A Rising Dilemma in the Tech Industry
Developers have a problem. It used to be the case that only large enterprises needed to worry themselves with security, but today, every startup is capable of holding huge amounts of customer data. This means developers across the board have to worry about how secure their platform is, and they often find themselves grappling with complicated tools to manage security.
A New Solution Emerge
Now, Aikido, a small startup in Ghent, Belgium, thinks it has an answer to that dilemma: A no-nonsense, open source, developer-facing security platform. And the startup has just raised a $17 million Series A to further build out its product.
A Unique Approach
"There have been security tools for three decades, but I think we’re the first where the buyer is also the user," said Pieter Danhieux, CEO and co-founder of Aikido. "We are focused on making security easy to use and accessible to all developers."
Aikido’s platform provides a comprehensive security solution that includes vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and incident response. The platform is designed to be easy to use, even for those who are not experienced in security.
The Growing Market
The network security software market is expected to increase from $24.21 billion in 2023 to $27.33 billion in 2024. At the same time, security risks are mutating and growing rapidly, with the average cost of a data breach reaching record highs of $4.45 million in 2023.
A Growing Need for Security Solutions
As more businesses move online, the need for robust security solutions is becoming increasingly important. Companies like Aikido are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and provide developers with the tools they need to keep their platforms secure.
Investors Back Aikido’s Vision
The round also saw participation from Notion Capital and Connect Ventures, both of which co-led the previous seed round. "We believe that Aikido is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for developer-focused security solutions," said a representative from Notion Capital.
A Bright Future Ahead
With its unique approach to security and its comprehensive platform, Aikido is poised to make a significant impact in the tech industry. As the market continues to grow and become increasingly complex, Aikido’s solution will be essential for developers looking to keep their platforms secure.
About Aikido
Aikido is a developer-focused security platform that provides comprehensive security solutions for businesses. Founded in 2020, Aikido has quickly gained attention from investors and industry experts alike. With its Series A funding, Aikido will continue to expand its product offerings and build out its team.
About the Author
Mike Butcher is Editor-at-large of TechCrunch. He has written for UK national newspapers and magazines and been named one of the most influential people in European technology by Wired UK. He has spoken at the World Economic Forum, Web Summit, and DLD.
