GuardKnox Raises $21M

Automotive cyber security company GuardKnox has raised $21m in a Series A round, bringing its total funding to date to $24m. The round was led by Fraser McCombs Capital with participation from global investors including automotive technology supplier Faurecia, SAIC Capital (Shanghai Automotive), Glory Ventures, NextLeap Ventures, VectoIQ, Plug and Play, Allied, Cyphertech, and Kardan LTD. A group of “strategic industry leaders” also participated in the round.

Founded in 2016 by Israel Air Force Veterans Moshe Shlisel, Dionis Teshler, and Idan Nadav, GuardKnox aims to eliminate risks of cyber security threats from connected and autonomous vehicles by adapting methodologies used to defend fighter jets from cyber attacks. The company provides a patented cybersecurity product, which includes an end-to-end solution that combines software and hardware, and promises to “prevent cyber security attacks in real time, with zero false positives, minimal maintenance efforts, and no constant connectivity requirements.”

“The automotive industry is experiencing massive disruption from emerging technologies. Paired with increasing customer expectations, companies are under immense pressure to meet client needs and desires for added services, while also providing security solutions that keep pace with passenger safety and data security as well as the ever-changing regulatory environment. We are solving a critical industry pain point and believe our approach to high-performance hardware architecture and secured ECU’s is the best way for companies to ensure the safety of their connected and autonomous vehicles. We are proud to have such outstanding investors support our vision, and are confident they will bring immense value to the company.” – GuardKnox cofounder and CEO Moshe Shlisel.

“With connected services available in a majority of new cars and trucks, the ability to secure vehicles and user information will soon redefine automotive brands and insurance. FM Capital is proud to partner with the dynamic GuardKnox team delivering transformative cyber security solutions for the auto industry.” – Mark Norman, Managing Partner for Fraser McCombs Capital.