Ciphero, an enterprise AI security and verification company, has launched with a mission to close a widening security gap created by the rapid adoption of AI across workplaces and the lack of robust controls governing how those systems are used.
The company has raised $2.5m in an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round co-led by Sovereign’s Capital and Chingona Ventures, with the backing described as strategic given the firm’s early focus on enterprise-grade deployments.
Founded by Saoud Khalifah, previously the founder of Fakespot which was acquired by Mozilla in 2023, Ciphero is building what it describes as the first AI Verification Layer designed to dynamically capture, verify and govern all AI interactions across an organisation. The platform is designed to cover both human-driven and agentic AI use, including so-called Shadow AI, which often operates outside approved systems and policies.
Ciphero’s technology is positioned to help enterprises integrate AI into daily workflows while reducing the risk of sensitive data leakage and ensuring alignment with compliance standards such as SOC 2. The system provides visibility into which AI tools employees are using, how they are being used and whether those interactions comply with internal policies, while directing users towards approved AI channels.
The new funding will be used to continue product development, expand work with select design partners and support the rollout of Ciphero’s verification layer across enterprise environments. The company says this will help organisations secure AI usage at scale, encourage responsible adoption and identify areas where AI investment can safely be expanded.
The launch comes as organisations face growing pressure to manage AI risk. Ciphero cites widespread enterprise adoption of generative and agentic AI alongside limited governance frameworks, contributing to increased exposure to data loss and cybersecurity threats. Industry warnings around the security risks posed by newer AI models have further heightened the urgency for controls that can adapt as AI tools evolve.
Ciphero CEO Saoud Khalifah said, “AI is one of the major breakthroughs in technology that we’ve experienced since the introduction of the Internet and personal computing. However, along with the gains in productivity from AI, it also allows malicious actors to become better attackers, increasing the attack surface area for enterprises. We’re incredibly excited to be building an AI-native Verification Layer that allows companies to defend, secure and verify AI across the workplace, bringing confidence in adopting AI for the positives it brings.”
Ciphero co-founder and COO Rob Gross said, “As enterprise AI usage increases, the list of potential risk factors have grown in direct correlation. This will only intensify as the pace of AI product deployments accelerates. Ciphero allows enterprises to quickly understand what AI platforms their employees are using, how they are using them, and directs employees to approved AI channels. We have taken a novel approach by deploying AI that judges AI in order to stop data loss and encourage secure AI usage.”
Chingona Ventures founding partner Samara Hernandez said, “Chingona Ventures is proud to back Ciphero as they build the critical verification and security layer enterprises need for responsible AI adoption. As AI becomes deeply embedded in everyday workflows, companies are struggling with data leakage, compliance risks, and a lack of visibility into how employees use AI tools. Ciphero solves this by giving organizations real-time observability, policy enforcement, and a powerful marketplace of AI verifiers that keep sensitive data safe without slowing innovation. We invested because we believe Saoud, Rob, and Sen are a rare repeat founding team with deep technical expertise, proven enterprise credibility, and a clear vision for how AI will shape the future of work. Ciphero aligns squarely with our thesis of enabling organizations to harness AI securely and responsibly, and we’re thrilled to support them as they set a new standard for AI trust and safety in the workplace.”
Sovereign’s Capital partner Phil Jung said, “Ciphero’s AI verification platform allows organizations to address a growing problem in the enterprise: managing AI interactions for security and compliance against company policies to keep sensitive information secure. We’re thrilled to back serial founders Saoud and Rob as they launch from stealth and deliver on Ciphero’s promise to ensure that the AI powered future is trustworthy and reliable.”
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