Reken, an AI cybersecurity firm from former Google and Shape Security leaders, has launched from stealth with $10 million in funding. The company is introducing a novel on-device AI security platform to combat the escalating crisis of online scams and deepfakes. This new venture aims to restore trust in digital communications by tackling threats directly on user devices.
Confronting a New Wave of AI Threats
The digital landscape is increasingly perilous as public trust erodes. A recent poll found 83% of people assume online messages are fraudulent, a sentiment validated by FBI data showing $20.9 billion in 2025 cybercrime losses. The agency has even added AI crime as a new category, highlighting the severity of this growing problem.
"The Internet is not safe, and is getting less safe every day because of AI," stated Reken CEO Shuman Ghosemajumder. He argues that traditional cybersecurity has failed, necessitating a new architecture to prevent online channels from being overwhelmed. Reken was founded to build this new defensive layer against sophisticated AI-driven attacks.
The Reken Private Core and Network
Reken's solution is the Private Core, a breakthrough on-device AI security system developed over two years. It protects communications by analyzing data locally, ensuring user information remains private and secure on the device. This approach circumvents the privacy and latency issues common in cloud-based security solutions.
The platform uses proprietary AI models to detect threats like AI bots and automation without needing GPUs or incurring extra costs. Products built on the Private Core self-assemble into the Reken Network, an advanced trust layer. This network allows participating organizations to communicate with greater security and confidence.
Northstar: AI Protection for the Workforce
The first product on this platform is Northstar, an application that shields employees from social engineering, deepfakes, and business email compromise. It aims to eliminate the need for security training that Ghosemajumder calls ineffective. The goal is to shift the security burden from humans to a more capable "just-in-time AI".
This approach has earned praise from industry veterans like former CISO Jim Routh, who called the technology unique and essential for security leaders. He noted its potential to significantly improve safety for companies and their supply chains. Northstar is now available to organizations through an Early Access Program on the company's website.
Experienced Leadership and Strong Financial Backing
Reken is led by the team that built Shape Security, which was acquired by F5 for $1 billion. The company's $10 million funding round was led by Greycroft and FPV Ventures, with participation from numerous other notable firms. This strong financial backing underscores investor confidence in the company's mission and technology.
The investor base includes many with connections to Google, reflecting deep industry trust in the founders' expertise. Greycroft partner Marcie Vu, who helped lead Google's IPO, serves on Reken's board of directors. This combination of experienced leadership and strategic investment positions the company for significant impact.
Reken's launch represents a significant development in the cybersecurity landscape, offering a novel on-device approach to combat AI-driven threats. With its experienced team, strong financial support, and the introduction of its Northstar application, the company is poised to restore trust in online communications. Reken is building a new foundation for a safer internet for everyone.