71. Mindgard: the cybersecurity startup safeguarding our AI-powered future

Mindgard provides businesses with the AI security solution they need, to prevent the cyberattacks they definitely don't.

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Founders: Peter Garraghan and Steve Street
Year founded: 2022
Website: mindgard.ai 

The use of AI has boomed in recent years and has created a myriad of opportunities for businesses. Unfortunately, these same advancements have also created cybercriminals. Luckily, Peter Garraghan, cofounder of Mindgard, predicted the potential risks.

Garraghan had a lightbulb moment back in 2016 when he was investigating cybersecurity problems within AI and machine learning systems. It struck him that, if AI was going to be a common part of all software, it would attract significant threats from all directions.

Mindgard provides businesses with a full-stack solution in AI security, including automated penetration testing, threat detection, response and Data Loss Prevention (DLP), allowing businesses to deploy AI safely and securely. 

The startup builds security into AI-powered software throughout the entire Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), from design through to production. “We believe that it is paramount to identify and remediate security vulnerabilities within AI models and how it interacts with other systems as this is a new component that requires new tooling,” explains Garraghan. 

Mindgard’s platform supports all types of neural networks including generative AI and predictive AI across image, audio and multi-modal. This allows the company to offer a solution that embeds security earlier in the SDLC across a wider range of machine learning applications.  

The Lancaster University spin-off announced a £3m seed round in September 2023 and is soon to close its next round. Mindgard was also named the UK’s Most Innovative Cyber SME at this year’s Infosecurity Europe conference.

As the adoption of AI accelerates and cyber attacks grow in number and damage, Garraghan sees Mindgard becoming the go-to solution for the safe operation of UK firms. We too see a great future for this cybersecurity startup, hence its well-deserved place in the 2025 Startups 100.

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