True, the only tech and data-first global executive talent platform, today announced the launch of its Cybersecurity & Defense Tech Practice. This move is a strategic expansion of the firm’s Cybersecurity Practice, which now includes the capability to help build winning defense companies globally.

Governments worldwide are changing the way they buy defense technologies, pivoting from legacy contractors to modern software and hardware companies from Silicon Valley, an entrepreneurial ecosystem that True is well-versed in. VCs have invested more than $100 billion into the defense tech sector in the last few years to accelerate government adoption of cutting-edge technology. This expansion is built on significant prior experience, including True Search’s work with the NATO Investment Fund as they built their Senior Management Team, a critical initiative primed to shape the future of defense tech investment.

“We are always at the forefront of innovation, and nowhere is it more evident today than in the defense tech category. Companies like Palantir, Anduril, and ShieldAI opened the door for others to follow, but this is really just the beginning of the defense industry’s digital transformation,” said Austin Krissoff, Managing Director & Cybersecurity & Defense Tech Practice Lead. “In many ways, the atmosphere and excitement of defense tech entrepreneurs is reminiscent of cyber in its early days. We want to partner with the best founders as they bring to market autonomous vessels, AI-enabled drones, and any other mission-critical technology, just as we’ve done and will continue to do in cybersecurity.”

Operating in a space that demands highly specific knowledge and expertise, the True team sits at an advantage to successfully guide founders and companies as defense tech evolves. True’s growing footprint ensures clients have access to a deep bench of functional experts across North America, Europe, and APAC to solve defense tech talent needs wherever they arise.

“The increasing complexity of the threat landscape demands executive leaders who are both acutely aware of the present and proactively charting the future,” said Sam McGrath, GM, Global Search. “At True, we recognize that security and defense technology are woven into the fabric of a business. Our dedicated practice is built to connect our clients with the leaders capable of managing these complexities to ensure both sustained growth and security excellence.”

The practice is led by Austin Krissoff, Managing Director at True and a Marine Corps veteran. Austin is joined by principals Elisa Dolan and Jon Pascoe in Washington, D.C., who partner with True’s experts in the space across Europe and APAC to provide specialized cyber and defense expertise globally.

ABOUT TRUE

True is a global talent management platform renowned for executive search excellence. The sixth largest in its industry, True leverages 10+ years of industry data, market insights, and talent lifecycle expertise to help companies make high-impact talent decisions quickly. Products and services include True Search (retained executive search), TrueBridge (advisory, interim, and fractional executive placement), Thrive (Talent CRM software), True Advance (coaching and assessment), SearchEssentials (tech-enabled hiring services), and AboveBoard (inclusive executive community). True also backs promising companies through investment brands True Equity and Vera Equity.

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“We are always at the forefront of innovation, and nowhere is it more evident today than in the defense tech category," said Austin Krissoff, Managing Director & Cybersecurity & Defense Tech Practice Lead.