Lakera raises $20M for GenAI security solutions

Zurich generative AI security company Lakera has raised $20 million in Series A funding, bringing its total funding to $30 million. 

Traditional cyber tools are ill-equipped to address the novel dangers of generative AI. This creates a critical need for security solutions that address GenAI-specific risks, without which businesses cannot unlock AI's benefits.

According to David Haber, Founder and CEO of Lakera, the old cybersecurity techniques aren’t sufficient. 

“Enterprises now operate in a world where anyone who knows how to talk knows how to hack. Security solutions need to change but they can’t get in the way of user experience.

There is a need for real-time AI security solutions that continuously evolve and enable amazing user experiences.”

The security challenges of Generative AI

LLMs are subject to a range of vulnerabilities: 

• GenAI introduces prompt attacks as the most widely accessible hacking method. 
• Prompt attacks can easily be used to manipulate GenAI so that a malicious actor can gain unauthorised access to a company’s systems, steal confidential data, take unauthorised actions, and generate harmful content. 
• AI "sleeper agents" can lie dormant until activated for malicious purposes. 
• AI-targeted worms can bypass security measures, harvesting data and launching widespread attacks.
• Most alarmingly, researchers have shown the ability to jailbreak a million LLM agents with a single image in just 27-31 chat rounds.

Lakera’s real-time AI security does not compromise application interactivity. The company's API can be integrated with a single line of code, providing an ultra-low-latency security layer compatible with any GenAI model. Centralised controls allow security teams to customise application-specific policies and address emerging threats without code changes.

Gandalf teaches over one million users about AI security

The company also created Gandalf — an AI educational platform which serves as the world's largest AI red team. With over 250 thousand unique users worldwide, including companies such as Microsoft where it’s used in security training, Gandalf generates a real-time database of AI threats, which is growing by 100 thousand unique new attacks every day. It keeps Lakera’s software up to date, ensuring continuous protection for customers.

The 50+ million data points generated by Gandalf, combined with the founding team’s deep experience in building AI systems with real-time requirements, means Lakera’s customers can stay ahead of threats and deliver amazing user experiences.

Atomico led the funding, with participation from Citi Ventures, Dropbox Ventures, and existing investors including redalpine.
Atomico Partner Sasha Vidoborskiy, who will join Lakera's board, said:

"Lakera has seen impressive commercial pull, winning customers such as Dropbox and a top 3 US bank, and already having more than 35 per cent of Fortune 100 companies knock on their door."

“At Dropbox, ensuring the security of our systems and customers’ data is a top priority,” said Donald Tucker, Head of Corporate Development and Ventures at Dropbox.

“Lakera’s team has extensive expertise and a deep understanding of the complex security challenges companies are facing with LLMs and Generative AI. Their advanced technology is helping companies like Dropbox safeguard against vulnerabilities these new technologies pose.”

Lakera plans to use this funding round to invest further in its product development and expand its presence in the US, where it already has a foothold in Silicon Valley.

Lead image: Lakera. Photo: uncredited.