Strategic Advisor In Telecom Cyber Security

About Matrix Shell Technologies

Matrix Shell Technologies is the company behind Telco Security Wiz — the world's first automated penetration testing SaaS platform for telecom networks, covering SS7, Diameter, GTP, VoLTE, and 5G. We are GSMA NESAS-authorised security lab, profitable, bootstrapped, and trusted by MNOs. We are looking for a senior industry leader to join us as a Strategic Advisor — someone who has sat at the table we are trying to get to, understands how enterprise telecom decisions get made, and can open doors that take startups years to knock on alone.

Role Title

Strategic Advisor — Enterprise & Telecom Business Development

What This Role Is

This is not a ceremonial advisory position. We are looking for someone who is genuinely invested in what we are building — who will spend 9-10 hours per month with our founding team, make introductions that matter, and provide strategic guidance grounded in real enterprise and telecom experience.

What You Will Do

Strategic Guidance

• Advise the founding team on enterprise sales strategy, deal structuring, and contract negotiation at Tier-1 operator and vendor level
• Guide pricing strategy, packaging, and positioning as we move from founder-led sales to a scalable GTM motion
• Provide perspective on building and managing senior relationships at MNOs, telecom regulators, and equipment vendors
• Challenge and sharpen our investor narrative, fundraising approach, and strategic round positioning

Business Development & Market Access

• Make warm introductions to CISOs, CTOs, and Heads of Network Security at MNOs and MVNOs in target geographies — Southeast Asia, Gulf, APAC, Europe
• Open doors to telecom equipment vendors (Nokia, Ericsson, ZTE, Samsung Networks) at the business and partnership level
• Facilitate introductions to strategic investors, telecom-focused VCs, and family offices with relevant portfolio exposure
• Support engagement with national telecom regulators (TRAI, TRA UAE, IMDA, CITC) and standards bodies (GSMA, 3GPP)

Ecosystem & Partnership Building

• Identify and facilitate introductions to potential channel partners — System Integrators, MSSPs, and telecom consulting firms with existing operator relationships
• Advise on partnership structuring, revenue sharing models, and white-label licensing opportunities
• Connect us with relevant industry forums, working groups, and speaking opportunities that elevate our brand among decision-makers

Mentorship & Governance

• Provide candid feedback on team decisions, strategic priorities, and growth trade-offs
• Serve as a sounding board for the CEO on high-stakes decisions — client negotiations, investment terms, key hires
• Support board-level conversations and investor due diligence as the company matures

What We Are Looking For

Experience

• 15+ years of senior leadership experience in one or more of the following: telecom operations, telecom technology, enterprise cybersecurity, or B2B SaaS at scale
• Held a C-suite, VP, or Director-level role at an MNO, telecom equipment vendor, telecom-focused SI, or enterprise technology company
• Track record of closing or influencing large enterprise deals (₹1Cr+ deal values) at Tier-1 companies
• Direct relationships with CISOs, CTOs, or procurement decision-makers at telecom operators in India, Middle East, Southeast Asia, or Europe

Domain Knowledge

• Understands how telecom operators buy technology — budget cycles, procurement processes, vendor qualification, and the role of regulatory compliance in purchase decisions
• Familiarity with telecom security landscape — GSMA frameworks, 3GPP standards, NESAS, or signalling security concepts (deep technical knowledge not required — strategic understanding essential)
• Awareness of the competitive dynamics between MNOs, equipment vendors, and independent security labs

Network & Relationships

• Maintains active senior relationships at telecom operators, vendors, or regulators in at least one of our target geographies — India, Gulf, Southeast Asia, Europe
• Known and respected in telecom or enterprise technology circles — someone whose introduction carries weight and whose endorsement opens conversations
• Connected to the investor community in deep tech, SaaS, or telecom — ability to facilitate warm introductions to strategic and financial investors

Personal Attributes

• Genuinely excited about what Matrix Shell is building — not looking for a passive advisory role
• Direct, honest, and willing to challenge the founding team constructively
• Comfortable with a startup environment — ambiguity, rapid iteration, and founder-led decision-making
• Aligned with our mission: making telecom networks safer for the 5 billion subscribers who depend on them.

Time Commitment

9-10 hours per month minimum including:

• Monthly 1:1 call with CEO (60–90 minutes)
• Ad hoc introductions and follow-up as opportunities arise
• Quarterly strategy review session with founding team
• Availability for investor calls or client conversations when relevant
• This is not a passive role. We expect and value active engagement.

Ideal Candidate Profile — Examples of Relevant Backgrounds

• Former VP/Director at Nokia, Ericsson, or Huawei with existing MNO relationships
• Former CISO or Head of Security at an Indian or Gulf MNO who now consults or advises
• Senior leader from Tata Communications, Bharti Airtel, or BSNL at the VP/CXO level
• Partner or Director at a telecom-focused consulting firm (Analysys Mason, Gartner, Kearney)
• Managing Director or VP at a telecom System Integrator with Gulf or SEA relationships
• Former regulator or policy official from TRAI, TRA UAE, IMDA, or CITC