Some people chase stability, Sofia Grypari chases stimulation. And it’s her innate curiosity and refusal to settle into routing that have become some of her greatest assets.
“I need to be challenged,” says Grypari, who is originally from Greece. “If I find myself repeating tasks, I start to disengage. That’s when I know it’s time to dive into something new.”
That mindset has carried her across borders, industries, and disciplines. Today, it’s what makes her a perfect fit for the world of post-quantum cybersecurity, which is rapidly evolving.
As a product management principal at QuantumGate, which offers post-quantum cryptographic solutions, Grypari is immersed in one of the most complex, fast-moving frontiers in tech.
“Quantum doesn’t allow you to stand still,” she says. “It demands that you keep learning, keep questioning, and that’s exactly the environment where I perform best.”
With an academic background in marketing and communication, followed by an MBA in Milan, Grypari’s career initially took shape in consumer electronics at Acer, where she built expertise in product marketing, business development, and channel sales. She later worked as a procurement director at a traditional goods wholesaler and eventually entered the world of tech entrepreneurship in 2019 when she co-founded 2bee2, a European digital platform for suppliers and resellers. This breadth of experience across functions and sectors helped her build the foundation of her versatility today.
When she relocated to Abu Dhabi with husband and newborn son a few years ago, she joined the Technology Innovation Institute’s Cryptography Research Center, working alongside cryptography engineers on a new class of security products. That work evolved into the launch of QuantumGate, where she now oversees the product and product marketing functions, including go-to-market strategy, feature prototyping, user experience, pricing and business case development.
“I love the startup energy,” she says. “It’s dynamic and full of possibilities. What I also love about startups is that each member wears multiple hats, the energy of the team is high, and everyone is super hyped to make it a success.”
Initially, the learning curve related to quantum-post cryptography was steep, but Grypari knew she could learn fast.
“I’ve done it before, and I actually enjoy the steep climb,” she says.
Within a few months, she was conversant in meetings with engineers, writing white papers, and engaging external stakeholders.
Now, her role is to help potential clients understand what’s at stake.
“Quantum will fundamentally reshape cybersecurity, but many people still see post-quantum cryptography as a distant future,” she says. “We’re working to make the transition tangible for decision-makers, so they can start planning now.”
For Grypari, that blend of complexity, purpose, and fast development of the technology is deeply fulfilling.
“I thrive when things are still being built,” she says. “That’s where I bring the most value.”