What does it take to build a successful tech business from the ground up? According to CyberStreams co-founder and COO Mat Kordell, it starts with showing up — even when you don't feel ready.

Mat recently sat down with Austin Tech Connect: The Podcast for the Austin Technology Ecosystem, Business Leaders, and Tech Entrepreneurs to share his journey from early entrepreneurship to leading one of the most people-focused managed IT services companies in Seattle and Austin.

Whether you're a small business owner, tech leader, or just getting started in your career, Mat's story is packed with actionable insights and refreshing honesty. Here's a recap of some of the key takeaways.

From Startup Roots to Regional Reach

Mat's journey began in Seattle, where CyberStreams established its first stronghold, helping local businesses take control of their IT and cybersecurity.

But when he made the decision to move to Austin in 2020, he wasn't just chasing sunshine and live music (though those helped). He also saw a thriving tech ecosystem with the same startup grit he loved in Seattle—and an opportunity to bring CyberStreams to a new region.

Today, CyberStreams continues to grow as a trusted provider in Seattle and Austin. Whether it's a 25-person nonprofit or a 300-person manufacturing firm, the team adjusts its strategy to meet each client's needs.

"Your Neighborhood IT Department" – Not Just a Tagline

CyberStreams' mission is simple: become the IT department small businesses wish they had in-house. That means doing all the things you'd expect an IT team to do—but doing them with personal care, regional knowledge, and strategic foresight.

For Mat, trust is at the center of it all. In his words, delegating IT and cybersecurity isn't about giving up control—it's about focusing on what your business does best and trusting experts to keep your operations secure.

In today's cyber climate, trust matters more than ever. What used to be a "set it and forget it" solution, like enabling multi-factor authentication, has evolved. Cybercriminals are more advanced, more persistent, and more sophisticated. Protecting your business now requires daily vigilance, updated tools, and a team that lives and breathes cybersecurity.

Entrepreneurial Advice from the Field

In the podcast, Mat also spoke directly to aspiring business owners and young entrepreneurs.

His advice? Don't wait for perfect conditions. Think through the worst-case scenario, then get out there and start. He emphasized the power of community—showing up, making connections, and simply being present in the local business ecosystem.

That mindset helped Mat quickly build roots in Seattle and scale CyberStreams' presence in Austin. It's also the same mindset that drives how CyberStreams serves its clients: Be proactive. Show up. Solve problems.

Why Austin?

Beyond business, Mat shared his love for the Austin vibe—its sunshine, live music, and big ideas. The city may be smaller than some other tech hubs, but its innovation scene is mighty. And for CyberStreams, it's become a second home base with a community that embraces smart growth, creative thinking, and local relationships.

Tune In to the Full Conversation

Mat Kordell's journey—from launching a managed IT company in Seattle to expanding CyberStreams into Austin's dynamic tech scene—is packed with insights for business leaders, IT professionals, and up-and-coming entrepreneurs alike. On Austin Tech Connect, he shares what it really takes to build trust in a new market, why delegation is critical to growth, and how staying ahead in cybersecurity is a full-time job.

Catch the full episode here.