Entrepreneur & Investor • Private Equity • IT & Cybersecurity Thought LeaderMahdi Hedhli is an American-born technology and cybersecurity expert, whose journey began at Rutgers University, where he laid the groundwork for his future leadership at the intersection of business and technology. After a successful exit from his last cybersecurity startup, Mahdi has been focusing private equity and philanthropy, founding both the Sanctuary Fund and Sanctuary House.
Mahdi Hedhli is an American-born technology and cybersecurity expert, whose journey began at Rutgers University, where he laid the groundwork for his future leadership at the intersection of business and technology.
Mahdi is a seasoned IT leader and entrepreneur with a strong foundation in IT engineering and a career that spans technology leadership, business innovation, and cybersecurity strategy. Ever inquisitive, Mahdi is deeply committed to staying ahead of industry trends; immersing himself in emerging technologies to gain firsthand insight and apply it in transformative ways.Early CareerMahdi’s career began with lead engineering and technology leadership roles where he built a reputation for solving complex challenges and aligning technology with business outcomes. These formative years instilled in him both the technical depth and the strategic vision that would later define his entrepreneurial journey.GoVanguard – From Startup to AcquisitionIn 2013, Mahdi founded GoVanguard, serving as its very first employee. As Founder & CEO, he guided the company’s transformation from a boutique technology services provider into a nationally recognized cybersecurity firm. Under his leadership, GoVanguard expanded into advanced domains including adversary simulation, penetration testing, red teaming, threat management, and strategic risk reduction.In 2021, Mahdi spearheaded the strategic acquisition of Gotham Security, a boutique cybersecurity firm. This move significantly expanded GoVanguard’s client portfolio allowing them to greatly expand their red-team and adversarial testing capabilities, positioning the company as a leader in offensive cybersecurity services.In 2023, GoVanguard itself was acquired by Abacus Group, a leading managed services provider to the alternative investment industry. This marked a major milestone in Mahdi’s entrepreneurial journey, validating his ability to scale, position, and ultimately exit a high-growth technology business.Current VenturesToday, Mahdi continues to shape the intersection of business, technology, and security through multiple ventures, while also trying to give back to his community. He provides strategic consulting services via 42 Corp, a firm he founded to serve as both a launch pad for new ventures and act as a trusted advisor to help organizations align IT strategy with business growth. He also serves as General Partner of the Sanctuary Fund, a private real estate investment fund focused on community-driven impact projects.Thought LeadershipBeyond his ventures, Mahdi is widely regarded as a thought leader in cybersecurity and business innovation. He has contributed to the evolution of best practices in adversarial security, operational resilience, and IT strategy, and frequently engages with executives, investors, and entrepreneurs on how to navigate today’s evolving digital and business landscapes.
Mahdi Hedhli is currently focused on bridging the worlds of technology, security, and impact-driven investment. Through 42 Corp, he provides consulting services to executives and organizations, advising on IT strategy, cybersecurity resilience, and business transformation. In parallel, he serves as General Partner of the Sanctuary Fund, a private real estate investment fund dedicated to creating community-focused housing solutions such as state-licensed sober living homes. This dual role allows Mahdi to combine his expertise in technology leadership and risk management with his passion for building sustainable businesses that deliver both financial returns and meaningful social impact.
Beyond his work in technology and investing, Mahdi is deeply committed to philanthropy and community impact. He founded Sanctuary House, a network of transitional sober living homes, to provide safe and supportive environments for individuals in recovery. Passionate about giving back, he also mentors young entrepreneurs and inspires the next generation of IT engineers; sharing his knowledge, experience, and guidance to help them build successful careers and meaningful lives.
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