Mindgard Secures $8 Million to Revolutionize AI Security Testing
Mindgard, a trailblazer in AI security, has successfully raised $8 million in funding to advance its cutting-edge solutions and expand operations into the U.S. market. This funding round was spearheaded by .406 Ventures with additional contributions from Atlantic Bridge, Willowtree Investments, and existing investors IQ Capital and Lakestar. The investment will accelerate Mindgard’s research and development efforts, as well as fuel its North American expansion, with a leadership presence established in Boston.
Newly appointed executives, Dave Ganly, a former Director of Product at Twilio, and Fergal Glynn, previously CMO at Next DLP, are set to play pivotal roles in driving product innovation and marketing strategies. Their expertise is expected to bolster Mindgard’s presence in the rapidly growing AI security market.
Addressing the Complex Risks of AI
The rise of AI technology has introduced a host of unique security challenges that traditional tools are ill-equipped to handle. A Gartner report highlights a concerning statistic: 29% of enterprises deploying AI systems have experienced security breaches, yet only 10% of internal auditors possess visibility into AI-related risks. These issues are compounded by vulnerabilities such as large language model (LLM) prompt injections and jailbreaks, which exploit the probabilistic and opaque nature of AI, often surfacing only during runtime.
Mindgard is tackling these challenges head-on with its innovative Dynamic Application Security Testing for AI (DAST-AI) solution. This industry-leading technology is specifically designed to identify and mitigate AI-specific risks that emerge during runtime. The platform empowers security teams, developers, and red teamers to secure AI systems without interrupting existing workflows, ensuring robust protection throughout the AI lifecycle.
Shaping the Future of Secure AI
Mindgard’s DAST-AI solution offers continuous security testing and automated AI red teaming, making AI security both actionable and auditable. By integrating seamlessly into existing automation pipelines, the platform enables businesses to proactively address AI vulnerabilities while maintaining operational efficiency.
Greg Dracon, Partner at .406 Ventures, emphasized the critical nature of this innovation, stating, “The rapid adoption of AI has introduced new and complex security risks that traditional tools cannot address. Mindgard’s innovative approach equips security teams and developers with the tools they need to deliver secure AI systems. We are thrilled to partner with them in leading this emerging market.”
Dr. Peter Garraghan, CEO of Mindgard and Professor at Lancaster University, added, “The way security risks manifest within AI is fundamentally different from traditional software. Drawing on a decade of AI security research, Mindgard was founded to tackle this challenge. We’re proud to lead the charge toward creating a safer, more secure future for AI.”
About Mindgard
Founded at Lancaster University and backed by over 10 years of AI security research, Mindgard has emerged as a leader in Artificial Intelligence Security Testing. The company’s award-winning DAST-AI solution delivers comprehensive security testing, automated red teaming, and enhanced risk visibility across the AI lifecycle. For more information, visit mindgard.ai.
For companies navigating AI security challenges, tools like Mindgard’s DAST-AI are indispensable. As the AI landscape evolves, it’s crucial to ensure responsible innovation. To explore broader discussions on accountability and ethical practices in AI, check out Ensuring Responsible AI: A Path Toward Innovation and Accountability.
