September 5, 2025
All Gas, No Brakes: Scott Price on Building A-lign into a Cybersecurity Powerhouse
When you think about the rise of cybersecurity and compliance, Tampa Bay may not be the first place that comes to mind. But thanks to leaders like Scott Price, that perception is quickly changing. In our latest Skin in the Game podcast episode, “All Gas, No Brakes: Scott Price on Building A-lign into a Cybersecurity Powerhouse,” we sit down with Scott to explore how he built A-lign from a scrappy startup into one of the nation’s leading firms in cybersecurity compliance.
Listen to the full episode with Scott Price:
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From Andersen to Entrepreneurship
Scott’s journey began at Arthur Andersen, where he cut his teeth in the world of auditing before the Enron collapse shook the entire industry. Instead of retreating, he took the leap into entrepreneurship—launching his first firm at just 26 years old. He candidly shares what it felt like to bootstrap during uncertain times, from hustling for that very first client to worrying about making the down payment on a new house.
Learning Through Failure and Resilience
One of the most compelling parts of Scott’s story is his honesty about failure. He recalls a 2017 deal that fell apart at the last minute and how that painful experience forced him to grow up as a founder. It led him to bring on a CFO, implement stronger governance, and embrace the discipline needed to scale a company for the long run. His takeaway is powerful: failure can be a blessing in disguise if you use it as fuel for growth.
Capital as Validation
For many founders, taking on outside capital is about financing expansion. For Scott, it was also about validation—proof to the market, his employees, and even to himself that A-lign’s vision was worth backing. From FTV Capital to HG, Scott walks us through how strategic partners shaped A-lign’s trajectory and helped him move from scrappy startup to enterprise leader.
The Tampa Cybersecurity Ecosystem
Scott also shines a spotlight on Tampa Bay’s growing reputation as a cybersecurity hub. With companies like ReliaQuest, KnowBe4, and ConnectWise paving the way, he argues, “Why not Tampa?” He highlights how MacDill Air Force Base and the Department of Defense presence in the region have created a deep pool of highly trained talent now moving into the private sector.
Frameworks Over Tools in the AI Era
As AI reshapes industries, Scott emphasizes the importance of frameworks over shiny new tools. For A-lign, the key is building resilient systems that can adapt as technology evolves, rather than chasing the latest trend. His perspective offers valuable insight for any leader navigating the uncertain future of AI and cybersecurity.
Why Tune In
Listeners will come away with more than just a business success story—they’ll get a masterclass in resilience, risk-taking, and leadership. Scott’s “all gas, no brakes” philosophy offers a candid look at the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the grit it takes to scale, and the opportunities that lie ahead in cybersecurity.
Whether you’re a founder, investor, or simply curious about the forces shaping tech and business in Florida and beyond, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.
