A lifelong builder, Michael went from writing command-line programs on an IBM 5160 to founding TruckSpotting and later Dharma Platform—a data tool used by WHO, MSF, Save the Children, and Habitat for Humanity. Dharma’s success, and eventual acquisition by BAO Systems, earned him a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30.
He spent nearly a decade at Kenna Security, where he helped pioneer risk-based vulnerability management and co-created the Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS). Following Kenna’s acquisition, he served as a Distinguished Engineer at Cisco, advancing AI-driven security initiatives.
Today, Michael is Co-Founder & CTO of Empirical Security, which recently raised a $12M seed round led by Costanoa Ventures to build the first enterprise-specific AI models for cybersecurity.
Beyond tech, he co-founded Sputnik Coffee, a Chicago roastery bringing quality coffee to working-class neighborhoods—roasted “as engineers, not artisans.” He also serves on the Forbes Technology Council and has held board roles with Social Capital, CryptoMove, and the Society of Information Risk Analysts.
Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-roytman/
Learn more about Empirical: https://www.empiricalsecurity.com/
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