What are zero-trust security startups?

To break it down in a simpler way, think of zero-trust security startups as companies that create a new way of protecting your digital “house.” Instead of just having a strong front door, they’re like having a door to every room, and everyone needs to show their ID card before entering each room, every single time. This approach addresses business security risks by ensuring that even if an intruder manages to go past the initial defenses, they won’t be able to access sensitive data without proper authorization, which significantly boosts overall security.

Top zero-trust security startups

Complete list of the most zero-trust security startups that are worth knowing:

Authomize

Founded in 2019, Authomize is a cybersecurity company that helps protect organizations against hacking and breaches involving user identities. Their platform called ITDR gathers and standardizes identity data across an organization’s cloud services, apps, and identity access tools.

By centralizing identity information, Authomize can detect risky user activities, access issues, and policy violations. Their system establishes patterns for normal behavior so abnormalities stand out. Security teams can use Authomize to investigate problems like compromised accounts or data theft by tracing all user actions.

Airgap Networks

Founded in 2019, Airgap Networks is a cybersecurity company providing innovative “zero trust” technology to stop hackers from spreading inside computer systems. Their product, called Zero Trust Network Access Everywhere (ZTNae), takes a unique approach to secure businesses.

Airgap’s technology keeps adding advanced features for threat prevention and detection as hacking techniques evolve. Their innovation and fast implementation of comprehensive zero-trust security are gaining attention as high-profile breaches hit headlines. With an expanding customer base relying on their ZTNae platform, Airgap aims to revolutionize enterprise security from the inside out.

Elisity

Founded in 2018, Elisity is a cybersecurity company that offers a zero-trust access solution for businesses. Their product provides secure access control by using identity-based segmentation. This means access rights to sensitive data or systems are granted based on verifying each user’s identity and trust level.

The Elisity platform uses artificial intelligence to assess risk levels associated with different users and devices trying to access company resources. Their software acts like an intelligent gatekeeper, only letting in users who have verified identities and authorizations. Any suspicious or abnormal activity triggers alerts.

Mesh Security

Founded in 2021, Mesh Security offers a software platform to help businesses strengthen their cybersecurity using a “zero trust” approach. Zero trust means continually checking and confirming access instead of just letting users in once.

The Mesh platform acts as command central for applying zero-trust controls across all of a company’s security tools, apps, and cloud services. Regardless of the specific cybersecurity stack, Mesh gives unified visibility and control. Companies can implement consistent safeguards for maximum protection.

NXM Labs

Founded in 2016, NXM Labs focuses on “zero trust” cybersecurity for Internet of Things (IoT) devices and networks. Zero trust means never trusting a device or user in the system by default verification is always required. NXM offers security solutions to automate the protection of IoT networks scaling to thousands of devices.

Their technology can onboard new devices securely without needing to touch or configure each one individually. This “zero-touch” approach saves costs for large networks. NXM Labs solutions integrate identity management, encryption, and access policies to monitor all IoT activity for threats. Abnormal behavior triggers automated responses to prevent breaches.

Ory

Founded in 2019, Ory is a cybersecurity startup focused on zero-trust identity and access management. Their cloud platform called Ory Cloud helps companies control access to applications and data by verifying user identities. Ory uses open-source identity and authorization tools built on open standards to provide flexible security options. Companies can integrate Ory into their existing systems like cloud platforms and internal apps.

Once installed, Ory authenticates employee and customer identities before allowing access attempts. It checks multiple factors like passwords, fingerprints or security keys to verify users. Granular permission policies then authorize or restrict what verified users can access based on their roles.

Resiliant

Founded in 2019, Resiliant is a cybersecurity startup focused on digital identity and access management. Their main product is an identity and access system called ICAM powered by blockchain technology. At the core of Resiliant’s ICAM platform is their proprietary digital identity token called the IdNFT. It uses encryption on the blockchain to assign users a secure credential that proves their identity across systems and services. This allows passwordless authentication that is both convenient and more hack-proof.

The IdNFT acts like a digital passport allowing access only to appropriate accounts and data. Resiliant’s system integrates with existing IT infrastructure to strengthen identity policies and reduce risks. It provides a full audit trail showing who accessed what and when across an organization.

Surf Security

Founded in 2021, Surf Security developed a secure web browser based on chromium technology for safe browsing at organizations. Their zero-trust browser bolsters security by isolating and restricting website access to prevent attacks and data theft. Unlike VPNs that route traffic through a single tunnel, Surf sandboxed every tab and site into discrete microenvironments.

This containment means one compromised webpage can’t infect the browser or launch larger attacks. Granular controls neutralize threats while allowing normal browsing. The Surf browser also protects user privacy from prying employers. Browsing history, downloads, bookmarks, and other activities stay on the user’s device so staff can work freely without feeling monitored. Surf enables security policies while still ensuring personal privacy.

Tailscale

Founded in 2021, Tailscale is a company that offers secure networking software for businesses. Their goal is to connect devices remotely while protecting company data. Tailscale’s software uses WireGuard technology to create encrypted connections between devices – whether phones, laptops, or servers. This means employees can access internal systems no matter where they are. The software runs silently in the background to keep connections private.

Unlike virtual private network (VPN) tools, Tailscale doesn’t route all traffic. It only establishes secure links needed to access company tools and apps. This zero-trust approach limits access to verify what can connect.

TrueFort

Founded in 2015, TrueFort provides cybersecurity software to stop threats from spreading within networks and cloud environments. Their technology specifically blocks lateral movement which is when hackers infiltrate and then navigate internal systems to extract data or take control.

TrueFort Cloud secures cloud infrastructure and identities by preventing abuse of service accounts. These administrator-type logins manage servers and are often targets. TrueFort locks down credentials and entitlements to deny access propagation. They also sniff out suspicious internal activities like unusual user account access or application installs that signal an intruder.

Worldr

Founded in 2019, Worldr is a cybersecurity startup that develops zero-trust protection for messaging and collaboration platforms used by companies. Zero-trust means their products continuously check and authorize every access attempt rather than assume people or systems should automatically have entry.

Worldr’s security tools integrate seamlessly with apps like Slack or Zoom. Employees simply download a plugin to enable extra encryption, access controls, and monitoring that prevents data leakage. Behind the simple user experience is a complex security network that gives companies oversight similar to in-house applications.

Xage Security

Xage Security is a company that provides cybersecurity for industrial Internet-of-things (IoT) devices and systems. Their software focuses on a “zero trust” approach tailored to securing operational technology and IT infrastructure.

Operational technology refers to hardware and software running machinery, factories, energy utilities, and other industrial sites. Xage gives operators visibility and control to manage IoT and edge devices remotely. Their platform authenticates user access and communication between equipment using identity policies and encryption. This “zero trust” strategy locks down OT systems by default and grants the least privileged access to operate them.

Tigera

Founded in 2016, Tigera is a cybersecurity startup that helps businesses protect their cloud infrastructure that uses Kubernetes technology. Kubernetes helps companies manage and deploy cloud applications. Tigera offers cloud security tools tailored to Kubernetes environments deployed on public, private, or multi-cloud platforms. Their software integrates directly with Kubernetes to give users more control and visibility over security.

Tigera provides a zero-trust approach called “secure by default” that locks down cloud access and workloads. Their tools also automate security policies and compliance reporting. By integrating natively with Kubernetes, installation and management are simplified.

InfraOpS

Founded in 2017, InfraOpS is a cybersecurity startup that helps companies implement zero-trust network access without needing to overhaul their existing IT systems. Their product is a router and firewall solution that provides zero-trust capabilities to enable stronger security. The InfraOpS zero-trust router sits inside a company’s computer network to monitor all traffic flowing between users, servers, and applications. Their next-generation firewall software analyzes activity to identify suspicious access attempts that could indicate a breach.

Unlike traditional firewalls that blindly trust anyone already inside the network perimeter, InfraOpS takes a zero-trust approach – meaning no user or device is trusted by default, regardless of location. This stops attackers from exploiting blind spots to spread malware or steal data by questioning every network transaction.

VIBE Cybersecurity

Founded in 2024, VIBE Cybersecurity is a startup working on new encryption and authentication technology for better security in digital communications. They are developing an advanced system of protecting messages and data transfers without needing traditional digital certificates.

Their technology allows dynamic encryption keys to be exchanged without prior shared certificates to validate the keys – instead, the keys themselves have encrypted validation data embedded. This certificate-less approach speeds up secure connections since keys can be created on the fly without central certificate authorities.

Teleport

Founded in 2015, Teleport provides an open-source software platform that helps organizations manage access controls for their IT infrastructure, apps, and data stored in the cloud. Their platform acts as a single access gateway so security teams can easily audit and authorize usage across all computing resources.

In the past, maintaining consistent security standards and logging actions across in-house servers, multiple cloud accounts, and various applications could be a major challenge. Teleport consolidates identity and access management into one unified control panel for traditional and cloud IT resources. Using their software, IT admins can create and enforce access policies, monitor activity, and block unauthorized actions across all company systems from a single location.

BastionZero

Founded in 2017, BastionZero is a cybersecurity company that offers a secure remote access service for businesses. Their product Bastion provides a VPN gateway that protects access to a company’s servers, containers, and cloud infrastructure. The Bastion service features controls to prevent unauthorized logins even if credentials are compromised.

It includes SSH key management, integration with single sign-on systems, and the ability to automatically detect servers and assets that need protection. BastionZero tracks all sessions to detect attacks and attempted break-ins. The platform can block known hacker tools and tactics to stop intrusions. Detailed monitoring provides information to trace the source of any malicious access attempts.

Enclave Networks

Founded in 2020, Enclave Networks is a company that develops secure access solutions for businesses’ networks and devices. Their product provides “zero trust” access control that constantly checks identities and permissions before allowing connections. The Enclave platform automates setting up and managing private peer-to-peer networks within a company. These networks only allow access to pre-approved users and devices. Traffic flows directly device-to-device encrypted without routing through a central point.

This approach prevents unauthorized access or sniffing out devices to target. IT teams can instantly spin up new private networks with defined policies rather than managing rules firewall by firewall. Networks configure themselves based on the roles and requirements of the users and systems involved.

FileFlex

Founded in 2016, FileFlex is a secure file-sharing and collaboration service that allows users to easily manage, access, and control their files from anywhere. Created by software company Qnext, FileFlex lets people share documents and work together on projects with efficient features and tightened security.

Designed for robust enterprise information protection, FileFlex lets IT departments grant and monitor staff access. Audit logs track each user’s activity so security teams can watch for suspicious behavior. With robust controls suitable for regulated data plus easy collaboration tools workers already enjoy, FileFlex bridges convenience and compliance.

StrongDM

Founded in 2015, StrongDM offers a solution for securing access to sensitive data and systems called Continuous Zero Trust Authorization. This goes beyond regular access controls that just verify a user’s identity. It also checks the context of each access request to spot risky behaviors in real-time.

For example, StrongDM can notice if a database admin usually works from a particular office, but now tries to access payroll data remotely. Or if an engineer suddenly downloads terabytes of proprietary code. By tracking what is “normal” access and what’s suspicious, StrongDM can block potential threats while they happen.

OKTA Identity Cloud

Founded in 2009, OKTA offers a cloud service called Identity Cloud that helps companies manage user accounts and access. It comes in two main products – Customer Identity Cloud and Workforce Identity Cloud.
The Customer Identity Cloud handles user login for a company’s clients and website visitors. It allows secure access without complex passwords. The Workforce Identity Cloud does the same for employee accounts across all the apps and devices that a company’s team uses.

Both OKTA products create a single hub for identity management, applying consistent security policies across a business. Accounts stay synced as users move between devices, networks, and locations. Features like single sign-on and multi-factor authentication boost security with less hassle for users.

BeyondTrust

Founded in 1985, BeyondTrust is a cybersecurity company that provides various zero-trust security tools for access control and endpoint protection. Their products cover important parts of zero trust security, including identity management, privileged access, and endpoint protection.

However, BeyondTrust sells these as separate modules that each require their own purchase and deployment. Implementing their full suite of zero-trust offerings can get complex and costly compared to more integrated platforms.

Conclusion

As the market matures, we’re likely to see consolidation, with larger security vendors acquiring innovative startups to enhance their zero-trust capabilities. The startups that survive independently will be those that can scale effectively while continuing to innovate in areas like AI-driven threat detection, automated policy enforcement, and seamless integration with existing enterprise systems.

What are AI hardware startups?

AI hardware startups are companies that develop specialized computer chips and processors specifically designed for artificial intelligence workloads. Think of it this way, if regular computer chips are like all-purpose kitchen knives that can do many jobs okay, AI hardware is like a professional chef’s knife that’s perfect for specific tasks. Well, these startups are creating chips that can handle AI tasks much better than regular computer chips, kind of like how a sports car performs better on a race track than a regular car.

Top AI hardware startups

Complete list of the most AI hardware startups that are worth knowing:

SambaNova

Founded in 2017, SambaNova is a startup that builds advanced hardware and software for AI and data analytics. Their technology helps companies process very large data sets and run complex machine-learning models efficiently.

Many traditional computing systems struggle with massive-scale AI development and modeling. SambaNova designs integrated systems from the chips up specifically for the unique demands of machine learning. This allows much faster data training and analysis versus other cloud services or enterprise servers.

Cerebras Systems

Founded in 2016, Cerebras Systems makes specialized computer hardware to speed up deep learning artificial intelligence. They manufacture the Cerebras CS-1 system for organizations working with complex neural networks. At the core of the CS-1 is the Wafer-Scale Engine (WSE), the largest computer processor ever built. The WSE provides immense computing power by covering an entire silicon wafer, enabling more cores and memory than multiple traditional chips combined.

This specialized hardware runs deep learning models orders of magnitude faster than legacy servers. The CS-1 system is designed expressly to optimize neural network training and inference used for AI applications like image recognition, prediction, and natural language processing.

Lightmatter

Founded in 2017, Lightmatter is a startup developing next-generation computer chips that are extremely fast and energy efficient. They aim to power advances in AI, computing, and greener technologies. Standard computer chips rely on silicon transistors. But Lightmatter uses photons that transmit data at lightspeed while using minimal electricity. This photonics-based architecture allows their chips to perform calculations faster using less energy.

By moving AI and supercomputing to Lightmatter’s optimized hardware, researchers can accelerate discoveries. Companies can drive innovations faster to market in areas like drug development, materials science, and automation. More powerful, efficient computing also supports environmental goals by curbing energy waste.

Celestial AI

Founded in 2020, Celestial AI is a technology company working on faster data transmission between computer chips and components. They are developing optical interconnect technology which uses light instead of electricity to transfer information. Inside computers, data gets passed around between processors, memory, storage, and more. Celestial AI’s optical links offer faster communication speeds between these components compared to traditional electrical connections. Beams of light can transmit more data faster.

Specifically, their technology enables quicker transmittal of data compute-to-compute, compute-to-memory, and even on-chip communication flows. By removing processing bottlenecks, overall performance improves. Their optical interconnects will enable things like better on-chip cache memory access.

SiMa.ai

Founded in 2018, SiMa.ai is a technology startup focused on machine learning hardware and software designed for edge devices. Edge refers to computing done locally on devices instead of in the cloud. SiMa.ai is creating an ultra-low-power chip and software platform specifically for machine learning on edge devices like smartphones, wearables, and sensors. Because it happens on-device, edge machine learning needs to function with minimal power to preserve battery life.

The SiMa.ai solution enables advanced AI features for things like image recognition, voice control, and predictive user experiences without quickly draining batteries. Their processors handle intensive machine learning in an efficient, compact form.

Enfabrica

Founded in 2020, Enfabrica is a company that builds high-performance networking hardware optimized for artificial intelligence (AI) systems. As AI models become more complex, the computer networks that connect them need to transmit huge amounts of data quickly and reliably. Enfabrica offers networking solutions designed specifically for machine learning infrastructure across organizations. Their products are tailored to handle the immense data demands of deep learning and advanced analytics applications.

The hardware Enfabrica develops focuses on fast data retrieval which allows AI algorithms to train faster. Their networking gear features innovative chip technology to speed information flows from storage drives to compute cores, especially in big data environments.

EdgeQ

Founded in 2018, EdgeQ is a tech startup that’s developing new computer chips specialized for 5G networks and artificial intelligence. Their chips integrate both 5G communications technology along AI computing power into a single piece of hardware. Today most AI uses cloud data centers which have lag times. EdgeQ aims to eliminate that delay by putting intelligent computing directly into the 5G network at the “edge.” This allows AI algorithms to tap real-time data and then control near-instant response systems. Self-driving vehicles are a key use case.

The EdgeQ chips feature fully customizable software so they can be programmed for different roles post-manufacture. This versatile architecture maximizes utilization whether chips support a wireless carrier site, factory IoT devices, or telemetry sensors. As needs evolve, software adjustments retool the hardware.

Esperanto Technologies

Founded in 2014, Esperanto Technologies creates fast, energy-efficient computer chips and servers that power artificial intelligence (AI) applications. They build their hardware using RISC-V, an open standard system different from commonly used architectures today like x86. RISC-V gives computer chip builders more freedom to customize designs for optimal performance. Esperanto uses this flexibility to enhance speed and efficiency specifically for machine learning and AI computing workloads. Their RISC-V chips deliver top results in processing complex neural networks and modeling used in AI.

While AI holds great promise, it requires powerful computers to crunch vast data for self-learning algorithms. Esperanto’s innovation increases access to that needed computing strength through affordable, high-speed hardware. Their systems help companies deploy AI sooner to unlock insights and automation from big data.

Kinara

Founded in 2022, Kinara makes artificial intelligence chips and software to enable real-time decision-making in smart devices and gateways. Their Ara edge AI processors optimize energy efficiency so responsive AI can run even on low-power gadgets like phones or WiFi routers.

The Kinara technology is built around a patented design they call Polymorphic Dataflow Architecture. This allows AI computing to adapt in real-time based on the situation rather than running predetermined models. Paired with their comprehensive Ara software toolkit, this hardware can accelerate all types of AI applications.

LeapMind

Founded in 2012, LeapMind is a technology company working on new kinds of chip designs to run artificial intelligence software more efficiently. Specifically, they are creating hardware optimized for neural networks a type of AI model that mimics how the human brain works. Neural networks require lots of computing power. LeapMind is inventing chip architecture that allows AI processing at low power, which is important for applications like self-driving cars or mobile robots. Their chips aim to handle complex neural net algorithms that demand high-speed parallel execution.

Traditional CPUs are not fit for such intensive AI computation. By building chips from the ground up for neural networks, LeapMind can maximize performance per watt. This allows AI to run on small devices without overheating while still supplying the speed that advanced machine learning requires.

BrainChip

Founded in 2011, BrainChip is a company that makes software and hardware to speed up artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Their products help developers build and run complex AI apps and systems much faster.

BrainChip offers advanced AI processor chips that rapidly crunch data instead of relying only on graphics cards or cloud servers. This allows machine learning algorithms, neural networks, and smart vision features to function in real time without delays. Their optimized design allows fast, affordable AI capabilities to get embedded into devices like home electronics, medical tools, drones, and cars.

Ambient Scientific

Founded in 2017, Ambient Scientific builds ultra-low-power AI chips used in devices like smartphones, wearables, and smart home products. Their processors help give gadgets more intelligence to respond to voice commands, identify images, understand gestures, and more, all without draining batteries. Many companies want to add AI features like digital assistants to their products.

However current AI chip options use too much energy for small battery-powered devices. Ambient Scientific designed miniaturized neural network processors that enable on-device inferencing while using very minimal power. This allows companies to embed AI and machine learning into all kinds of mobile, portable, and battery-powered electronics. For example, a security camera could now recognize faces without needing an internet connection. Or wireless earbuds could respond to voice even if your phone is off.

Boulder AI

Founded in 2017, Boulder AI assists other businesses in implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision technology. They have expertise in AI software, hardware design, and deploying vision systems.

Boulder AI works with clients who want to integrate AI and cameras or sensors to improve operations, catch issues, or gain insights from visual data. Example applications could include automated quality control in factories, smart video security systems, or analyzing customer behavior in stores.

DataCrunch

Founded in 2020, DataCrunch aims to simplify access to specialized infrastructure for AI experimentation and deployment in Southeast Asia. By taking care of enabling performance hardware and software, The ML Cloud lets users focus efforts on machine learning while DataCrunch handles flexible provisioning and management.

For data scientists or companies without expansive local GPU infrastructure, The ML Cloud delivers flexible access to high-powered systems. Users can run machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch on-demand. Configurations scale from single GPU nodes to multi-node clusters to parallelize intensive computations.

Graphcore

Founded in 2016, Graphcore is trying to keep AI progress from stagnating. Their IPU hardware and Poplar software give ML engineers, academics, and forward-thinking companies a new foundation to achieve the next AI breakthrough or business insight. Graphcore is democratizing access to tomorrow’s computing power today. With wider reach, the boundaries of what’s possible with AI expand even faster.

Existing PCs and servers use computer processors that weren’t built with AI tasks in mind. Graphcore’s IPUs are specifically architected to handle how neural networks learn and make predictions via massive parallel calculation. That means IPUs can deliver better performance for AI applications.

Syntiant

Founded in 2017, Syntiant fits powerful machine learning technology into tiny, optimized semiconductors ideal for size and power-limited IoT gadgets. Their advanced local inference enables responsive “thinking at the edge.” Whether in kitchen gear, vehicles, wearables, or elsewhere, Syntiant’s edge AI gives products more responsiveness and intelligence.

Syntiant’s NDPs process speech and audio directly on the device instead of having to route it to the cloud first. This allows more immediate and natural interactions for tasks like activating smart home systems. Their chips reduce the costs and connectivity needs of integrating edge devices with cloud platforms.

Ambarella

Founded in 2004, Ambarella designs advanced video chip technology for cameras and high-resolution applications. They are a semiconductor company that develops specialized processing chips that enable high-definition and ultra-HD video compression as well as image processing.

Ambarella’s video compression chips help optimize streaming and recording of 4K and even 8K video feeds. This allows for super-sharp image capture with rich detail even with file sizes optimized for storage and sharing. The chips also enable smart image processing for features like computer vision and AI-powered analytics.

Mips

Founded in 1984, Mips built the way for RISC computing which is used across virtually all modern devices today. As one of the pioneering fabless semiconductor firms, Mips continues to shape technology’s future with processors that enhance communication, automation, entertainment, and more through computing everywhere around us.

Their chips power computation for things like engine systems, infotainment displays, mobile hotspots, routers, and smart home hubs. By optimizing chip performance per watt, Mips enables advanced functionality even for small, battery-powered gadgets. Mips processors are valued for their ability to deliver speed, security, and versatility through innovative instruction sets and microarchitectures. Their designs consistently push the boundaries of efficiency and real-world effectiveness.

Groq

Founded in 2016, Groq aims to propel innovation in AI by creating the underlying processor technology to enable the next generation of intelligent algorithms. As machine learning advances, it requires specialized hardware that can keep pace. Groq provides that foundation for transforming big data into meaningful insights faster. Their multi-core tensor streaming processors give both researchers and companies the rapid processing muscle that AI needs as it continues advancing.

The Groq chip cuts latency drastically so predictions happen in real-time. And by optimizing the hardware to only what’s essential for ML, their more streamlined design drives energy efficiency.

Habana Labs

Founded in 2016, Habana Labs makes specialized computer chips to speed up artificial intelligence systems. Their processors help companies train and run deep-learning models much faster. Habana’s main product is the Gaudi processor for AI training. It processes neural network data very efficiently. The Gaudi chip enables companies to train complex models in less time using fewer computing resources.

They also offer the Goya chip which focuses on efficient inference – making predictions from trained models. Goya allows deep learning systems to provide real-time results. For example, identifying objects in a video feed. Both the Gaudi and Goya processors deliver substantial AI performance gains over typical computer chips in data centers today. Habana’s hardware is designed from the ground up to accommodate advanced neural networks.

ProteanTecs

Founded in 2017, ProteanTecs aims to fundamentally change quality assurance for the connected world of electronics. By observing chips in action, their technology provides the feedback engineers need to create and maintain more robust systems. From spotting flaws sooner to extending lifespan with preventative intervention, ProteanTecs helps electronics deliver durability at scale through the power of data.

The UCT cloud platform translates sensor readings into predictive analytics that pinpoint when and where a chip may be degrading over time. Monitoring performance down to the transistor level allows unprecedented visibility into the health of critical server, data center, car, phone, and IoT electronics.

Conclusion

Since traditional CPU and GPU architectures are almost near their limits, these AI hardware startups are building new roads in computing. While competing against tech giants like NVIDIA and Intel is quite challenging, these startups’ specialized solutions and targeted AI applications are offering promising opportunities to disrupt the market and redefine how we build and deploy AI systems.