Aikido Raises $17 Million to Empower Developers with Security Platform
In today’s digital landscape, every startup and developer faces the daunting task of ensuring the security of their platforms and data. Aikido, a Belgian startup, has emerged as a champion for developers, offering a no-nonsense, open-source security platform tailored to their unique needs.
Recognizing the gap in developer-centric security tools, Aikido has raised $17 million in Series A funding led by Singular. This investment will fuel the further development and expansion of its innovative platform.
Willem Delbare, Aikido’s founder and CTO, emphasizes the paradigm shift in Aikido’s approach: “We believe the buyer and the user should be the same person – the developer. Our platform is free from the complexities and bloat that plague other security tools.”
Aikido sets itself apart with its freemium model and commitment to open sourcing. This strategy fosters flexibility, affordability, and rapid innovation. Additionally, Aikido’s focus on reducing alert noise and false positives ensures that developers are only notified of critical security issues.
“We aggressively triage alerts to cut noise and false positives,” explains Delbare. “We understand that developers want to focus on building features, not deciphering endless security alerts.”
The company’s traction is evident in its 3,000 small-to-midsize customers. Aikido’s unique approach and Ghent headquarters set it apart in a security industry dominated by Israeli and U.S. incumbents.
Delbare emphasizes Aikido’s long-term vision: “We’re not building a single-feature product to be acquired. Our goal is to create a substantial customer base and generate revenue through our platform.”
The Series A funding round also includes participation from Notion Capital and Connect Ventures, who co-led the previous seed round. The funding will empower Aikido to continue its mission of empowering developers with the tools they need to protect their platforms and data effectively.
As the network security software market continues to grow, reaching an estimated $27.33 billion in 2024, the need for developer-centric security solutions like Aikido becomes increasingly crucial. The company’s focus on collaboration, innovation, and ease of use will undoubtedly contribute to its success in this rapidly evolving landscape.