VC firm NightDragon launches internal consulting unit

NightDragon, a San Francisco-based venture capital firm focusing on cybersecurity firms, has launched a new internal consulting unit to support the expansion of its portfolio companies into government markets.

Titled “ND Government Services,” the new practice will provide NightDragon’s portfolio companies with advisory support on navigating government procurement cycles, building strategic relationships, developing government sales and channel strategies, meeting regulatory standards, and obtaining certifications.

"Our portfolio companies offer many innovative solutions that can deliver next-generation security capabilities for federal, state, local, and international governments. NightDragon is proud to drive increased collaboration between our companies and government decision-makers to jointly achieve the mission of protecting critical networks from today's most serious cybersecurity threats," said Dave DeWalt, founder and managing director of NightDragon.

NightDragon has hired Katherine Gronberg, an experienced government affairs executive, to the lead the new practice. Gronberg will work alongside the firm’s advisors and partners to formalize and expand the practice’s offerings.Gronberg brings over 20 years of experience in government affairs, with expertise in driving collaboration between businesses and government stakeholders, growing sales, and enabling program success. She previously spent five years as VP of government affairs at Forescout Technologies, a NightDragon portfolio firm.

Before that, Gronberg spent four years running her own independent government affairs consultancy, and six years as a VP at Morhard & Associates. In the role, Gronberg worked with government contractors across industries on government affairs issues, including political analysis, strategy formulation, budget analysis, business development, and messaging.

Earlier in her career, Gronberg spent six years at the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations, where she was latterly staff director for the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Professional Staff.

She holds an MBA from the University of Virginia and a BA in political science from Yale University.

"Ensuring that government agencies have access to cutting-edge security technologies is a mission that has resonated with me throughout my career. I am thrilled to continue to serve this mission at NightDragon as part of the best security-focused investment team in the world," Gronberg said.

Founded in 2018, NightDragon invests in growth and late-stage companies within the cybersecurity, safety, security, and privacy industry. The firm’s portfolio companies include FireEye, Five9, Forescout, and Jive, all of which have reached successful IPOs.

NightDragon is led by founders Dave DeWalt and Ken Gonzalez, who have more than 25 years of operational and market expertise, and have served as senior executives at companies including McAfee, Avast, and EMC.