Founders on Fire with Colin Constable, Co-Founder & CTO of Atsign

In this episode of Founders on Fire, host Rose Ross speaks with Colin Constable, co-founder and CTO of Atsign, winners of the Networking Trailblazers Award. Atsign is revolutionizing internet security and privacy by eliminating network attack surfaces, making data exchanges private, encrypted, and invisible to hackers.

Colin shares the origin story of Atsign, which started as an argument over the flaws of the internet—particularly the lack of control over personal data. He explains how Atsign’s privacy-preserving platform enables secure, peer-to-peer communication without exposing open network ports, solving a 50-year-old problem in networking.

The conversation dives into critical infrastructure security, the threat of nation-state cyberattacks, and how Atsign’s NoPorts technology makes businesses invisible to hackers. Colin also reflects on the startup journey, the importance of grit, and how Atsign’s flat organizational structure fosters innovation.

Tune in now to hear how Atsign is redefining internet security and protecting businesses from cyber threats!

Standout Quotes from Colin Constable

On the Internet’s Biggest Flaws

“The internet sucks. Why? Because I have to give my data away, and once I do, I have no control over it. I’m just a number, and I have no teeth.”

“People are losing data every day, and we’ve just accepted it. Atsign offers a way for companies to exchange data safely—with no attack surface.”

On Solving a 50-Year-Old Networking Problem

“Every cyberattack starts with an open port. We’ve built a solution where servers and clients can communicate without ever exposing a network port—making them invisible to hackers.”

“TCP/IP has worked the same way since the 1970s. We took a fresh approach and eliminated the need for open ports entirely.”

On Startup Challenges & Grit

“The biggest challenge for any startup isn’t what to do—it’s what NOT to do. Choosing the right path is critical for long-term success.”

“Five years ago, people thought privacy was dead. Now, the world is waking up to how critical it is. We stayed the course, and now the demand is undeniable.”
On Leadership & Culture

“We built Atsign as a flat organization—no managers, no hierarchy. It takes bravery, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges.”

“Some of the best ideas come from people who wouldn’t normally speak up in a traditional hierarchy. We make sure every voice is heard.”

On Advice for Founders

“This isn’t a hobby—it has to be a passion. If you’re going to start a company, you have to be all in.”

“Be ready for people to tell you your idea is ridiculous. If you truly believe in it, ignore the doubters and go build it.”

These quotes highlight Atsign’s mission, innovation, and impact, making them perfect for marketing, social media, and promotional materials.