee and check email and scan Twitter. Then, I take my older son and daughter to the bus stop. After, I have a second cup of coffee with wife and take my youngest daughter to the bus stop.
I commute to work. Have meetings with sponsors, seed stage investors, mentors and cohort founders. I typically eat lunch at my desk while reading email -- then have a fourth and fifth coffee to stave off food coma. Then more meetings. I’ll take my son to wrestling practice, and answer emails and texts while there. Then, I’ll return home, tuck the kids in bed and be on email until they’re all read and answered.
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How many hours do you sleep?
6
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What do you eat for breakfast?
Bucket o’coffee
3
If you could be pitched to by one person, who would it be?
Ace Greenberg. Ace was a quintessential lunch pail guy, was self-made, and valued hard work and frugality over a pedigree and pretense.
4
What’s on your home screen?
This picture of my children
5
How often do you exercise?
Seriously? Which year?
6
What app can’t you live without?
Waze.
I save several hours per week in productivity by driving via the path of least resistance.
7
What's your favorite city?
New York
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What’s the most important company we’ve never heard of?
PierceGTI. It’s bringing the benefit of effective threat intelligence analysis to the mainstream market. Currently, only the largest enterprises can afford to effectively employ threat intelligence and information-sharing capabilities. By using automated intelligence analysis and crowdsourcing, Pierce will bring that same benefit to the mid-market at a price they can afford.
9
Are there any social platforms you won't participate in?
Yep. Not on Facebook. I value my privacy and am planning my escape from the grid.
10
What are you reading right now?
Deer Hunting with Jesus
11
Do you think there’s a tech bubble?
Yes
12
Best piece of advice you've been given?
Spend your company’s money like it’s your own.
13
What keeps you up at night?
The bucket o’coffee I drink in the afternoon.
14
If you could tell your 18-year-old self one thing, what would it be?
There is no such thing as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
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