What Neel Sata, cofounder of Imagine X, shared with the Duke Cybersecurity Master’s students

The Duke University Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity program doesn’t just prepare students for jobs; it builds leaders who can navigate complex security challenges, think strategically, and even start their ventures. The program fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, equipping students with technical expertise and the business acumen to launch and scale cybersecurity initiatives. One such leader is Neel Sata, co-founder of ImagineX, who was invited to meet with the Duke Cybersecurity students during the Cybersecurity Leadership Series.

Building a cybersecurity digital services firm from the ground up

By age 25, Neel had already built an impressive resume—working at IBM, Anheuser-Busch, and General Electric. But an early realization shaped his career trajectory: he didn’t want to be an engineer. Instead, he was drawn to consulting, problem-solving, and helping businesses make smarter decisions.

After his time at Accenture, Neel transitioned to the New Teacher Project, a non-profit national organization. While the work was impactful, he found himself missing the dynamic nature of consulting. The question lingered—what next?

The answer took shape through deep conversations with former colleagues from Accenture, who had become close friends. In February 2015, they flew to Colorado to map out their vision: a cybersecurity and software engineering digital services firm built on expertise, trust, and meaningful client relationships. That vision became ImagineX, a company that helps organizations optimize their software and cybersecurity investments and secure their digital environments effectively.

Taking the entrepreneurial leap

Entrepreneurship is never a safe bet; for Neel and his co-founders, financial risk was given. They committed to building their company with a two-year runway. It was a personal financial gamble, but one grounded in confidence, industry experience, and a belief in their ability to deliver results.

The early days were about grit and hustle. They relied on personal networks, making each project a stepping-stone to the next. By late 2015, they were in full “dialing for dollars” mode, actively seeking new opportunities. A breakthrough moment came in January 2016, when a former colleague became their first major client, validating their vision and setting them on a path to scale.

Neel’s four rules for success

Building a business is never linear. COVID-19 brought unexpected setbacks, as several clients abruptly halted engagements due to financial constraints. Yet, the team adapted, shifting their strategy to continue growing.

Neel also took a chance on cybersecurity, raising his hand to learn and dive into the field. He embraced a “what’s best for the customer” mindset, ensuring that solutions weren’t just about compliance but truly securing organizations in a pragmatic, operational way.

ImagineX has grown to over 200 people with expertise in cybersecurity, software engineering, cloud, and AI/ML.  The cybersecurity business is laser-focused on optimizing clients’ cyber spending with risk reduction in vulnerability management, application security, and cloud security domains, serving clients across various industries, particularly financial services, and insurance. The cybersecurity business is helping clients think about the risks and optimization opportunities associated with AI/ML.

During the Duke Cybersecurity seminar, Neel was asked to advise students who will soon enter the field. He listed his most essential success rules:

Talk to people: Your network is your greatest asset.

Be upfront with your interests: Share your goals authentically.

Develop emotional intelligence (EQ): Success isn’t just about technical skills; relationships and communication are key.

Stay curious and adaptable: Be a lifelong learner. Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and so should you.

Neel’s journey is a testament to bold decision-making, resilience, and the power of strong relationships. His story inspires anyone looking to carve their own path, whether in cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, or beyond.