Cafe IW: Startup Strategies for IP and Cyber Risk
In a fast-moving startup environment, protecting your innovation is just as critical as building it.
Join us for Cafe IW, a practical, founder-focused discussion designed to help early-stage companies understand how to secure their intellectual property and protect against evolving digital threats. Whether you're navigating your first patent filing or wondering how to guard against international IP theft or AI-driven cyber risks, this event will give you a solid foundation to start with confidence.
Hear from a panel of seasoned experts covering three key areas:
IP Strategy: Learn how to establish and protect your company’s core intellectual property from the start.
IP Theft & Global Risk: Understand how to identify and mitigate threats from international actors and competitors.
Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Discover critical, no-fluff cybersecurity practices tailored for lean startup teams operating in an AI-powered world.
Featured Speakers
Drew Peterson: Non Resident Fellow, 2430 Group
Drew Peterson is a non-resident senior fellow at the 2430 Group, focusing on protecting U.S. intellectual property and critical assets from state-sponsored espionage. He previously spent 12+ years in national security roles at the NSC and the Departments of State and Defense, including serving as State’s liaison to CFIUS. Based in Pittsburgh, he teaches national security at Pitt, advises research institutes at CMU, Purdue, and Nebraska, and serves on the editorial committee of The Ledger. He holds degrees from Georgetown and Harvard and speaks French, Hebrew, and Russian.
Sree Gadde: Managing Partner, BlueTree VC Fund I
Sree is the Managing Partner of BlueTree VC Fund I, helping early-stage companies build strong business and IP strategies, manage cyber and innovation risk, and use capital efficiently for growth. His background spans IP litigation and prosecution, corporate IP strategy, and engineering roles in AI, data analytics, and microprocessor design. He advises multiple high-growth startups and speaks nationally on IP strategy and scaling. Sree holds degrees in law, business, and electrical & computer engineering from CMU and GWU.
Crawford Pierson: Security Risk Program Manager, Duolingo
Crawford Pierson began her career advising Congress on Homeland Security and Judiciary issues before moving into cybersecurity as a SOC Analyst at Deloitte. She later specialized in GRC, helping startups build security programs and meet frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and NIST 800-171. She now serves as a Security Risk Program Manager at Duolingo, strengthening AI, data security, and organizational risk governance. Crawford is passionate about growing Pittsburgh’s tech ecosystem and creating pathways to retain top talent.
The panel discussion will be moderated by Sara Longo, Program Manager of AlphaLab Software
Walk away with actionable insights, red flags to watch for, and the tools to keep your company safe — so you can focus on building, scaling, and succeeding.
Who should attend:
Startup founders, early-stage team members, and anyone responsible for company operations, tech, or IP strategy.