In this interview with Nikhil Gupta, Founder and CEO of ArmorCode, he discusses his entrepreneurial journey and advice for founders.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

- Nikhil has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, inspired by seeing his father's small business while growing up in India.

- He tried starting companies multiple times, failing over 20+ years before finally having a successful exit with his previous startup Avid Secure.

- Nikhil started ArmorCode during COVID because he saw it as an inflection point with increased digital transformation and cyber threats.

- He was pleasantly surprised at the pace enterprises adopted buying over Zoom versus needing in-person meetings.

- ArmorCode's vision is to "secure the way we live, work and play" with cybersecurity solutions.

- Nikhil stresses the importance of focus, learning/unlearning, and not giving up on your dreams. 

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

1. Nikhil's entrepreneurial journey and background - Grew up in a business family in India, and helped his dad with his art business. Made first venture attempts in college and had many failures before finally succeeding. 

- Key learnings: think big but start small, focus, need to unlearn and learn as things change. 

2. Founding and vision for ArmorCode - Founded during COVID, saw it as a time of digital transformation but also increased cyber threats. Vision is to "secure the way we live, work and play" with cybersecurity. He was surprised at the pace enterprises adopted buying over Zoom.

3. Building company culture - 5 core values: Hungry, Humble, Hardworking, Honest, Humanity ("5 Hs"). He operationalizes through the hiring process and ongoing recognition. Looks for curious, flexible, passionate people to match values.

4. Advice for new founders - Find your "why" and inner passion, not just money. Follow your dreams and passions.

5. Book recommendations include: Build by Tony Fadell, The Founder's Dilemma, and How to Win Friends and Influence People.