In today’s software ecosystem, open source code has become the backbone of innovation and digital infrastructure, playing a pivotal role in everything from startups to major enterprises. The collaborative nature of open source software has unlocked incredible potential for businesses, allowing rapid development and agility. But with this openness comes a critical dilemma: security vulnerabilities. As state-level actors target open source projects, the global community must confront the balance between innovation and protection.
Join us at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 as Bogomil Balkansky, partner at Sequoia Capital; Aeva Black, section chief of Open Source Security at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA); and Luis Villa, co-founder and general counsel of Tidelift dive deep into the world of open source software, asking how companies can continue building on communal code while mitigating serious security risks.
Check out the Builders Stage as these leaders share their experiences navigating the complexities of open source security, investment, and policy. We’re excited to explore how open source’s decentralized model can remain a force for good without becoming a back door for malicious activity.
Meet the speakers
Bogomil Balkansky, partner, Sequoia Capital
Bogomil Balkansky has been at the forefront of investments in companies leveraging open source technology. With over two decades of experience in the tech industry, Bogomil has a strong track record of supporting key infrastructure technologies and cloud companies. His leadership at Sequoia has fostered initiatives like the Sequoia Open Source Fellowship, funding developers to work on open source projects without giving up equity. Bogomil’s deep understanding of how venture capital intersects with open source software provides a critical business lens for the conversation.
Aeva Black, section chief, Open Source Security, U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Aeva Black brings a wealth of knowledge from both the private sector and government. They are an international thought leader on open source security, with over 25 years of experience building digital infrastructure and leading open source projects at companies like Microsoft. At CISA, Aeva is involved in ensuring the security of open source software within critical national infrastructure, a mission that aligns directly with the topic. Aeva’s expertise will offer a crucial perspective on how the government can support the safety of communal code.
Luis Villa, co-founder and general counsel, Tidelift
Luis Villa has dedicated his career to both the legal and technical aspects of open source software. Having worked at organizations like the Wikimedia Foundation and Mozilla, Luis has led critical open source licensing reforms and community-building efforts. Tidelift’s mission to help companies manage and secure their open source software dependencies puts Luis at the intersection of business and security, making him a key voice in the dialogue.
Witness the discussion at Disrupt 2024
As the conversation unfolds, these leaders will offer actionable insights on how to foster a secure, sustainable open source ecosystem. With Disrupt 2024 bringing together the brightest minds in tech, this panel is a must-attend for anyone seeking to understand the future of open source. It’s not just about code — it’s about securing the foundation of global innovation.
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Join 10k+ tech and VC leaders for growth and connections at Disrupt 2025
Netflix, Box, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just some of the 250+ heavy hitters leading 200+ sessions designed to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech. Grab your ticket before Sept 26 to save up to $668.
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