In a world where cybersecurity threats grow more sophisticated every day, KLEAP Technologies is on a mission to level the playing field for small and medium-sized businesses. Founded during the upheaval of the pandemic, KLEAP has evolved from a service-driven consultancy to a product-focused innovator with Tulsi, an automated cybersecurity platform designed to empower businesses to take control of their security. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Shivani Sharma, Founder & CEO, KLEAP Cybersecurity LLC to discuss the inspiration behind the company, the challenges of building a startup, and how they’re reshaping the cybersecurity landscape with resilience, purpose, and innovation.
Q1: Could you tell us a little bit about your company?
KLEAP started in 2020 with a simple but bold mission: to help businesses of all sizes stay secure in an increasingly digital world. We initially focused on cybersecurity services like Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing (VAPT) and compliance consulting, tackling frameworks like ISO 27001, NIST, and GDPR.
But as we worked with clients, a pattern became clear—small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) were being left behind. They couldn’t afford the same level of protection that larger companies had.
After over 200 discovery calls with potential users, in 2023, we launched Tulsi, our automated cybersecurity platform. It’s designed specifically for SMBs, with flexible pricing and a focus on simplifying complex security needs. Our goal is simple: to help businesses protect themselves without breaking the bank.
Now, as we expand globally—especially in the U.S.—we’re blending years of expertise with innovative technology to redefine what cybersecurity can be for the businesses that need it most.
Q2: What inspired you to start your own company?
The idea for KLEAP came during the COVID-19 pandemic. I saw small businesses, the backbone of our economy, struggling to adapt to remote work and facing rising cyberattacks without the tools or resources to protect themselves.
It wasn’t just a business opportunity—it felt like a responsibility. I wanted to build something that could make cybersecurity accessible and practical, especially for businesses that had been overlooked. The idea of empowering them to navigate an increasingly digital world became my driving force.
Q3: What previous experiences influence your role today?
I’ve spent over 18 years working in IT and cybersecurity, and every role I’ve held has shaped how I approach KLEAP today. Early on, I focused on risk management and strategic planning, which taught me how to anticipate challenges and proactively create solutions.
Later, working in program management at global companies, I learned how to handle large-scale projects—balancing timelines, budgets, and resources. But it was stepping into executive roles that really pushed me to think bigger. I discovered a passion for aligning business strategy with customer needs, which is now at the core of what we do at KLEAP.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overly complex or expensive to be effective. That insight drives KLEAP’s mission to break down barriers and make security accessible for SMBs.
Ultimately, it’s a mix of technical know-how, strategic thinking, and a genuine desire to help businesses feel secure in their digital journeys that guides me today.
Q4: What are the biggest challenges you’ve encountered as a startup founder, and how did you overcome them?
One of the hardest challenges was shifting from a service-based model to building a product like Tulsi. It required us to rethink everything—our mindset, our processes, and how we measured success.
Product development itself was another major hurdle. Building something scalable, secure, and affordable wasn’t easy. Early on, we struggled with timelines and feedback from beta customers, but we brought in advisors who had been through it before.
We also faced the classic startup hurdle: earning trust. In cybersecurity, people need to believe in what you’re offering. So, we turned to platforms like Product Hunt to validate our use case. Launching our MVP there and achieving a Top 10 spot in the security category was a turning point. It gave us the validation and visibility we needed. We now have 12 beta customers on our platform.
But perhaps the most personal challenge has been balancing the demands of growing business with staying true to our mission of making cybersecurity accessible. It’s easy to get caught up in chasing metrics, but I’ve learned that staying focused on our core values and the impact we want to make is what ultimately drives sustainable success.
Every challenge has reinforced my belief that startups are not just about having a great idea—they’re about being relentless, learning from failures, and continuously evolving. That’s the mindset we’ve embraced at KLEAP, and it’s what keeps us moving forward, even when the road gets tough.
Q5: Do you have any mentors or role models who have inspired you while you have been building your business?
Absolutely. One of my key mentors is Vinod Kumar Sharma, whose 45 years of experience in scaling businesses has been invaluable. He’s helped us navigate tricky legal and financial situations and taught me the importance of structure and discipline—especially during growth phases.
Another mentor who’s had a huge impact is Ravi Kant Verma. His expertise in IT and technical infrastructure helped us avoid common pitfalls during the early stages of building Tulsi. Both of them have been incredible sounding boards and sources of wisdom throughout this journey.
Q6: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and future startup founders based on your own experiences and lessons learned?
The biggest advice I’d give is to stay resilient. Things won’t always go as planned, and setbacks are part of the process. What matters is how you adapt and move forward. Every failure is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Don’t try to do everything alone. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, or even just friends who can offer perspective and support. Asking for help doesn’t make you less capable—it makes you smarter.
Finally, enjoy the ride. Building a startup is hard work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Celebrate the small wins, stay curious, and remember why you started in the first place. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with persistence and a clear vision, you’ll get there.