Shivani Sharma
Tulsi Cybersecurity – MICRO Spring 2025
Published August 13, 2025
As part of our ‘Meet Our Founders’ series today, we introduce Shivani Sharma, Founder and CEO of Tulsi Cybersecurity based in Raleigh, NC. Tulsi Pentest is a proactive security platform that helps businesses find, prioritize, and fix vulnerabilities with continuous testing, real-time insights, and compliance-ready reports. Combining automated scanning with human expertise, Tulsi provides an affordable, scalable cybersecurity solution for SMBs and enterprises. It simplifies security, saves costs, and helps businesses stay ahead of evolving threats without needing a complex IT team.
Q: What problem are you trying to solve and what influenced you to start your company?
A: I started Tulsi Pentest because I saw too many small businesses being left out of the cybersecurity conversation.
A few years ago, I was working with a small ERP Company. They had no security team, just a general IT guy doing his best. One day, they got hit with ransomware. Their systems were locked, data was compromised, and they had no idea what to do. The breach didn’t just cost them money; it shattered their trust with clients.
And they weren’t alone.
As I built KLEAP, I spoke to hundreds of small businesses, lawyers, accountants, and digital founders, who told me the same thing: “We know cybersecurity is important. But it’s expensive, complicated, and built for companies way bigger than us.” That hit me. These businesses power our communities, yet when it comes to protection, they’re often forced to choose between doing nothing and overspending on something they barely understand.
That’s what led me to create Tulsi Pentest, a product built specifically for non-technical SMBs. Something they could afford. Something they could understand. Something that would work for them without requiring a full-time security team. Tulsi is more than a tool, it’s a mission to make cybersecurity accessible, proactive, and human for the people who need it the most.
Q: What are you most excited about right now? What keeps you up at night?
A: Right now, I’m most excited about the momentum Tulsi Pentest is gaining. We’re turning what was once just a painful gap in the cybersecurity space into something real, something small businesses are actually using and loving. Seeing beta users tell us, “This is the first time I’ve understood a security report” is incredibly fulfilling. That’s the spark I live for—knowing we’re removing fear and confusion from something as critical as cybersecurity.
But I won’t lie, what keeps me up at night is the urgency. Cyberattacks aren’t slowing down. Every week, I hear about a small business hit by ransomware or losing customer trust over something they didn’t even know was a risk. I worry about not reaching them fast enough. I worry about the pace of scaling, how to balance product growth with deep user empathy. I think about how to build trust at scale, how to grow without losing that human-first foundation. That’s the tension I live in every day, excitement to build, and the responsibility to protect.
Q: What does the road ahead look like for your company?
A: The road ahead for Tulsi Pentest is both focused and ambitious. We’re moving from a validated beta to full-scale launch, with our sights set on becoming the go-to cybersecurity solution for small and mid-sized businesses. Beyond the tech, the mission is clear: We want to empower small businesses to take control of their security, without fear, confusion, or massive costs. Long-term, we see Tulsi evolving into a full security automation platform that helps businesses stay compliant, audit-ready, and resilient, all from one place. The road isn’t easy, but it’s purposeful. And every step forward means we’re helping more businesses stay safe.
Q: How will your NC IDEA grant funds advance your company?
A: The NC IDEA MICRO grant will be a game-changer for Tulsi Pentest. It will help us move from a strong beta to a scalable, revenue-generating product. Right now, we’ve validated the need, small businesses want an affordable, easy-to-understand way to secure their systems. The grant allows us to act on that momentum. Beyond the dollars, the mentorship and community from NC IDEA will help us sharpen our go-to-market strategy, avoid common early-stage pitfalls, and prepare for a successful pre-seed raise. This support isn’t just about building a product, it’s about building a sustainable business that can truly protect the businesses that power our communities.
Q: When did you know you wanted to take an entrepreneurial path?
A: I think deep down, I always knew I was meant to build something of my own. Even during my corporate years, I found myself drawn to solving real-world problems, having direct impact, and creating something from scratch. But it wasn’t until the pandemic hit in 2020 that I truly took the leap. While the world was slowing down, cyber threats were speeding up, especially for small businesses suddenly forced to operate online. They were overwhelmed, underprepared, and vulnerable. That’s when I started KLEAP, as a consulting and services firm to help those businesses stay secure when they needed it most. I didn’t have a roadmap, just resilience and my years of experience. I offered penetration testing, compliance support, and virtual CISO services. Slowly but steadily, KLEAP grew, but with every client conversation, I kept hearing: “Can we get this kind of protection in a way that’s faster, easier, and doesn’t require a full-time consultant?”
That question lingered. So I listened harder. After 200+ customer interviews, the message was clear: small businesses needed proactive cybersecurity, but they couldn’t afford or navigate traditional solutions. That insight became the foundation for Tulsi Pentest, an automated, affordable, human-validated penetration testing platform designed specifically for SMBs. We took everything we learned from KLEAP’s service days and transformed it into a scalable product.
Since then, Tulsi has gained traction, onboarded real beta users, and even ranked in the Top 10 on Product Hunt during launch. It’s now a standalone SaaS platform, growing independently with a team focused entirely on solving this critical gap in the cybersecurity landscape. Entrepreneurship for me has always been about impact, and every step from KLEAP to Tulsi has been fueled by that desire: to make cybersecurity simple, accessible, and built for the people who need it most.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about starting your own company?
A: What I’ve enjoyed most is watching an idea, just a spark from a conversation, become something real that people can touch, use, and benefit from. There’s something magical about building something from scratch that solves a real problem. But more than the product, it’s the people. I’ve loved the conversations with small business owners who’ve said, “Finally, something that speaks our language.” I’ve enjoyed mentoring team members, collaborating with beta users, and being constantly pushed to grow, not just as a founder, but as a problem solver, a communicator, and a leader.
Q: What is one thing you wish you understood about entrepreneurship before you ever got started?
A: I wish I understood that progress in entrepreneurship doesn’t always feel like progress. In the beginning, I thought it would be all about momentum, moving from idea to product to success in a straight line. But what I’ve learned is that the entrepreneurial journey is full of uncertainty, pivots, slow days, and invisible wins. You can work for weeks on something and feel like nothing is happening… until suddenly everything clicks. What looks like overnight success from the outside is actually the result of months or years of quiet resilience, self-doubt, learning, and persistence. I’ve learned that it’s not about speed, but consistency. Not about having all the answers, but being willing to ask the right questions. And that building a business is as much about growing yourself as it is about growing the company. Now, I embrace the slow days, the small wins, and the not-yet-perfect answers because they all count. And they’re all part of building something that lasts.
Q: Who do you look to for advice and mentorship?
A: I’m incredibly grateful to have a diverse circle of mentors who’ve guided me through different stages of my journey. I look to founders who are a few steps ahead of me, especially those who’ve built mission-driven SaaS products, because they truly understand the rollercoaster of early-stage building.
Programs like RIoT Accelerator, American Underground’s I2E, and now NC IDEA have also connected me with advisors who challenge me to think bigger while staying grounded. Their feedback has helped shape everything from our pricing model to product strategy.
I also lean on my customers more than ever. Sometimes the best mentorship comes from listening to the people you’re building for. Their honesty has been just as valuable as any boardroom advice.
And lastly, I’d say I turn inward too. As a solo founder, I’ve had to build a strong inner compass. I’m constantly learning to trust my instincts while staying open to feedback, a balance I’m still mastering every day.
Q: What other passions do you have besides your business?
A: Besides my business, I have a deep passion for gardening, especially when it comes to succulents and cacti. I absolutely love collecting different varieties and propagating them, it’s almost like an addiction! I also enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking with my pet Fifi. Fishing is another favorite pastime; there’s something so calming about being near the water, waiting patiently, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Traveling is another big passion of mine. I love exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and discovering hidden gems wherever I go. All these activities outside of work help me maintain balance and keep my creativity flowing.
While visiting Raleigh, Shivani recommends:
- If you’re visiting Raleigh, there’s so much to see and do! I’d recommend to visit Umstead State Park, it offers some wonderful hiking trails to explore.
- When it comes to food, Raleigh has an amazing food scene. You definitely have to try steaks at Angus Barn. If you’re in the mood for something trendy and delicious, check out Brewery Bhavana, it’s a brewery, dim sum restaurant, all in one, and the atmosphere is amazing.
- And if you have some extra time, be sure to visit the NC State Museum of Art, which features impressive collections and lovely outdoor sculptures.
Support Tulsi Cybersecurity and Shivani by:
- Those reading this can support our company in several meaningful ways. First, by spreading the word about our products, whether through social media, word of mouth, or recommending us to friends and colleagues, you help us reach more people who can benefit from what we offer. You can also follow us on our social channels to stay updated on our latest news, product launches, and events. Engaging with our content by liking, sharing, or commenting makes a big difference in building our community. If you’re interested, partnering with us or exploring our services can directly contribute to our growth and help us continue delivering high-quality cybersecurity solutions. Finally, providing feedback or sharing your cybersecurity challenges allows us to better tailor our offerings to meet real needs. Every bit of support helps us grow and make a stronger impact!