Tammi Hayes turns a global career into a cybersecurity venture fund

Influential Women is spotlighting Tammi Hayes, founder and president of Capital Strategies Group, whose path from Cold War Moscow to Boston cybersecurity boardrooms shaped a career in investment banking, private equity, and advisory work. Hayes plans to launch Keelhaven Ventures in early 2027 and commit 20% of the fund to women-founded or women-led companies.

Why it matters: - Tammi Hayes is moving from advising cybersecurity companies to backing them, with a new fund aimed at early-stage startups at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI and quantum. - Her planned capital allocation for women-led companies could add more funding to founders who often face barriers to access. - Hayes has built a career around enterprise sales, partnerships, M&A and exits, making her next move relevant to both operators and investors in the sector.

What happened: - Influential Women spotlighted Tammi Hayes on October 1, 2026. - Hayes is founder and president of Capital Strategies Group, a Boston-based advisory firm focused on early- and growth-stage cybersecurity companies. - Hayes plans to launch Keelhaven Ventures in early 2027. - Keelhaven Ventures will focus on early-stage companies at the convergence of cybersecurity, AI and quantum.

The details: - Hayes grew up inspired by her mother, who became the first policewoman in Massachusetts in 1977. - After her mother died when Hayes was young, Hayes says she resolved to live fully in her mother’s honor. - In 1989, while an undergraduate at Syracuse University, Hayes studied in Moscow during the final years of the Soviet Union. - During her MBA studies at Georgetown University, Hayes studied at the University of Nairobi in Kenya. - Capital Strategies Group helps cybersecurity companies build enterprise sales, form strategic partnerships, and navigate M&A and exits. - Hayes has spent more than two decades across the deal lifecycle, including venture fundraising and investment banking advisory. - Hayes has helped guide several private cybersecurity companies through acquisitions by major public companies. - Her background includes work as a partner at Good Harbor Consulting on homeland security and critical infrastructure. - Hayes also held leadership roles at RSA Security. - Hayes co-founded Futuris Capital, a $22 million private equity fund that produced multiple successful exits. - Hayes now serves as a board advisor to cybersecurity and technology companies. - Hayes speaks frequently on cybersecurity strategy and enterprise AI adoption. - She was named one of SC Media’s “Women to Watch” in 2025. - Twenty percent of Keelhaven Ventures will be invested in women-founded or women-led companies. - Hayes is a member of Boston Women Leaders. - Hayes advises young women to be confident, use their voice, advocate for themselves, and set boundaries when needed. - Hayes says strong leadership should still be rooted in kindness and professionalism.

Between the lines: - Hayes’ story blends personal resilience with sector expertise, which can help her stand out in a crowded venture market. - Her emphasis on women founders suggests Keelhaven Ventures will pair a thesis-driven investment strategy with a clear inclusion mandate. - The planned fund launch signals a transition from operator and advisor to active capital allocator.

What's next: - Hayes is expected to launch Keelhaven Ventures in early 2027. - The fund’s initial bets are likely to target startups building around cybersecurity, AI and quantum. - Hayes is also likely to continue board advisory and public speaking work while building the new firm.

The bottom line: - Hayes is turning decades of cybersecurity and finance experience into a new fund with a specific focus on emerging technology and women-led companies. - More information is available through Tammi Hayes’ Influential Women profile.