Welcome to Kernel – the podcast that gets to the core of cybersecurity careers, leadership, and innovation across North America.
Hosted by James Warren, a cybersecurity recruitment specialist with over seven years of experience placing executives, managers, and individual contributors into full-time and contract roles across the United States.
From Application Security to Cloud, AI, and Identity, James has placed talent in virtually every cyber domain, earning 50+ public testimonials and maintaining a 95% Net Promoter Score with clients and candidates alike. Through in-depth interviews with senior cybersecurity professionals, Kernel explores the evolving landscape of security work and what makes a great cybersecurity leader.
Expect honest and forward-looking stories from the cybersecurity industry.
Episode 2: From CISO to Operating Partner – Inside Cybersecurity Venture Capital
Guest: Al Ghous, Operating Partner (Cybersecurity) at Notable Capital Host: James Warren, Specialist Cybersecurity Recruiter at Stanton House
In this episode of Kernel, James Warren sits down with Al Ghous, Operating Partner at Notable Capital, one of the most established multi-stage venture firms investing across cybersecurity, enterprise software, infrastructure, data, and AI.
Formerly known as GGV Capital, Notable Capital manages over $5 billion in assets and has built a strong reputation for backing high-growth technology companies. But what differentiates the firm isn’t just capital, it’s the operating expertise it brings to founders.
Al holds one of the most sought-after roles in cybersecurity: Operating Partner for Cybersecurity at a venture capital firm. It’s a position that blends technical credibility, executive leadership, investment insight, and deep market knowledge — and there’s no predefined job description.
In this conversation, James and Al unpack what the role of an operating partner actually involves, from supporting portfolio companies with security foundations and compliance, to sourcing new investments, conducting technical due diligence, and advising founders post-investment on product-market fit, go-to-market strategy, and selling into CISOs.
Al shares his unconventional path into the role beginning in software development, moving into systems integration and consulting, building enterprise security programs at global organizations including Oracle, Informatica, and GE, and later working with venture-backed startups across cloud and cybersecurity.
A key theme throughout the episode is intentional career building. Al explains why giving time freely to founders, mentoring without expectation, and cultivating a reputation for practical value creation ultimately opened the door to venture capital.
This episode is essential listening for security professionals who are curious about the intersection of cybersecurity and investment and for anyone wondering how to architect a long-term career that spans operator, advisor, and investor.
Who Should Listen? ✅ CISOs and senior security leaders exploring venture or advisory pathways ✅ Cybersecurity professionals interested in VC and private equity ✅ Founders building security or AI-native companies ✅ Security engineers mapping out long-term career progression ✅ Investors seeking insight into cyber due diligence and portfolio support
Key Takeaways ✅ There is no universal job description for an operating partner, value is defined by the firm and the individual ✅ The role spans four core pillars: portfolio support, internal security, deal sourcing & diligence, and post-investment advisory ✅ Enterprise experience builds credibility, but startup exposure builds adaptability ✅ Giving time and advice without expectation compounds into long-term opportunity ✅ The best venture firms offer operating expertise, not just capital
