Knostic Secures $11 Million to Enhance AI Data Security
Deal News | Mar 05, 2025 | Bright Pixel
Knostic, a pioneering provider of need-to-know access controls for Generative AI, has successfully secured an $11 million investment to enhance enterprise large language models (LLMs). This funding round, led by Bright Pixel Capital, includes follow-ons from investors such as Silicon Valley CISO Investments (SVCI), DNX Ventures, and angel investors including Kevin Mahaffey and Gerhard Eschelbeck. Knostic aims to support enterprises in their AI transformation by adding a safety layer to tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot and Glean. Gadi Evron, Knostic's CEO, emphasized the critical need for their technology in protecting sensitive information shared by AI applications. The company's innovative approach allows LLM answers to be tailored to the business context, empowering enterprises to adopt AI securely. Knostic's technology has gained recognition at major industry events, including the 2024 RSA Conference and Black Hat Startup Spotlight. Bright Pixel Capital is known for investing in technology sectors, including cybersecurity. Knostic, founded by Gadi Evron and Sounil Yu, positions itself as a key player in providing AI safety in a rapidly digitalizing world.
Sectors
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence
Geography
- United States – The article involves U.S.-based investors and emphasizes the country's focus on cybersecurity and technology innovation through Knostic’s development.
Industry
- Cybersecurity – Knostic focuses on enhancing security measures for AI, particularly in deploying safe access controls for Large Language Models, which is a paramount concern in the cybersecurity sector.
- Artificial Intelligence – Knostic and its investors are heavily invested in advancing AI technologies and ensuring their safe integration within enterprises, contributing to the AI industry's growth.
Financials
- 11 million USD – The most recent funding amount raised by Knostic to enhance their AI security offering.
- 14 million USD – The total funding raised by Knostic to date, including recent investments.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knostic | Target company | Company | Knostic specializes in developing need-to-know access controls for Large Language Models, aiming to secure enterprise AI transformations. |
| Bright Pixel Capital | Lead investor | Company | Bright Pixel Capital is the technology investment arm of Sonae, focusing on sectors like cybersecurity and emerging technologies. |
| Silicon Valley CISO Investments (SVCI) | Investor | Company | SVCI is a cybersecurity-focused investment firm involving CISOs who evaluate and invest in innovative security solutions. |
| Gadi Evron | Co-founder and CEO | Person | Gadi Evron is the co-founder and CEO of Knostic, bringing extensive experience from previous roles at Citibank and PwC. |
| Sounil Yu | Co-founder and CTO | Person | Sounil Yu is the co-founder and CTO of Knostic with a background as a Chief Security Scientist at Bank of America. |
| Kevin Mahaffey | Angel investor | Person | Kevin Mahaffey, founder of Lookout, is an angel investor in Knostic. |
| Gerhard Eschelbeck | Angel investor | Person | Gerhard Eschelbeck, former CISO of Google, is an angel investor in Knostic. |