The cybersecurity start-up aims to fight AI hackers using AI-powered innovations.

Exein, an Italy-headquartered cybersecurity start-up that protects smart, connected devices from hackers, has joined the global collection of unicorns post a $270m funding round that brought the company to a $1.7bn valuation. The round was led by Headline, with participation from Sofina, Goldman Sachs and others.

Established in Rome in 2018 by CEO Gianni Cuozzo, Exein has additional offices in Germany, Taiwan and the US. The company builds technology to secure hardware at the processor level and that is embedded in 2bn chips globally. Consumers include Nvidia, AWS and Mediatek, among others. 

Cuozzo told the Financial Times that the new investment is necessary, in part, to enable the organisation to compete on a global scale for limited cybersecurity and computing professionals.

The cybersecurity start-up aims to fight AI hackers using AI-powered innovations. Additionally, Exein intends to release its own foundational model for physical AI security in 2027.

Cuozzo explained: “We are moving from having security software to having a secure model that is running constantly on the device and will automatically react to attacks.”

He added: “Right now, I think the hackers have the edge.” Exein’s plan is to use embedded AI technology to combat threats and provide “machine-based protection in a world of machine-based attacks”. 

As the world becomes more digitally connected and advanced, the risk of cybersecurity breaches is increasing. 12 Irish account holders are among the 680 global consumers with Revolut who recently had their sensitive data exposed. 

Late last week, OpenAI’s Sam Altman announced that the company will not be launching its initial public offering this year. “Right now would be an ill-advised moment to go public,” he said. 

He added that there is much to be done in the way of safety, alignment and showing how the industry and governments can work together on AI regulation before OpenAI is ready to go public. 

Don’t miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic’s digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.