Cyber Guru, a cybersecurity awareness training platform based in Rome, has successfully closed a Series B funding round, raising $25 million, equivalent to €23 million. This investment was spearheaded by Riverside Acceleration Capital and saw participation from Educapital, Adara Ventures, and P101 Ventures. Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, necessitating advanced training methods to mitigate risks. Cyber Guru plans to use the funding to enhance their AI-driven contextual training capabilities and expand operations across Europe, aiming to strengthen organizations’ resilience to cyberattacks.
In a landscape marked by increasing cyber threats, Cyber Guru’s approach has been gaining attention. The company, established by Gianni Baroni in 2017, leverages a proprietary AI-powered machine learning model alongside behavioral science methodologies. This strategy aims to shift user behavior to serve as a formidable line of defense against cyber threats. The platform reports having over 700 clients, including both public and private sector entities, and it effectively trains more than one million users in over 90 countries. Historical data shows a consistent focus on using innovative technology to improve cybersecurity awareness, underscoring its evolution as a key player in this domain.
What Does Cyber Guru’s Platform Offer?
Cyber Guru’s platform is designed to train employees to be the first line of defense against cyber threats without hampering productivity. The platform employs AI-powered adaptive learning models to tailor training programs that address individual needs, making it highly effective in transforming user awareness and reducing human risk. It aims to create a robust human barrier against cybercrime by enhancing user engagement through automated learning paths.
Who Are the Investors and What Do They Say?
Riverside Acceleration Capital, a provider of flexible growth capital, led the investment. They have a history of supporting over 75 B2B software companies since their inception in 2016.
“We see tremendous value in Cyber Guru’s innovative approach to cybersecurity awareness, particularly their ability to deliver strong engagement rates through AI-driven automation and adaptive learning,” stated Christian Stein, Partner at Riverside Acceleration Capital.
Meanwhile, Educapital, a European venture fund focused on Edtech, has also shown confidence in Cyber Guru’s expansion potential.
“We’re proud to support Gianni and his team in their international expansion,” added Jonathan Denais, Investment Director at Educapital.
The new capital will support Cyber Guru’s aggressive expansion strategy in Europe, further enhancing their sales and marketing efforts. CEO Gianni Baroni emphasized the importance of this funding for their global scaling ambitions.
“Securing this investment…is a monumental step in our journey to scale internationally,” expressed Baroni.
The focus will remain on improving organizational resistance to cyberattacks by changing employee behavior using advanced learning methodologies.
The investment not only facilitates Cyber Guru’s expansion but also strengthens its position in the cybersecurity training market. Comparisons with past developments indicate a reinforced focus on utilizing AI and behavioral science, aligning with current industry trends towards adaptive learning. This alignment suggests a promising trajectory for Cyber Guru in becoming a European leader in security awareness training.
Cyber Guru’s latest funding round marks a significant step towards expanding their reach and capabilities in cybersecurity training. The company’s focus on AI-driven contextual training and scalable business strategies aims to address the increasing need for robust cybersecurity solutions. As organizations continue to face complex cyber threats, Cyber Guru’s platform appears well-positioned to provide essential tools for enhancing human resistance against these challenges.
