Predicting Cyber Threats

Racing to Innovation: The Journey of Luigi Lenguito, Founder and CEO of BforeAI

In an engaging episode of Tech Salescraft, host James, dives into the inspiring journey of Luigi Lenguito, Founder and CEO of BforeAI. Luigi’s story transcends the boundaries of technology, delving into his early passion for racing, his rise through the corporate ladder, and his eventual transition into leading a cutting-edge cybersecurity company.

This episode offers a deep dive into Luigi’s unique experiences, the lessons he learned along the way, and the innovative strategies that have made BforeAI a leader in predictive cybersecurity. For those in the technology sales space or aspiring entrepreneurs, this conversation provides a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and forward-thinking business strategies.

A Childhood Steeped in Technology and Racing

Luigi’s journey begins in Southern Italy, where his father introduced him to an IBM PC when he was just 10 years old. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for technology. However, Luigi’s childhood was also marked by a love for motor racing. His grandfather had worked with iconic Formula One teams like Alfa Romeo and Ferrari, and this connection fostered Luigi’s deep appreciation for speed and competition. By the age of 13, Luigi was already working on computers to fund his racing career.

In the episode, Luigi reflects on the parallels between his racing experiences and his entrepreneurial journey. Both require quick decision-making, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning. Racing taught him to focus on improving himself rather than competing directly with others, a mindset that later became instrumental in building BforeAI. He credits these early lessons with shaping his ability to lead teams and navigate the challenges of the business world.

From Racing to Corporate Success

Luigi’s professional career took off when he joined Dell in the South of France. Over the course of 20 years, he held 26 different roles, each tailored to solve new challenges within the company. Luigi’s ability to innovate and connect dots where others couldn’t make him a standout leader. At Dell, he not only honed his technical expertise but also developed a passion for leadership and problem-solving.

Despite his success, Luigi made a conscious decision to prioritise work-life balance. Choosing to remain in the South of France rather than relocate to Dell’s headquarters, he embraced remote work long before it became mainstream. This experience planted the seeds for BforeAI’s distributed workforce model, which would later define the company’s structure. Luigi’s tenure at Dell also allowed him to understand the intricacies of corporate innovation, preparing him for the challenges of entrepreneurship.

The Transition to Entrepreneurship

After leaving Dell, Luigi took a bold step into entrepreneurship. Inspired by the idea of creating something entirely his own, he founded BforeAI in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company was built on the principle of proactive cybersecurity, using artificial intelligence to predict and prevent cyberattacks before they occur.

BforeAI’s technology is based on the concept of “pre-crime,” reminiscent of the movie Minority Report. The platform identifies malicious infrastructures weeks before they are activated, achieving a 99% accuracy rate and shutting down 90% of threats before they impact users. This groundbreaking approach has attracted major clients, including banks, manufacturing companies, and critical infrastructure providers. Luigi’s vision for BforeAI was not just to create a product but to redefine how cybersecurity challenges are addressed on a global scale.

The Benefits of a Distributed Workforce

A key aspect of BforeAI’s success is its fully distributed workforce. Luigi shares how the company operates without a central office, with 92 employees spread across 34 countries. This model not only enables access to a diverse talent pool but also fosters a culture of trust and meritocracy.

“We give trust upfront,” Luigi explains. By starting with maximum trust, employees feel empowered to deliver their best work. The distributed model also eliminates the inefficiencies of traditional office setups, allowing the team to focus on meaningful contributions. Regular all-hands meetings, transparent communication, and an annual in-person event in Palermo, Sicily, help maintain strong connections among team members. This approach has allowed BforeAI to attract top talent and maintain high levels of productivity, even across different time zones.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth

While the distributed model offers many advantages, it also comes with challenges. Luigi acknowledges that not everyone thrives in a remote environment, particularly those who seek daily social interactions. To address this, BforeAI has developed intentional practices to support its team, from daily virtual coffee chats to dedicated onboarding programs for junior employees.

The company’s commitment to innovation extends beyond its workforce. With the rise of generative AI, BforeAI is exploring ways to enhance productivity by automating administrative tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher-value activities. This approach not only improves efficiency but also aligns with Luigi’s vision of creating a fulfilling work environment. He believes that technology should empower individuals to focus on creativity and strategic thinking rather than repetitive tasks.

The Importance of U.S. Market Leadership

As a cybersecurity company, BforeAI’s primary market is the United States, which accounts for 70% of the global cybersecurity sector. Luigi emphasises the importance of establishing a strong presence in the U.S. to achieve global leadership. While the company’s roots are in Europe, its legal entity and operations are now based in Delaware, enabling seamless scaling and local market engagement.

Luigi also discusses the challenges and opportunities of breaking into the U.S. market. He highlights the faster decision-making processes, higher propensity for innovation, and willingness to pay for quality that characterise American buyers. These factors have been instrumental in BforeAI’s rapid growth, which includes securing significant funding rounds and building a robust client base. By leveraging these advantages, BforeAI has positioned itself as a leader in proactive cybersecurity solutions.

Lessons in Leadership and Innovation

Throughout the episode, Luigi shares valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders. He emphasises the importance of aligning personal values with business goals, as demonstrated by his decision to create a distributed workforce that prioritises flexibility and inclusivity. Luigi also underscores the need for continuous learning, drawing on his own experiences of taking on roles that pushed him beyond his comfort zone.

Another key takeaway is Luigi’s focus on proactive solutions. In cybersecurity, as in business, waiting to react to problems often leads to costly consequences. By anticipating challenges and addressing them head-on, Luigi has positioned BforeAI as a leader in the cybersecurity space. His approach serves as a model for how companies can innovate while staying true to their core values.

What’s Next for BforeAI

Looking ahead, Luigi outlines an ambitious vision for BforeAI. The company plans to expand its offerings, including solutions for social media disruption, deepfake detection in video conferencing, and enhanced fraud prevention. These innovations aim to address the evolving threats faced by businesses and individuals in an increasingly digital world.

BforeAI is also committed to maintaining its zero-churn rate, a testament to the platform’s effectiveness and the trust it has built with clients. With a focus on long-term relationships and continuous improvement, the company is poised for sustained growth in 2025 and beyond. Luigi’s dedication to building lasting partnerships reflects his belief in the importance of trust and collaboration in achieving success.

A Conversation to Inspire and Inform

This episode of Tech Salescraft is a compelling exploration of what it takes to succeed in cybersecurity. Luigi Lenguito’s journey from a young racing enthusiast to the founder of a groundbreaking technology company is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and innovation. His insights on distributed workforces, market leadership, and proactive solutions offer valuable lessons for professionals across technology sectors.

This episode of Tech Salescraft perfectly aligns with North Starr’s mission as a technology sales recruitment company. Luigi Lenguito’s journey from corporate leadership to founding a pioneering cybersecurity business underscores the importance of building strong, high-performing sales teams to drive innovation and business growth. At North Starr, we specialise in connecting technology companies with the talent they need to thrive in competitive markets like cybersecurity and SaaS. Luigi’s insights into hiring for distributed teams, scaling in the U.S. market, and fostering a culture of trust reflect the qualities we seek in exceptional candidates and employers. This episode highlights the intersection of visioFnary leadership and sales excellence, a synergy that North Starr helps companies achieve every day.

About Tech Salescraft

One of the Top 40 Sales Podcasts globally. Tech Salescraft brings you a weekly series of conversations that showcase technology and sales ingenuity. Hosted by North Starr’s CEO, James Hounslow, join us as he interviews Sales Leaders that are redefining excellence in their spheres while coaching A-Player teams along the way. We are always keen to feature exceptional individuals on the show who drive sales brilliance. If you know someone who may be the perfect guest for Tech Salescraft, or you would like to nominate yourself, get in touch with the team.

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