Amplifier Security secures USD $5.6 million for AI platform
Amplifier Security has raised USD $5.6 million in a seed funding round as it launches new technology to automate user engagement and address security gaps in real time.
The Atlanta-based cyber security company reported that the investment was led by TechOperators, with participation from Cota Capital, WestWave Capital, and several security industry veterans including Brian NeSmith, Ash Devata, Shawn Bass, and Kabir Barday.
Amplifier Security stated that current security challenges often stem from organisations struggling to identify and directly engage high-risk users. Common tasks such as patching, software removal, correcting misconfigured endpoints, and responding to anomalies can be delayed or overlooked, increasing an organisation's vulnerability to breaches. According to the National Cyber Security Centre, over 50% of breaches are linked to poor user and endpoint security hygiene, a situation made more complex as AI accelerates attack speed and precision.
The company has launched two new technologies: the User Security Graph and the AI Automation Studio. These are designed to enable its customers to identify risky user behaviours in real time and automate remediation without disrupting productivity. Amplifier's approach seeks to move away from traditional compliance-focused tools, instead making users active participants in maintaining their organisation's security posture.
With the new seed round, Amplifier Security has raised a total of USD $9 million to date. The company says it will use the latest investment to expand its platform and reach more customers. An alliance partnership with Jamf has also been established to further support these ambitions.
The User Security Graph maps real-time data across multiple tools—including identity management, endpoint protection, vulnerability management, SIEM, SaaS security, and employee training systems—to create live profiles of each employee's security posture. By leveraging AI, the technology highlights the most vulnerable users, visualises potential attack paths, and identifies where controls are missing. Employees receive personal dashboards to monitor and address their own security risks.
The AI Automation Studio allows IT and Security teams to design automation for security workflows using a drag-and-drop interface and natural language prompts. The tool drives user engagement through targeted, contextual conversations, escalating issues to managers or technical teams as necessary, but without building inflexible, multi-branch workflow processes.
Shreyas Sadalgi, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Amplifier, said: "Amplifier is the system of record for user risk, and the system of action that engages users to reduce it. Our mission is to transform workforce security with a platform loved by employees that helps security and IT teams improve their Net Promoter Score (NPS) to build a positive security culture without all of the toil."
Jason Kikta, Chief Information Security Officer of Automox, commented: "What we have is a failure to communicate and inform in a way that meets employees where they are and in their context. Instead we bombard them with training, simulation tests, and instructions that they do not understand or assimilate to meet compliance objectives. Amplifier closes the gap that security tools cannot address - by guiding the right person to take the right action, which helps users understand the 'why' thereby unlocking true engagement and value. Amplifier creates the resilient enterprise we have all been chasing instead of chasing our users."
Daniel Ingevaldson, General Partner at TechOperators, said: "We've seen incumbent and new security companies in this space still treat users as passive participants without respecting users' intelligence. Amplifier flips the script, engaging employees to make security intuitive, friendly, and actionable. We're proud to back Shreyas Sadalgi, Tommy Donnelly and the team as they redefine the human risk management category."
Brian NeSmith, Co-founder and Chairman of Arctic Wolf, added: "The lack of human engagement in user security automation is a missed opportunity to educate people on the why behind the risk of each security finding and required immediate actions. Because of today's hybrid and dynamic workplaces where everyone is moving fast in the age of AI and hyperproductivity, this problem has become harder to solve at scale. I'm a firm believer in Amplifier's vision of engaging the workforce for security automation – the only modern way to solve today's dynamic cybersecurity threat landscape."
Ash Devata, Chief Executive Officer of Greynoise and previous Vice President Product at Duo/Cisco, stated: "Security is fundamentally about both people and technology, yet the industry has largely built security tools focused solely on the technology element. When it comes to cybersecurity actions in workplaces, engaging employees is a big opportunity because they have a lot of business context. I'm a big fan of Amplifier's unique human-in-the-loop approach that engages employees in everyday security workflows - automation that reduces friction for both security practitioners and employees alike"
Aditya Singh, Partner at Cota Capital, said: "To decentralize security means shifting ownership out to where risk actually lives, empowering people to take direct action on devices and systems at the edge. To make security autonomous means those actions happen intelligently and automatically, without needing tickets, follow-ups, or top-down enforcement. That's the ethos behind Amplifier: a system where security happens in real time, by design — not by escalation. We're proud to continue supporting the team and their unique vision that is much needed at the intersection of security and AI"
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Otago Daily Times
2 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Lake ‘sharks' ready to go
A Hydro Attack submersible in Queenstown Bay. Photo: Gregor Richardson An American Silicon Valley entrepreneur has added what has been billed as "Queenstown's most unique water activity" to his increasing stable of Lake Wakatipu-based businesses. Iraj Barabi last week settled on Queenstown Bay-based thrill ride "Hydro Attack", the world's first commercial operator of semi-submersible "sharks". Mr Barabi, who developed Queenstown Marina, has been on an "acquisition binge" to bring more life to the lake for both commuting — hence his purchase of Queenstown Ferries — and watersports. He said he wanted the resort to become a "watersports capital" to complement its reputation as the world's adventure capital. Mr Barabi recently bought RealNZ's jetboat company, Queenstown Jet Boat (formerly Thunder Jet), Queenstown Paraflights and Queenstown Boat Charters. The Hydro Attack attraction will continue to operate from the council-owned Lapsley-Butson wharf, even though Mr Barabi owns the neighbouring Convelle Wharf. Last month, Hydro Attack Ltd went to the Environment Court to appeal the Queenstown Lakes District Council's decision to refuse consent for a proposed 42m-long wharf accessed from St Omer Park, further along Queenstown Bay. The council had also declined the company's request to review the reserve management plan for the bay, which does not permit commercial activity on the proposed wharf site. The company was seeking an alternative wharf after the council increased the rent on its current wharf from $36,000 a year to nearly $120,000.
Otago Daily Times
6 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Career in energy proved a power of good
In March, Pioneer Energy Group announced its long-serving chief executive Fraser Jonker would step down but stay on in a business advisory capacity until his retirement at the end of this month. He talks to business editor Sally Rae about his career in the energy sector and his love of the land. "Sometimes it's good to fly under the radar. People underestimate you and then you can do stuff," Fraser Jonker says with a wry smile. And do stuff he most certainly did during his 15-year tenure with the Alexandra-based energy company, which is wholly owned by the Central Lakes Trust. From 18 employees when he started to more than 200 now in the Pioneer Energy Group, it has grown and diversified from a Central Otago-based company to a national footprint with assets throughout the country. But, as he put it, it was time for new energy — no pun intended — to continue to take the company forward. "You just know when it's time. I think it's the right thing to do. Fifteen years is a long tenure for most CEs," he said. His departure coincided with Pioneer going out to market to look for new equity and, while an announcement was yet to be made, seeing the response and value the energy investment sector put on the business was rewarding, he said. "To me, that's the cherry on the cake. I think once a new investment partner is publicly notified, people will understand the value of our business and value the partnership will bring ... having a commitment of equity to come in, the new chief executive can move this business forward." He was also proud to see one of the company's own, Peter McClean, who had been with Pioneer for more than a decade, appointed chief executive. But there were also mixed emotions about departing as he acknowledged he was feeling both happy and sad. "It's still my baby," he said. Rather than retirement, Mr Jonker, 57, said it was more like a change in career and he was looking at what he could give back. He was keen to focus on governance — he already has some governance positions, including in the energy sector — and also spend time on his small farm which was his "happy place". Coincidentally, it was sheep grazing on Auckland's One Tree Hill which inadvertently contributed to Mr Jonker moving to New Zealand in the first place. He was farming and running an electrical engineering consultancy business in his home country of South Africa when he and his wife Aletta started questioning if they really wanted to raise their two children there. With a career that was very transferable, the plan initially was to move to Australia; Perth was a particular favourite and, while visiting there, they decided to check out Sydney. Once there, they realised it was only three hours from Auckland, where they had friends living, so in a spur-of-the-moment decision, decided to visit for a weekend. Their friends took them for a tour around and Mr Jonker thought "what a country!". He was captivated by the environment, the greenness — and the sheep he spotted on One Tree Hill. On the flight home, the couple looked at each other and decided they would move to New Zealand if Mr Jonker could get a job. "It just felt like the right place," he said. While he initially studied medicine for a year, Mr Jonker always had a technical bent. He grew up on a farm and his father gave him the choice of either going farming or gaining qualifications. He completed degrees in electrical engineering and commerce and then worked in the distribution environment for a few years before a friend moved to New Zealand and asked if he wanted his role in a consulting firm. Mr Jonker later started his own consulting business, where he enjoyed being his own boss, and combined that with farming. He ran sheep and also grew wheat, maize, carrots, pumpkins, melons and watermelons under irrigation. He also established a 2000-tree pecan nut orchard. Farming was something he particularly enjoyed — "that was in my heart" — but with the unrest in South Africa, the "massive" decision to move was made, leaving behind both his and his wife's families and selling the farm. His father was upset with him, having thought his son would take over his own farm, and Mr Jonker admitted he probably settled when his father later visited the family in New Zealand and said he could see why they made the move, and he was happy. Mr Jonker's first job was at electricity distribution network company Unison in Hawke's Bay in 2004 and, after two years, he was offered a job in Auckland with Northpower, reporting to the chief executive. He spent four years as general manager in Auckland, looking after the company's Australian business and contracting business in New Zealand. During that time, the family visited Queenstown for a weekend and the area reminded him of the dry and remote area where he used to live. About a year later, by accident, he picked up the paper and saw the Pioneer Energy chief executive role advertised and decided to apply. Not a big city boy, he said he would buy some land if he got the job, making the move south in 2010 even more attractive. Pioneer was formed in 1999 after the electricity industry reforms and evolved from the generation assets of the former Otago Central Electric Power Board, and it now owned and operated a diverse portfolio of energy assets, products and investments. It pays an annual dividend to the Central Lakes Trust. The money is given by the trust to community projects and services and, since its inception in 2000, it has distributed more than $115 million. Pioneer had received strong continued support from the Central Lakes Trust, and the late Sir Eion Edgar — who had a long involvement with CLT — made a "massive" difference to Mr Jonker, both as a mentor and a leader and the way he looked at enabling the company to be successful. There had also been good support from Pioneer's board of directors, he had served under three chairmen — firstly, Allan Kane, then Stuart Heal and now Rob Hewett. In 2012 Pioneer acquired Energy for Industry, an industrial thermal energy supply business. In 2016, the company became the majority shareholder in the Pulse Energy retail business, partnering with Buller Energy Ltd to strengthen its position in the energy market. Following the construction of Pioneer's second wind farm in 2015, the company joined forces with Southern Partners, Roaring 40's, the shareholders of PowerNet Ltd to establish the Southern Generation Limited Partnership (SGLP). That partnership fuelled substantial growth in renewable generation, leading to the acquisition of multiple hydro power schemes across New Zealand, including two developed by Pioneer in 2019 and 2021. Pioneer also ventured into the waste-to-energy sector through a partnership with Ecostock Ltd, forming Ecogas Ltd Partnership. In 2022, the business commissioned its first site in Reporoa, cementing its leadership in New Zealand's organic food waste processing sector. The facility diverts organic waste from landfills to produce biomethane and it became the first site in New Zealand to inject biomethane into the country's reticulated natural gas network. In 2024, Pioneer acquired full ownership of SGLP, restructuring its business to position for future growth and the introduction of additional equity partners. As part of the transition, Pioneer also became the sole shareholder of Pulse Energy, with Buller Energy Ltd taking a stake in Pioneer Energy Renewables LP. Asked how he would sum up his tenure at Pioneer, Mr Jonker said it had been mostly fun and there was never a dull moment. He had support and the freedom to bring ideas to the board and could make a lot of those "fly". "It was exciting," he said. A challenge, as the company grew, was to stay nimble and not become a corporate and the ability to "make quick decisions and get on with things" was a strength. Several things stood out; the southern partnership and the Ecogas business — "stuff happens, you get ideas" — which was was awarded the Auckland Council's 20-year kerbside food scrap processing contract, the only small New Zealand company to put in a bid — the rest were multinationals. It then secured a contract with the Christchurch City Council to build a food waste-to-bioenergy facility. Another highlight was seeing people develop and embrace the change. When a business was constantly doing new things, then that drove energy. There was a lot of of excitement in the energy space and continued growth of the Pioneer business was good for the community. The trust realised that as it had grown and diversified the business, the returns the community got out of the business became more stable, he said. The nicest part of the role was the people and the toughest part of the role was also people. A lot of Pioneer's growth was through partnerships and keeping everyone aligned was probably the hardest thing, he said. But, if you got it right, then that was rewarding. And, like a marriage, you could never stop working on it. Speaking of marriage, Mr Jonker said it was important to have support in roles like he had and his wife had always been very supportive of him. The couple's 10-hectare farmlet — "you can almost believe you're on a farm again" — had also provided a good break from the business, whether it was mowing a paddock or baling hay. One thing about farming was the rewards were shorter and more immediate. "One thing as CEO, although we had a lot of successes in my tenure, by the time it's celebrated, you've moved on to the next thing. Farming is rewarding in that sense."
Scoop
21 hours ago
- Scoop
Hushtec Delivers Advanced Noise Control Solutions For Construction And Mining Sectors
Hushtec, a New Zealand-based manufacturer with over 50 years of experience, is providing advanced noise control solutions for industries facing stringent regulatory and community noise requirements. The company's customisable barriers and engineered systems are designed for sectors including construction, demolition, utilities, infrastructure, and mining. Construction sites often generate significant sound pollution that affects both workers and surrounding communities. Hushtec addresses these challenges with its range of construction site acoustics barriers, which are engineered to reduce noise by up to 43dB. These barriers are lightweight, weatherproof, and rapid to install, supporting compliance with environmental standards while maintaining a safer work environment. The solutions are available in both off-the-shelf and custom-made formats, and are used by contractors, project managers, and acoustic consultants across New Zealand. In the mining sector, Hushtec has developed targeted approaches for high-noise activities such as rock breaking and pile driving. The company's rock breaker noise mitigation products include premium noise barriers, acoustic tents, and shrouds. These solutions have been lab-tested to provide noise reductions of up to 35dB for barriers, 25dB for acoustic tents, and 15dB for shrouds, supporting compliance with workplace safety and environmental regulations. Their modular, durable construction allows for flexible deployment in harsh mining environments and areas near residential developments. Hushtec's integrated approach—from design and development to manufacturing—is carried out at its state-of-the-art New Zealand facility. The company's products are distributed globally and are trusted by Tier 1 contractors and industry leaders for their proven performance and reliability. Hushtec continues to seek partnerships with organisations dedicated to effective noise management across a range of industries.
