Adaptive Security has successfully raised $43 million in funding, with participation from investors such as Abstract Ventures, Eniac Ventures, CrossBeam Ventures, and K5, along with contributions from executives at major companies like Google and Shopify.

The newly acquired funding will help Adaptive Security enhance its engineering solutions to better protect businesses and their employees from emerging threats.

OpenAI has made its first investment in the cybersecurity startup Adaptive Security, which specializes in defending against AI-generated threats.

Founded by entrepreneurs Brian Long and Andrew Jones, who have a history of successful exits with companies like TapCommerce and Attentive, Adaptive Security aims to combat the rising threat of AI-driven cyberattacks.

Long plans to use the new funding primarily for hiring engineers to improve their product amid the escalating AI threat landscape.

Since its public launch in January 2023, Adaptive Security has gained over 100 enterprise clients, attracting OpenAI's investment due to positive feedback.

Other key investors include Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), highlighting the growing importance of cybersecurity in the tech landscape.

CEO Brian Long emphasized that social engineering is the primary cause of security breaches, a problem exacerbated by AI's ability to enhance these attacks.

AI technology enables attackers to impersonate colleagues and business leaders through various communication channels, complicating security efforts.

Long described AI-powered social engineering as a critical cybersecurity threat, underscoring the urgent need for effective defenses.

The startup's platform trains employees to recognize simulated AI-generated hacks, including spoofed voice calls, texts, and emails, to prevent social engineering attacks.

Adaptive Security's platform offers real-time threat triaging, analyzing reported suspicious messages and assisting security teams in quick response.