Sean Heiney


Silicon Valley Executive | Startup Builder | Product & Marketing Leader

Seasoned executive with extensive experience launching and scaling products from V1.0 to multimillion-dollar ARR and IPO. Proven expertise in product development and marketing - leading high-performing technical, product marketing, and corporate/brand marketing teams. Skilled in crafting unique messaging and methods that resonate with customers, driving brand growth and loyalty.

Deep expertise across network security, cybersecurity, telecommunications, enterprise infrastructure, cloud platforms, SaaS, open source, voice/video technologies, messaging, and AI. Multiple successful exits and $50M+ raised from top-tier Silicon Valley VCs. Skilled in go-to-market strategy, growth marketing, and building teams, products, and brands from the ground up.

Known for X-factor, hands-on leadership, strategic vision, and the ability to bridge technical innovation with customer-focused execution. Ideal for startups or organizations seeking a proven leader to scale products, brands, and teams in competitive markets.

Previously, as a Founder/CMO/COO at SignalWire, I played a pivotal role in building a CPaaS startup from scratch, which culminated in substantial year-over-year growth and successful funding rounds. My expertise in networking and web applications was instrumental in defining our go-to-market strategy and in the operational management of marketing, sales, and product management, contributing to our rapid market expansion and robust annual revenue achievements. Successfully raised over 42M seed through series B from top tier Silicon Valley investors.

At Barracuda Networks, I served as Vice President of Strategy, where I developed and launched five successful products, resulting in over $200M in ARR. I played a key role in the company’s IPO offering messaging and built a robust social media presence that garnered millions of views and likes. As Director of New Products, I led the launch of multiple products and established the Ann Arbor R&D center, significantly contributing to the company's growth and innovation.

In my youth, I built a communityISP sold to Earthlink, a Bulletin Board System at age 12, and developed an IM client acquired by AOL. I built and sold early SaaS security company, Periscan, in 2005.

My expertise spans early stage startups, GTM, product management, marketing, artificial intelligence, product marketing, marketing, and product development. I have particular technical expertise in telecommunications, security, networks, and open source technology.