Turning No’s into Yes’s: Vincent Delitz Unpacks the Resilient Journey of Building Corbado from Scratch

In this enlightening edition of Bright Founders Talk, we delve into the innovative world of cybersecurity with Vincent Delitz, co-founder of Corbado, a trailblazing tech startup hailing from Munich, Germany. Launched in 2022 with a vision to revolutionize online safety, Corbado is at the forefront of discarding traditional password-based security systems in favor of a more robust solution known as passkeys. 

Throughout our conversation, Vincent shares his journey from a software engineer to an entrepreneur reshaping the landscape of digital authentication. As someone who has navigated the complexities of software development and product management, he brings a unique perspective to the table, blending technical acumen with strategic oversight. 

Vincent's insights not only illuminate the technicalities of passkeys but also their potential to enhance user experience while bolstering security. We explore how Corbado is setting new standards in cybersecurity and learn about the promising future of passkeys in making the internet a safer place for everyone.

Vincent Delitz: Ditching Passwords for Passkeys – A Leap Towards Cybersecurity Innovation

Vincent Delitz exudes the kind of passion and clarity that comes from someone who’s not only mastered the art of software engineering but has dared to reimagine it. “We’re not just building a product; we’re advocating for a shift in how the world accesses the internet securely,” he explains. His Munich-based startup is pioneering the use of passkeys—think Face ID for the web—a technology he believes will make the internet a safer place.

Delitz, with a background rich in information systems, dives deeper into why passkeys could be the future of online security. “Most of the cyber attacks, phishing scams, and frauds online come from the traditional use of passwords,” he points out. His solution is elegant yet profound: eliminate passwords altogether. This isn’t just about improving security; it’s about enhancing user experience so profoundly that you don’t even notice the security measures working in the background. “It’s all built into the mechanics of passkeys,” Vincent adds, his enthusiasm palpable as he discusses the seamless integration of this technology across devices and platforms.

Capturing the essence of this innovative shift, Vincent offers a quotable takeaway: “Passkeys mean no secrets exchanged, just a more secure, seamless web experience.” This isn't just technical jargon repackaged for mass consumption; it's a real-world solution, backed by giants like Google, Microsoft, and Apple, and one that promises to redefine our online interactions. As our interview winds down, it’s clear that for Vincent and Corbado, the future isn’t about what technology can do; it’s about what it can do for us.

Navigating the Future of Cybersecurity: Vincent Delitz on Passkeys and Staying Ahead in a Fast-Paced Market

Vincent Delitz has his eyes set on revolutionizing cybersecurity through passkeys, a concept he stumbled upon while deeply entrenched in the complexities of passwordless authentication. "It was quite serendipitous," he chuckles, recalling how his research coincided with tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Apple declaring passkeys the new standard for secure online interactions. "I was already knee-deep in figuring out how to make user authentication more seamless when the big names announced their support. It's not just about ditching passwords; it’s about creating a system where your online identity is almost bulletproof yet as easy as unlocking your phone."

As Corbado weaves its way through the cybersecurity landscape, Vincent emphasizes the importance of staying current with technological advancements and community feedback. "You have to be in the mix, on the forums and reading the blogs," he advises, explaining how he spends his mornings scrolling through updates and discussions to keep Corbado at the cutting edge. “It’s about more than just building a product; it’s about crafting an ecosystem where developers feel supported and the technology aligns seamlessly with existing standards. Our engagement with early adopters and developers not only helps us refine our products but also ensures we’re prepared for the next wave of changes.”

Amidst these discussions, Vincent reflects on the broader impact of technology like AI on cybersecurity. "AI is changing the game, but in the realm of identity and access management, it's about leveraging AI to distinguish between legitimate users and fraudsters effectively," he asserts. Vincent's commitment to advancing cybersecurity is clear as he delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies. "Every day is a learning curve, but that’s what keeps you sharp in this industry," he shares, offering a glimpse into the continuous innovation at Corbado.

From Solo Developer to Startup Leader: Vincent Delitz on Building a Team and Embracing Entrepreneurship

Vincent Delitz's journey from a solo entrepreneur to the head of a burgeoning tech startup is as much about building codes as it is about building connections. "Starting alone was daunting, but the Munich startup ecosystem and my academic network were instrumental," he shares. Initially working independently, Vincent's path took a pivotal turn when seasoned advisors connected him to potential co-founders and team members who shared his vision and technical zeal. This synergy not only enriched Corbado’s technical base but also created a familial atmosphere, encouraging a shared commitment to innovation. "It's the trust and camaraderie that transform a group of individuals into a dynamic team," Vincent reflects, appreciating the early team members who transitioned from familiar faces to foundational pillars of the startup.

As the team grew, so did the complexities of managing a diverse group of technically adept individuals. "Everyone on our team is wired to code; even those who haven’t are deeply integrated into the tech space," Vincent explains. This technical unanimity has been a double-edged sword, simplifying product development while challenging traditional marketing strategies. Developer marketing, as Vincent puts it, "is a different beast altogether, demanding a nuanced approach distinct from mainstream strategies." This inside-out understanding of developers’ needs and perspectives has enabled Corbado to tailor its offerings uniquely, making every tool they develop not just functional but intuitive for the end user.

Reflecting on his unexpected shift from aspiring consultant to tech entrepreneur, Vincent shares, "I once aimed for the structured career paths of consultancy, but the allure of entrepreneurship—building something from scratch—was irresistible." He candidly discusses his early failures and the invaluable lessons they provided, which solidified his resolve to forge his own path. "Every setback has been a setup for a comeback," he says with a grin. This mindset has propelled him through the challenges of startup life, proving that the most profound learning comes from doing. In Vincent's words, "The leap into entrepreneurship is daunting, but the rewards—personal growth and the ability to innovate—are boundless."

Embracing Setbacks as Stepping Stones: Vincent Delitz on the Resilience Required for Startup Success

Vincent Delitz's entrepreneurial spirit shines as he candidly discusses the tough early days of his startup journey, peppered with rejections and the resilience needed to push through them. "In the beginning, you hear 'no' a lot," Vincent admits, painting a picture of the startup grind that tests even the most determined founders. It's a phase where potential employees, customers, and investors are wary, opting to wait and watch rather than dive in. But for Vincent, every rejection only deepened his resolve. "You need to cope with a lot of no's," he shares. His perseverance is a testament to his belief in his product and vision, demonstrating that for those few crucial 'yes' moments, enduring the many 'no's' is well worth it.

Expanding on the theme of resilience, Vincent provides some golden advice for budding entrepreneurs, especially those venturing into the volatile waters of tech startups. He stresses the importance of effective marketing and finding the right distribution channels early on. "If I could start over, I'd invest much more in creating technical blog posts right from the start," he suggests, highlighting how sharing research and insights can attract early interest and feedback, which are critical in the tech world. This strategy not only helped establish Corbado's presence but also turned into their main lead generation channel, underscoring the value of openly sharing knowledge and building community engagement.

As the interview wraps up, Vincent points young founders toward leveraging online platforms and social media to amplify their reach and connect with potential users. He emphasizes the role of active community engagement on platforms like Reddit and LinkedIn and the strategic use of technical blogs to educate and attract customers. For those interested in deeper dives or facing technical challenges with products like passkeys, Vincent encourages visiting Corbado's various online forums for support. "Engaging directly with users helps us continuously improve and adapt," he concludes, reinforcing the dual focus on innovative solutions and customer-centric approaches in today's tech landscape.

Andrew SheludenkovCEO at Temy

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