Episode 4 | Inside Embarc Collective and Tampa’s Startup Future with Tim Holcomb

Eric Foster, CEO and founder of TENEX.AI, is building more than a cybersecurity company - he’s building an AI-native defense solution designed to change how security teams operate. In this episode of the CyberBay Podcast, guest host and Tampa Bay Business Journal reporter Anjelica Rubin sits down with Eric inside TENEX’s soon-to-be headquarters, which is currently still under construction, for a conversation about building from the ground up. Eric reflects on his early fascination with technology, the mentors who shaped his leadership journey, and the pivotal moments that pushed him to launch TENEX. Together, they explore what it really means to be “AI-native,” how artificial intelligence is reshaping the cybersecurity workforce, and why Eric believes Tampa Bay - and CyberBay - are positioned to play a defining role in the industry’s future. The CyberBay Podcast is produced by Sarina Gandy, powered by Cyber Florida, and supported by Bellini Capital.

Collin Ellis is a Manager of Solutions Engineering at ThreatLocker, and a living example of the CyberBay movement that’s been taking shape behind the scenes for years. In this episode, recorded live at the CyberBay Summit 2025, Collin and producer Sarina Gandy explore his childhood in Tampa Bay, the early sparks that shaped his curiosity, and the connections that led him into cybersecurity and kept him there since. Together, they reflect on the role relationships play in career development, the leaders who influenced Collin’s values, and the lasting impact of Arnie Bellini’s CyberBay vision on both his path and the region at large. The CyberBay Podcast is produced by Sarina Gandy, powered by Cyber Florida, and supported by Bellini Capital.

Arnie Bellini, best known as the former CEO and co-founder of ConnectWise, helped shape Tampa Bay’s technology landscape. Today, he’s leading a new movement - turning Tampa Bay into CyberBay, the next cybersecurity hub of the United States. In this premiere episode of The CyberBay Podcast, co-host and Tampa Bay Business Journal reporter Anjelica Rubin sits down with Arnie to trace his journey from early tech entrepreneur to thought leader, philanthropist, and investor. The CyberBay Podcast is produced by Sarina Gandy, powered by Cyber Florida, and supported by Bellini Capital. 🌐 Who We Are: Cyber Florida is dedicated to making Florida a national leader in cybersecurity through education, research, and outreach. Hosted by the University of South Florida, we work on behalf of the State of Florida to create a robust cybersecurity talent pipeline and conduct groundbreaking research.