In this episode of Outsider Inc., host Ian Hathaway interviews Dug Song, co-founder of Duo Security, which sold to Cisco for $2.35B in 2018. Dug shares his unconventional journey from latchkey kid and hacker to leading one of Michigan’s biggest tech exits — and building a culture-first cybersecurity company grounded in empathy, usability, and trust. He reflects on the lessons of skateboarding, the art of abating risk, and why sharing the stoke matters more than chasing hype. Dug also dives into his post-exit mission: fueling Michigan’s startup flywheel and building community wealth through the Song Foundation.
Show Notes:
(02:31) Dug Song's Early Life and Skateboarding Passion
(06:09) Dug's Introduction to Computers and Early Tech Experiences
(08:34) The w00w00 Collective and Early Hacking Days
(15:04) Founding Duo Security: The Vision and Challenges
(21:30) Scaling Duo Security: Success Factors and Michigan's Role
(33:41) Building Community and Cultivating Talent
(35:36) Song Foundation's Mission and Vision
(40:16) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
(43:29) Beyond the Bio with Dug Song
✅ Host: Ian Hathway - Co-Founder & Managing Partner, FOVC
✅ Guest: Dug Song, Co-Founder & former CEO, Duo Security
Produced by Spellbinder Media. Executive Produced by Bridge Five Ventures. Copyright ©️2025, Bridge Five Ventures, LLC, All rights reserved.
Listen & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or at outsiderinc.substack.com.
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