UK AI Startup Harmonic Secures $7 Million in Funding
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UK startup Harmonic Security has recently raised $7 million to develop technology aimed at ensuring the security of generative AI deployments in enterprises. Headquartered in London and San Francisco, Harmonic's mission is to address the issue of unregulated AI applications misusing corporate data.
This seed-stage funding was led by Ten Eleven Ventures, an investment firm actively supporting cybersecurity startups. Additionally, Storm Ventures and several other leaders in the cybersecurity field also participated in this funding round.
Harmonic is entering an increasingly crowded field of AI-focused cybersecurity startups looking to capitalize on the widespread adoption of AI and LLMs (Large Language Models) in enterprises. Recently, a series of emerging startups, such as CalypsoAI (which raised $23 million) and HiddenLayer (which raised $50 million), have secured substantial funding to help enterprises secure their generative AI deployments.
Alastair Paterson, founder of Harmonic (who previously led Digital Shadows to a $160 million acquisition by ReliaQuest/KKR), stated that their technology promises to provide enterprises with a complete picture of generative AI adoption, offering risk assessments for all AI applications and identifying potential compliance, security, or privacy issues.
The company also cited a Gartner study showing that 55% of global enterprises are piloting or using generative AI, but most applications are unregulated, with no clear policies on how data is used, where it is transmitted, or its security.
Harmonic explained: "Harmonic provides risk assessments for all AI applications to identify high-risk AI services that could lead to compliance, security, or privacy issues. This approach means organizations can control access to AI applications as needed, including selectively blocking the upload of sensitive content without requiring rules or exact matches."