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Forbes
12 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Surging Investments in AI Are Transforming Cybersecurity
Human Digital Avatar as a Symbol of AI presses a virtual button on screen with Shield icon. Cyber ... More Security and Data Protection Concept. AI is transforming cybersecurity, and investments are following in close concert with those trends. AI systems seek to replicate human traits and computational capabilities in a machine and surpass human limitations and speed. Elements of AI emergence consist of machine learning and natural language processing. Today, AI can understand, diagnose, and solve problems from both structured and unstructured data—and in some cases, without being specifically programmed. AI is becoming integral in cybersecurity, and companies are logically investing in AI-based defenses against cyberattacks, and the demand for them is expected to grow in the next few years. AI offers a logical collection of tools and the best chance for defenders that work in an environment characterized by an uneven threat level and are already short on workforce and money. The demand for AI is growing due to expanded risks and threats to enterprises. This is unambiguous evidence that AI is becoming increasingly important in cybersecurity, and organizations must capitalize on its potential to remain competitive. The global market for AI in cybersecurity is surging. McKinsey & Company predicts a $5 to $7 trillion potential economic impact by this year. McKinsey says that AI is making the $2 trillion cybersecurity market even larger. In the first quarter of 2024, venture capital financing for cybersecurity firms, particularly those focused on AI security solutions, experienced significant growth. According to figures from Crunchbase, startups raised over $2.7 billion in 154 deals. From January 1 to May 5, 2024, private equity and venture capital firms said they will spend $8.1 billion on cybersecurity companies. That's a 91% rise from the same time in 2023, when it was $4.46 billion. Major cybersecurity investments in 2024 The sums invested are going up for a solid reason. Eighty-eight percent of cybersecurity specialists said that AI will be needed to make security tasks more efficient. The Real-World Impact of AI on Cybersecurity Professionals And 62% of businesses are using or looking into AI for cybersecurity. Cybersecurity professionals have mixed feelings about AI: 93% are afraid of threats from AI, while 69% think it is the answer. In the next several years, AI's ability to change things is likely to have a big effect on the industry. 33+ AI in Cybersecurity Statistics for 2025: Friend or Foe? 'The promise of these technologies is very exciting. Microsoft UK's chief envisioning officer Dave Choplin claimed that AI is 'the most important technology that anybody on the planet is working on today.' R&D and investments are a good barometer of what lies ahead in future technological developments. Microsoft Exec: 'AI Is the Most Important Technology That Anybody on the Planet Is Working on Today' - Business InsiderLock sign SMART CYBERSECURITY AI has much to offer cybersecurity, both in terms of new features and in terms of improving defensive operations in contexts where threats are present. As sensors and algorithms come together, automated cybersecurity solutions for threat detection, information assurance, and resilience may be what keeps businesses safe while they make the most of innovative technology. The overall IT perimeter for many enterprises and institutions is now more intricate and spread out because of on-premises systems, cloud computing, and edge computing. This means that threat detection, analysis, and incident response need to be better, and there has to be greater visibility. This element is an important part of smart cybersecurity. Smart cybersecurity can find, filter, neutralize, and fix cyber threats. It has a lot of potential. AI tools for threat intelligence and network surveillance can help make cybersecurity better. Generative AI (GenAI) algorithms might use predictive models more effectively in cybersecurity, which would result in better security data and better outcomes. Gen AI might be able to apply predictive models in cybersecurity in a way that works better, giving better results and more trustworthy security data. AI agents and GenAI could work together to suggest ways to reduce risk and improve businesses and organizations' cybersecurity expertise and incident response. Generative AI can quickly find useful information, the best ways to do things, and proposed actions from the body of knowledge in the security business. Also, Agentic AI-enabled cybersecurity has a lot of potential for finding, blocking, stopping, and fixing cyberthreats. Agentic AI can help with the main problems of threat detection, reaction speed, and analyst workload. These technologies automate tasks while still allowing human monitoring, which makes security teams work better in a more dangerous digital world. With enhanced analysis of background information, practitioners can quickly figure out what kind of attack it is and what they should do next. This factor alone can shorten the time that bad actors spend on a site from days to just minutes, which is a significant plus for cyber defenders. Smart algorithms can be applied to monitor the network for anomalous behavior, find new dangers that don't have visible signs, and take the right steps. It can also be used to compare data from different silos to figure out network risks and weaknesses, and the methods of attacks that are happening. Identity and access management are an important part of zero trust cybersecurity. AI could help by validating the accuracy of data across numerous remote databases. To protect digital convergence, AI will need to be used in cybersecurity defenses and the development of next-generation cyber capabilities, such as predictive security and analytics. AI will be able to improve cybersecurity in areas like Data Loss Prevention (DLP), data privacy and identity governance, data access restrictions, risk assessment, and managing the security posture of data for data discovery and categorization. Cybersecurity and AI are key areas of focus in the emerging digital ecosystem. These AI and computing technology tools can also contribute to advancements in various fields, including genetic engineering, augmented reality, robotics, renewable energies, big data, digital security, and quantum computing. Get ready for an innovative and exciting, but potentially precarious ride.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: OIA expands private equity footprint with 13 new investments in 2024
MUSCAT: Oman Investment Authority (OIA) added 13 new investment funds to its private equity and venture capital portfolio in 2024, significantly expanding its exposure to high-growth global sectors aligned with the Sultanate of Oman's long-term development priorities. The investments—spanning digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, fintech, clean energy, and other strategically vital industries—were executed through the Future Generations Fund (FGF), OIA's international investment arm tasked with safeguarding and growing wealth for future generations. During the year, FGF strategically invested in 13 funds headquartered in key international financial centers across the Gulf, the wider MENA region, and beyond. Each fund was selected for its alignment with Oman's economic diversification goals and its potential to deliver sustainable, long-term returns. Among the most notable additions is Hahn & Company, a fund that acquires and develops companies across advanced industries, logistics, energy, chemicals, and commercial services. Another major investment, eWTP, focuses on growth opportunities in digital infrastructure, advanced industrial applications, energy transition technologies, and food security—sectors considered crucial to future resilience. Technology-related investments featured prominently in the 2024 portfolio. Vista specializes in acquiring tech-enabled companies across healthcare, marketing, media, financial services, and retail. Industry Ventures complements this focus by backing venture capital firms active in AI, fintech, e-commerce, and health tech, while Flagship Pioneering targets innovation in health technology, agri-tech, and renewable energy solutions. FGF also invested in IDG Industrial, which supports growth-stage firms in cleantech, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. ICG Strategic Equity Fund focuses on secondary investments, partnering with experienced fund managers to scale companies across diverse sectors. In the infrastructure and digital services space, Digital Alpha stands out with its focus on companies advancing smart city technologies, wireless communications, IoT networks, and multi-cloud services. Frazier Healthcare Partners brings specialized expertise in healthcare IT, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare management. In the financial technology space, FTV Capital targets high-growth firms, with a complementary investment in FTV Ascend, which focuses on smaller-cap players in the same sectors. Additional portfolio entries include Atlas Holdings, known for acquiring and restructuring underperforming industrial businesses, and the Valor Atreides AI Fund, which invests in cutting-edge AI technologies and related infrastructure. The portfolio is rounded out by Creador, a growth-focused fund targeting consumer products, financial services, and healthcare in fast-developing markets. As part of its broader Direct Investments strategy in 2024, OIA also invested in xAI, the artificial intelligence company founded by American entrepreneur Elon Musk. xAI is behind Grok, an AI-driven conversational platform. The Series B financing round will fund the development of a 100 MW U.S.-based data center to train Grok's third-generation large language model. 'As a financial investor, FGF partners with other financial and strategic investors to pursue viable direct, listed, and fund-based opportunities globally, while also seeking global strategic partnerships to localize technologies and advance Oman's economy,' the Fund explained on its website. To date, FGF has invested in more than 185 funds across private equity, venture capital, infrastructure, and real estate. In addition, it holds over 60 direct investments in a wide range of sectors, along with allocations in global equities, bonds, treasury bills, and deposits. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Forbes
20-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How You Can Invest In Later-Stage Companies And Help Them Grow
Business investors meeting and signing documents It's fascinating to observe the journey of companies that have navigated past the initial startup phase. These businesses, having secured early-stage funding, often reach a point where their operations feel more stable. Yet, despite clearing those early hurdles, late-stage companies aren't entirely out of the woods. Their founders still frequently need funding to sustain momentum and fuel further growth. I've been particularly interested in this stage because, counterintuitively, securing that continued funding can sometimes be even trickier for late-stage ventures. You might assume early success would be a magnet for investors, but the reality is more nuanced. Investors are understandably more selective these days, especially with lingering anxieties about inflation and overall economic performance. And while a startup may have proven its business model works now, the question of its future viability looms large for potential backers. Venture capitalists understand that risk is inherent in backing any company. But they also don't want to sink their money into businesses where the ROI isn't there. Nor will they be attracted to companies with few (if any) competitive advantages. As I've seen many companies grapple with this crucial next step, it became clear that there are significant, mutually beneficial opportunities for business leaders to leverage their commercial and strategic expertise to help these later-stage companies not just survive, but truly thrive. Here are some ideas. Series C Financing Rounds Later-stage companies haven't made it to the IPO stage yet. However, these startups are past the seed, Series A and Series B funding rounds. Founders got the capital they needed to launch and gain traction. Now, they're looking to sell prospective investors shares to keep the momentum going. Series C financing typically involves purchasing preferred shares in a pre-IPO but established business. Preferred shares mean you have priority over common shareholders when it comes to staking a claim on the company's earnings. In other words, preferred shareholders are first in line when the business is sold and dividends are paid. Individuals, investment, and private equity firms can participate in Series C financing rounds. Yet, co-investor family offices and equity firms are shifting gears. Whether it's participating in Series C rounds or another avenue, sector specialization is rising. Sixty-eight percent of investors are focusing on sectors they have experience in instead of a general approach. Many investors are focusing on their ability to add value to a deal, with commercial relationships and strategic partnerships, and even key executive hires. They're also concentrating on industries, such as AI, cybersecurity, logistics and government tech. Secondary market transactions represent another investment strategy that's attracting interest. Secondary Markets Secondary market transactions involve buying shares in a later-stage company from current owners. These shareholders could be employees and those who got in during the business's seed stage. It's not the same as buying shares during an IPO because these shares aren't available for trading on the stock exchange. What secondary markets do is allow early investors to realize returns before the company goes public or is sold through an acquisition. Because later-stage companies aren't public yet, investors can often secure shares for a discount. The potential for future value and growth is there when (and if) the business goes public. After Series C, the risk of startup failure also decreases dramatically. The failure rate is around 1%, whereas it hovers at 60% between pre-seed and Series A. In a macroeconomy rife with uncertainty, less risky bets are attractive to investors. And the growth of secondary market transactions seems to back up this sentiment. Global secondary transaction volume rose to $128 billion in 2021, while surpassing $100 billion in 2022 and 2023. Online Platforms And Private Equity Firms Online platforms and private equity firms can connect you with investment opportunities outside the traditional markets. If you want to put your money in later-stage companies, specialized platforms and equity firms may provide access. Not everyone has existing relationships with pre-IPO businesses. Even for those who do, these investors might want to broaden their knowledge and portfolio mix with additional opportunities. For instance, Hiive provides access to investments in private companies while SPLYCAP is a private equity firm connecting investors with growth-stage and late-stage businesses. These connections can extend beyond the numbers, including adding value to a firm's commercial and strategic direction. Through its understanding of the AI firm Nanotronics, the company gained a new chief operating officer with 30 years of tech and construction industry experience. As Nanotronics CEO Matthew Putman says, he's 'seen companies and investors connect in ways that feel truly special, beyond just financials. It's about sharing a purpose and growing together, lifting both a fund and my company.' With most investors having a neutral sentiment about the overall market, later-stage companies offering a shared meaning can stand out by leveraging commercial relationships in their network. And online platforms and private equity firms could be the gateway to building those relationships. Helping Later-Stage Companies Grow No matter what stage businesses are in, funding is a critical component of success. Without cash flow, operations stall and services cannot be delivered. More importantly, companies are unable to get to the next milestone. For late-stage firms, the next milestone is usually some type of exit, either an IPO or a sale to a larger company. As investors become more discerning, later-stage businesses can't rely on blanket or generalist funding sources. While undoubtedly less risky than a pre-seed startup, late-stage companies still need to offer investors a distinctive opportunity. Making connections between investors' shared expertise and purpose is one way to stand out. Investment that extends beyond capital raising, elevating companies with proven promise to the next level, is where the real magic lies.
TechCrunch
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- TechCrunch
VanMoof is back with a new custom e-bike and rebooted repair network
Dutch e-bike startup VanMoof is back two years after bankruptcy with its first model designed under new leadership. And despite past criticism that VanMoof's over-reliance on custom parts led to the company's downfall, the S6 sticks to the brand's signature bespoke design. Today, VanMoof is betting that higher quality custom parts, alongside a more robust servicing network, will allow it to stay true to its design-forward, tech-heavy core, while avoiding the repair and servicing pitfalls that came out of scaling a specialized product too quickly. 'I don't think there's a reason for VanMoof to exist if we're going to use off-the-shelf parts like everyone else,' co-CEO Elliot Wertheimer told TechCrunch backstage at Micromobility Europe in Brussels this week. 'We're here to push design, to have a bike that, if you've never ridden an e-bike in your life, you get on it and it's intuitive. Easy, like an iPhone.' VanMoof previously raised more than $200 million in venture capital and gained a cult following for its premium, minimalist-designed e-bikes equipped with integrated lights, batteries, and motors. VanMoof's unique selling point became its biggest liability. Like many venture-backed hardware businesses, the company grew too quickly to operate sustainably. When bikes broke down, customers were left stranded by an underdeveloped repair network and constrained supply — a consequence of the company's decision to use custom parts instead of off-the-shelf components. The startup filed for bankruptcy in July 2023. A month later it was scooped up by e-scooter maker Lavoie, a business division of McLaren Applied, which itself was formerly a part of McLaren Group that builds parts for the McLaren F1. Wertheimer said with support from McLaren Applied's Formula 1 expertise, VanMoof was able to redesign every component that had caused issues in past models, using performance data to create more reliable custom parts. Many of those parts are co-designed with large manufacturers, which not only assures quality, but also availability of parts should anything happen to VanMoof again, according to Wertheimer. Techcrunch event Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Boston, MA | REGISTER NOW In certain areas of the business, VanMoof relented to a more industry-standard approach. The company's batteries, for example, are now co-designed and manufactured by Panasonic; VanMoof only supplies the mechanical and software integration. Previously, VanMoof had led on battery design. The real critical piece, though, is an improved support network, according to Wertheimer. 'We fixed the whole business, from unit economics, logistics, and after-sale service,' Wertheimer said. 'We couldn't go out with something new before we set up the infrastructure to do so.' VanMoof has built up a network of 250 repair centers and 130 sales partners, and is focusing sales on markets like Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. 'We have built a tech suite for [our repair partners] in terms of where they can buy components, a diagnostics app, a proper tracking system that tracks which parts went where, et cetera, to make warranty claims easier for them,' Wertheimer said, adding that VanMoof has set up an online training course for mechanic partners. 'That's super well set up and we're growing the network fast. We're adding 10 stores a week.' VanMoof also hopes to launch in the U.S. by the end of 2025. However, Wertheimer said those plans have stalled as the company waits to see how President Trump's tariffs policy shakes out. The company has already started taking reservations for the S6 in its current active markets, and expects to deliver the first few thousand vehicles in the beginning of August. The VanMoof S6: A new hope The new VanMoof S6 urban e-bike in electric blue. Image Credits:VanMoof Customers were already complaining about slow repair times before VanMoof's brief shutdown in 2023. When it went bankrupt, some customers stranded with broken bikes; others who had put down deposits for new bikes were out hundreds of dollars. Trust in the brand plummeted. While some may never forgive VanMoof for its failures, the new S6 might might just help customers remember why they loved the brand in the first place. I gave the S6 a quick spin this week in Brussels and was delighted to finally understand why so many riders had once gone gaga for VanMoof. It's a sexy-looking bike. The S6 has the iconic VanMoof frame, made even sleeker with no visible welding. It also comes in several matte colors, including an 'electric blue' that looked more like lilac to me, and a pearl mint that Wertheimer says 'changes in the light' from white to green. 'We spent a lot of time on the colors,' he said. The tech features are also impressive. Wertheimer said the company redesigned the electronic suite with help from McLaren Applied to ensure longevity even after the bike has been through its paces in rain, cold, heat, and other conditions. The S6 platform delivers other features that VanMoof fans will recognize, like the Halo Ring which replaces a traditional display and glows different colors to keep riders informed about battery life and speed. The Halo on the S6 is much brighter, addressing complaints from past models of it being too dim in direct sunlight. New tech features include an integrated navigation that pairs the bike to an accompanying mobile app, providing turn-by-turn directions via the Halo lights and sounds. There's also a new sound ecosystem, which includes a soft, but firm, cricket-like sound that a rider can use in place of a bell to alert other road users to their presence. Anti-theft features have come standard on almost all VanMoof e-bike models, but Wertheimer says the S6 is even better. 'We have a new tracking system that's much more accurate,' he said, noting the system relies on cellular tower triangulation, GPS signal, WiFi, and Bluetooth to determine location of the vehicle within 2 meters. Wertheimer also said VanMoof will soon introduce crash detection and other safety features. As for the ride itself, the S6's improved mechanical shifting system comes pre-tuned from the factory and automatically adjusts based on speed, allowing for smoother momentum. It also works in tandem with the bike's four pedal-assist levels. The front-wheel motor, co-developed with 'a major Japanese manufacturer,' contributes to a more natural, intuitive riding experience. And the new suspension seatpost handles bumps in the road well. For a bike that only weighs 51 pounds, it's surprisingly sturdy. And, of course, the iconic boost button adds that extra bit of oomph, making riders feel like they've just ridden over a mushroom in Mario Kart. 'When we took over VanMoof, we inherited great design, and an impressive product ecosystem,' Wertheimer said. 'We spent two years rebuilding our company and brand to reach this launch…We are ready to show the world what we can do again. That's what we see in the S6, our ebike that can deliver on 11 years of promises.'
The Verge
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Verge
Posted Jun 18, 2025 at 6:01 PM EDT
Click this suspicious link to claim your free Andreesen Horowitz crypto today! Actually, please don't. The venture capital fund's X account seems to have been hacked. (Update: Andreesen Horowitz later confirmed that their account had been compromised.)
