"Keep challenging your mind in new ways; it's the path to true growth."
Ian L. Paterson is an entrepreneur with more than 10 years of experience in leading and commercializing technology companies focused on data analytics and machine learning.
Ian has raised over $15M in private and public financing, completed mergers and acquisitions across North America and Asia, and is co-inventor of three patents.
As CEO of Plurilock, Ian successfully built and grew Plurilock, leading to its successful listing on the TSX Venture Exchange.
You can learn more about Ian and Plurilock at the following link: https://plurilock.com/
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Table of Contents
Before we begin, share your origin story with us.
Ian Paterson: Before founding Plurilock, I led the enterprise data science division at venture-backed analytics firm Terapeak, later acquired by eBay. I also ran my own company, Exapik: a data monetization marketplace.
My background in data science has definitely helped in commercializing technology companies, something I’m passionate about doing here at Plurilock.
As a company starting out at a small office in downtown Victoria, BC to now having offices around the globe, listed on the TSXV, and last year saw revenues of $70 million, I work each day with a truly world-class team to grow and optimize Plurilock so that we can continue to offer unprecedented, innovative solutions for a continually changing environment.
As the Founder of Plurilock, you’ve led the company to expansive development and growth. What are the recent strategies you’ve used to secure such incredible wins?
Ian Paterson: We’ve focused on strategic initiatives that drive growth and deliver exceptional results.
Since the beginning of the year, our focus has shifted towards our high-margin Critical Services division to meet the increasing demand for specialized cybersecurity solutions, building strong, key relationships with clients to tailor solutions to their unique needs, and attracting top industry talent to enhance our capabilities.
By streamlining operations, we’re positioning Plurilock for continued success and growth.
Most recently, you’ve experienced a significant uptick in your stock interest and visibility. Why do you believe people are focusing on the technology and cybersecurity sector as of recent? Do you anticipate the trend to continue?
Ian Paterson: The tech and cybersecurity sectors are getting a lot of attention lately, and for good reason. Cyber threats, like AI and geopolitical issues, are getting more frequent and sophisticated, so companies and governments need to step up their security game to protect themselves and maintain trust.
Plus, with everything going digital, there’s a huge demand for innovative tech solutions. This trend isn’t going away – if anything, it’ll only get bigger as cyber threats keep evolving and our world becomes even more digital.
Your company prides itself on solving unsolvable cybersecurity and IT problems. Explain how this tagline came to be.
Ian Paterson: The tagline of our newest team, Plurilcok Critical Services, is to “secure the semiconductor industry to protect democracy”. It’s more than just a phrase – it’s a promise born from our passion for tackling the industry’s toughest challenges, and having the most consequential impact.
It originated from our commitment to addressing the most complex and challenging issues faced by our clients, rooted in groundbreaking academic research that laid the groundwork for innovative solutions like our behavioral biometrics’ technology.
This pioneering spirit has driven our team of experts to consistently push the boundaries of innovation, taking on seemingly insurmountable cybersecurity threats and IT challenges with creativity and precision.
By combining deep industry knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, we’ve earned a reputation for delivering results where others fall short.
Plurilock was founded in 2016 as a result of groundbreaking academic research that created a novel technique for authenticating a person’s identity using behavioral biometrics. How does your company serve and help your impressive customer base?
Ian Paterson: We’re passionate about helping our impressive customer base stay secure with cutting-edge solutions that fit their unique needs. Each customer is different so we deliver results based on this, but based on a one-size-fits-all mentality.
Our recently announced Critical Services team delivers specialized expertise and tailored solutions to guide clients through complex cybersecurity landscapes, ensuring their digital assets are protected with confidence.
By focusing on innovation, customer-centric solutions, and operational excellence, we build strong, trust-based relationships with our clients, helping them stay ahead of emerging threats and maintain their competitive edge.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Ian Paterson:
Curiosity: Every day I learn something new. Most importantly, I never tire of challenging my mind in new ways.
Tenacious: Throughout my career, tenacity has been a key driver of success.
Whether it’s overcoming technical challenges, or navigating market uncertainties, persistence has been crucial in ensuring the success of our team as well as the success of our company.
Grit: If you’re going to work in technology, or any field for that matter, you have to have an extra drop of grit to ascend to the next level. There is no taking your foot off the pedal.
How does AI and Cybersecurity work together to ensure maximum safety and efficiency?
Ian Paterson: The adoption of generative AI, to be able to get more done with the same or fewer resources, is an exciting development for cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity and AI work together seamlessly. Additionally, it’s thrilling to see upscale humans who are in the loops and ready to utilize AI to its fullest potential to ensure digital safety and efficiency for all.
What exciting projects are you working on right now?
Ian Paterson: Right now, we’re excited about several ongoing projects, but our new Critical Services offering is high on the list. This initiative represents a strategic shift to meet the increasing demand for specialized cybersecurity solutions.
Our Critical Services division is designed to provide immediate, high-impact solutions to our clients’ most pressing security challenges.
The adaptability of our highly specialized team has already made an impact for our clients and I can’t wait to see its continued growth.
Jerome Knyszewski, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Ian Paterson for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Ian Paterson or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
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