AI security firm, depthfirst, announces $40 million series A

In a landscape where cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence for their illicit activities, cybersecurity startup Depthfirst is stepping up to challenge this trend. On Wednesday, the company announced it has successfully raised $40 million in a Series A funding round to enhance its AI-powered defense mechanisms. Founded in October 2024, Depthfirst attracted significant investment led by Accel Partners, with additional contributions from SV Angel, Mantis VC, and Alt Capital. The company has developed a platform called General Security Intelligence, an innovative suite designed to help organizations inspect and evaluate their codebases and workflows for potential security vulnerabilities. Depthfirst’s platform not only aids in identifying credential exposures but also provides monitoring capabilities for threats affecting open-source and third-party components. With the newly acquired funds, Depthfirst intends to expand its workforce, focusing on applied research, engineering, product development, and sales. Co-founder and CEO Qasim Mithani emphasized the urgency of evolving security measures, stating, “We’ve entered an era where software is written faster than it can be secured.” He noted that the automation of attack strategies by cybercriminals necessitates an equally transformative approach to defense. Mithani, who boasts experience from Databricks and Amazon, pointed out that AI has fundamentally altered the methods employed by attackers. The leadership team at Depthfirst is well-versed in both AI and cybersecurity. Co-founder Daniele Perito previously held the position of director of security and risk engineering at Square, part of Jack Dorsey’s Block, while CTO Andrea Michi has an impressive background as an engineer at Google DeepMind. As AI continues to be a double-edged sword used by both legitimate users and cybercriminals, Depthfirst aims to shield companies from a range of AI-driven exploits. The startup has already forged partnerships with notable firms such as AngelList, Lovable, and Moveworks, further solidifying its commitment to securing the digital landscape against evolving threats.