logo
LiveDrop Raises $2.5 Million in Oversubscribed Defense-Focused Seed Round

LiveDrop Raises $2.5 Million in Oversubscribed Defense-Focused Seed Round

Associated Press14 hours ago

EINDHOVEN, Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 20, 2025--
LiveDrop, a pioneer in secure offline data transfer, has successfully closed an oversubscribed $2.5 million seed round. The round was led by Value Creation Capital, joined by the Dutch fund Secfund and UK-based Kadmos Capital. Existing investors, including Patronum Investment, also participated, reaffirming their confidence in LiveDrop's mission. In addition, a select group of strategic angel investors, including Wi-Fi pioneer Cees Links, contributed to the round.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250619579442/en/
AI Generated image by LiveDrop
Founded in 2021 in Eindhoven, LiveDrop develops proprietary technology for fast, secure, and fully offline data transfer using optical encoding. As a software-based solution that runs on standard hardware – such as laptops, smartphones, and cameras – LiveDrop's technology can be seamlessly integrated into mission systems and existing software environments. This enables secure, unidirectional data exchange without the need for wireless or network-based communication, which is critical in defense and national security operations.
The company's twelve-person team focuses primarily on the Defense & Security sector, with additional potential applications in Cybersecurity, Healthcare, and secure end-user devices. LiveDrop's dual-use strategy ensures relevance across both military and civilian markets, contributing to safer data handling in sensitive environments.
Patrick Moreu, CEO of LiveDrop, commented:
'The fact that this round was oversubscribed, and that both existing and new shareholders reaffirmed their commitment, is a powerful validation of our direction. The involvement of Secfund, Value Creation Capital, Kadmos Capital, and Wi-Fi pioneer Cees Links confirms the strength of our dual-use strategy and opens doors to broader deployment in NATO countries and beyond.'
With the proceeds from this seed round, LiveDrop aims to further scale its technology across defense, government, and civilian sectors, supporting its ambition for accelerated international deployment and deeper integration into secure data ecosystems. The strong backing from both national and international investors not only provides capital but also valuable strategic guidance, market access, and industry expertise.
For the full press release and further details, visit: https://www.livedrop.eu/seed-round-announcement
View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250619579442/en/
[email protected]
KEYWORD: EUROPE UNITED KINGDOM NETHERLANDS
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY OTHER DEFENSE CONTRACTS SECURITY CARRIERS AND SERVICES MILITARY GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY INTERNET DATA MANAGEMENT DEFENSE
SOURCE: LiveDrop
Copyright Business Wire 2025.
PUB: 06/20/2025 02:00 AM/DISC: 06/20/2025 02:01 AM
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250619579442/en

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

HackerNoon Publishes: Business Pros Underestimate AI Risks Compared to Tech Teams, Social Links Study Shows
HackerNoon Publishes: Business Pros Underestimate AI Risks Compared to Tech Teams, Social Links Study Shows

Associated Press

time20 minutes ago

  • Associated Press

HackerNoon Publishes: Business Pros Underestimate AI Risks Compared to Tech Teams, Social Links Study Shows

New York, United States, June 20, 2025 -- HackerNoon, the independent tech publishing platform, published thefollowing release today. Text below: A new study from Social Links, a leader in open-source intelligence solutions, reveals a gap between business and technical professionals when it comes to recognizing the risks posed by AI-powered cyberattacks. Despite the rapid rise in threat sophistication, business respondents appear significantly less concerned thаn their tech colleagues. This fact highlights a potential blind spot in organizational preparedness. The survey gathered insights from 237 professionals (from CEO and Technical C-level to Cybersecurity Specialists and Product Managers) across various industries, including Financial Services, Technology, Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare, Logistics, Government, etc. The results showed that just 27.8% of business people (professionals in non-technical, business-oriented roles) identified usage of AI to generate fake messages as one of the most relevant cyber threats. In contrast, 53.3% of technical professionals flagged it as a top concern—nearly double the level of alarm. A similar pattern emerged around deepfake technology: 46.7% of technical staff expressed concern, compared to just 27.8% of business respondents. This gap underscores a critical vulnerability in organizational security: business professionals, who often make prime targets for sophisticated AI-driven social engineering and deepfake schemes, show notably lower levels of concern or awareness about these threats. At the same time, the most vulnerable departments for cyber threats identified by respondents were Finance and Accounting (24.1%), IT and Development (21.5%), HR and Recruitment (15.2%), and Sales and Account Manаgement (13.9%). 'This is no longer a question of 'if'—AI-powered threats are already here and evolving quickly,' says Ivan Shkvarun, CEO of Social Links. 'We're seeing a clear gap between those building defenses and those most likely to be targeted. Bridging that gap requires not just better technical tools, but broader awareness and education across all levels of an organization.' Key Insights from the Research: Traditional vs. AI-Driven Threats: While phishing and email fraud remain the most cited threats (69.6%), followed by malware/ransomware (49.4%), AI-driven attacks are gaining ground. 39.2% of respondents identified the use of AI to craft fake messages and campaigns as a major concern, and 32.9% pointed to deepfakes and synthetic identities—confirming that generative technologies are now a recognized part of the corporate threat landscape. 'Traditional threats like phishing and malware still dominate the charts. But what we're seeing now is that AI isn't replacing these risks, it's supercharging them, turning generic scams into tailored operations—fast, cheap, and more convincing. That's the real shift: automation and personalization at scale,' explains Ivan. Employee Footprint Risk: 60.8% of respondents report that employees use corporate accounts for personal purposes—such as posting on forums, engaging on social media, or updating public profiles. 59.5% also link publicly available employee data (e.g., LinkedIn bios, activities in forums and blogs) to real cyber incidents, identifying it as a recurring entry point for attacks. Unregulated AI Adoption: Over 82% of companies let employees use AI tools at work, yet only 36.7% have a formal policy that controls how those tools are used. This gap fuels 'Shadow AI'—the unsanctioned adoption of chatbots, code assistants, or other AI services without IT oversight, which can leak sensitive data and create hidden security and compliance risks. 'You can't really stop people from using work accounts or data when they're active online. The same goes for AI tools: people will use them to save time or get help with tasks, whether there's a policy or not. But all this activity leaves digital traces. And those traces can make it easier for scammers to find and target employees. What actually helps is teaching people how to spot the risks and giving them the right tools to stay safe, instead of just saying 'don't do it,'' explains Ivan. The research emphasizes that effective cybersecurity in the AI era requires a holistic approach that extends beyond technical controls to include comprehensive human-centric security programs. Employee training on safe AI use was overwhelmingly perceived by survey respondents as the most effective mitigation measure for 'Shadow AI' (72.2%), followed by the development of internal policies (46.8%). Social Links is committed to addressing these evolving challenges and has recently launched the Darkside AI initiative, aimed at further exploring and mitigating the risks posed by advanced AI-driven threats. About Social Links Social Links is a global provider of open-source intelligence (OSINT) solutions, recognized as an industry leader by Frost & Sullivan. Headquartered in the United States, the company also has an office in the Netherlands. Social Links brings together data from over 500 open sources covering social media, messengers, blockchains, and the Dark Web, enabling users to visualize and analyze a comprehensive informational picture and streamline investigations. Its solutions support essential processes across various sectors, including law enforcement, national security, cybersecurity, due diligence, banking, and more. Companies from the S&P 500 and public organizations in over 80 countries rely on Social Links products every day. Contacts Email: [email protected] Website: Social Links About the company: How hackers start their afternoons. HackerNoon is built for technologists to read, write, and publish. We are an open and international community of 35k+ contributing writers publishing stories and expertise for 4M+ curious and insightful monthly readers. Founded in 2016, HackerNoon is an independent technology publishing platform run by David Smooke and Linh Dao Smooke. Start blogging about technology today. Contact Info: Name: Sheharyar Khan Email: Send Email Organization: HackerNoon Website: Release ID: 89162808 In case of identifying any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies within the content shared in this press release that necessitate action or if you require assistance with a press release takedown, we strongly urge you to notify us promptly by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our expert team is committed to addressing your concerns within 8 hours by taking necessary actions diligently to rectify any identified issues or supporting you with the removal process. Delivering accurate and reliable information remains our top priority.

OKRs Tool's New Report: 68% of Startups Reach $1M ARR Faster with OKRs
OKRs Tool's New Report: 68% of Startups Reach $1M ARR Faster with OKRs

Associated Press

time20 minutes ago

  • Associated Press

OKRs Tool's New Report: 68% of Startups Reach $1M ARR Faster with OKRs

A newly published report by OKRs Tool reveals that 68% of early-stage startups reached $1M in annual recurring revenue (ARR) faster after adopting OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), the widely used goal-setting framework. Estonia, June 20, 2025 -- The 2025 Startup OKR Report, based on survey data from 200 startups with teams ranging from 2 to 50 people, offers a rare, data-driven look at how founders are leveraging OKRs to drive alignment, sharpen focus, and accelerate growth. Read the full 2025 Startup OKR Report. The study goes beyond the headlines, unpacking trends in OKR adoption, team habits, tool preferences, and real-world lessons from operators navigating the challenges of startup scale. 'Startups aren't failing because they're not working hard,' said Steven Macdonald, founder of OKRs Tool. 'They're failing because teams aren't aligned. OKRs fix that - when they're implemented well.' Highlights from the report include: The report also includes practical advice from founders on how to write effective OKRs, run weekly check-ins, and avoid common rollout mistakes that derail progress. OKRs help teams focus on what actually matters - so startups can move faster and win! Get the full 2025 Startup OKR Report here About the Study This independent study was conducted between February and May 2025, with responses from 200 early-stage startups across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. None of the participants were OKRs Tool customers, ensuring an unbiased view of how teams use OKRs in real-world conditions. About OKRs Tool OKRs Tool is purpose-built OKR software for startups. Designed to replace the chaos of spreadsheets and the bloat of enterprise systems, it helps small, fast-moving teams align goals, track progress, and stay focused on what matters most. Learn more at Contact Info: Name: Steven Macdonald Email: Send Email Organization: OKRs Tool Website: Release ID: 89162606 If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release that require attention or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we kindly request that you notify us without delay at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our responsive team will be available round-the-clock to address your concerns within 8 hours and take necessary actions to rectify any identified issues or guide you through the removal process. Ensuring accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission.

DATA BREACH ALERT: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Is Investigating Claims On Behalf Of Aflac Incorporated Customers Whose Data May Have Been Compromised
DATA BREACH ALERT: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Is Investigating Claims On Behalf Of Aflac Incorporated Customers Whose Data May Have Been Compromised

Associated Press

time20 minutes ago

  • Associated Press

DATA BREACH ALERT: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Is Investigating Claims On Behalf Of Aflac Incorporated Customers Whose Data May Have Been Compromised

NEWTOWN, Pa., June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating data privacy claims regarding an incident at Aflac Incorporated ('Aflac'). Aflac learned of suspicious activity on its network or about June 12, 2025. About Aflac Incorporated Aflac, a Fortune 500 company, is known for its specialized insurance products that help cover expenses that health insurance may not. Originally established as the American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus, it officially shortened its name to Aflac in 1989. What happened? On or around June 12, 2025, Aflac discovered suspicious activity on its network. They immediately launched an investigation and have since determined that this breach was caused by a group of cybercriminals, who potentially gained access to personal information. What type of information was stolen? The personal information in the compromised files may have included: How can I protect my personal data? If you receive a data breach notification concerning Aflac, you must guard against identity theft and fraud by regularly reviewing your account statements and monitoring your credit reports for suspicious or unauthorized activity. Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a class action lawsuit to seek legal remedies for individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised by the Aflac data breach. For more information, please contact: Marc H. Edelson, Esq. EDELSON LECHTZIN LLP 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300 Newtown, PA 18940 Phone: 844-696-7492 ext. 2 Email: [email protected] About Edelson Lechtzin LLP Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to cases involving data breaches, our lawyers focus on class and collective litigation in cases alleging securities and investment fraud, violations of the federal antitrust laws, employee benefit plans under ERISA, wage theft and unpaid overtime, consumer fraud, and catastrophic injuries. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store