Lakera, a prominent GenAI security company, recently secured $20 million in a Series A funding round, bringing their total funding to $30 million. This funding round was led by European VC Atomico, with investments from Citi Ventures, Dropbox Ventures, and existing investors like Redalpine. With this financial boost, Lakera cements its position as a frontrunner in securing GenAI applications, a crucial aspect in the rapidly evolving global economy.
The rise of GenAI technology has been forecasted to see a significant increase in enterprise adoption, with more than 80% of businesses expected to utilize GenAI or GenAI-enabled applications by 2026. This surge in usage also brings forth the pressing need for robust security measures to mitigate AI-specific risks. Lakera’s platform is poised to meet this escalating demand as companies strive to harness the potential of GenAI safely and effectively.
While GenAI has the potential to contribute trillions to the global GDP annually, cybersecurity remains a major concern. The adoption of these advanced technologies exposes businesses to new and complex threats that traditional cybersecurity tools struggle to address adequately. This gap underscores the importance of security solutions tailored to address GenAI-specific risks, ensuring that businesses can fully capitalize on the benefits of AI without compromising on security.
David Haber, Lakera’s Founder and CEO, emphasizes the urgency of evolving cybersecurity measures in the face of GenAI advancements. He highlights the need for real-time AI security solutions that continuously adapt to evolving threats while maintaining seamless user experiences. This approach is essential in a landscape where cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent.
Lakera’s comprehensive AI security strategy offers multiple benefits to enterprises, including seamless protection for AI applications, proactive threat intelligence to stay ahead of evolving risks, and centralized deployment of security controls. The company’s innovative approach aligns with the current shift towards GenAI adoption, where applications are user-directed through natural language interfaces. Lakera’s real-time AI security solutions are designed to complement these user interactions without compromising on security.
One of Lakera’s unique assets is Gandalf, an AI educational platform that serves as the world’s largest AI red team. With over 250 thousand users globally, including industry giants like Microsoft, Gandalf continuously generates a database of AI threats, enabling Lakera to provide real-time protection to its customers. This proactive approach, combined with the company’s expertise in developing AI systems, allows Lakera’s clients to proactively address emerging threats and deliver exceptional user experiences.
Atomico Partner Sasha Vidoborskiy, who is set to join Lakera’s board, commended the company’s impressive commercial traction and its ability to attract top-tier clients. The endorsement from leading companies like Dropbox underscores Lakera’s value proposition in the market. Donald Tucker, Head of Corporate Development and Ventures at Dropbox, expressed their commitment to investing in Lakera to enhance their cybersecurity measures with cutting-edge technology.
Looking ahead, Lakera plans to utilize the funds from this round to further enhance its product offerings and expand its presence in the US market. With a strong foothold in Silicon Valley, Lakera is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced GenAI security solutions in the tech industry.
In conclusion, Lakera’s recent funding milestone underscores the critical role of robust security measures in enabling the safe adoption of cutting-edge technologies like GenAI. As businesses increasingly rely on AI for innovation and growth, cybersecurity solutions like Lakera play a vital role in safeguarding against emerging threats and ensuring a secure digital environment for users worldwide.