Stephen Ward

Stephen Ward, Founder & Managing Partner at Brightmind Partners is a cybersecurity investor, operator, and advisor with more than 25 years of experience across technology and security. His career began in the U.S. Secret Service, where he gained experience in cybersecurity, physical security, and fraud, followed by leadership roles in Security Operations at JPMorgan Chase and as CISO at The Home Depot and TIAA. An operator at heart, Stephen has spent the past decade serving on public and private boards and advising startup founders on strategy, product, and business development. In 2021, he joined Insight Partners as a Managing Director to lead the firm’s cybersecurity portfolio, bringing his deep operating experience to investing in the next generation of security companies. He now brings that experience to Brightmind Partners, where he focuses on supporting founders building innovative technology and security companies. Stephen is also a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and graduate of Seton Hall University. Outside of work, he is a passionate autism advocate, inspired by his son. He believes technology can play an important role in creating greater accessibility, safety, and opportunity for neurodivergent and special needs communities.