SplxAI, a Croatian cybersecurity startup focusing on AI chatbot security, has successfully raised €1.8 million in a pre-seed funding round. Led by Inovo.vc and supported by South Central Ventures, Runtime Ventures, and angel investors such as David Politis (BetterCloud founder) and Elad Schulman (Segasec co-founder), the investment will propel the company’s ambitious plans to enhance its platform and expand operations, particularly in the U.S. market.
Addressing the Growing Cyber Threats in AI Chatbots
Founded in 2024 by Kristian Kamber and Ante Gojsalić, SplxAI has set out to tackle the increasing vulnerabilities in AI systems, specifically those utilized by chatbots in customer service. With businesses worldwide adopting AI chatbots to streamline operations and cut costs, the security risks associated with these technologies have become a critical concern. SplxAI aims to address these issues through its flagship platform, Probe, which proactively identifies and mitigates vulnerabilities before cyber attackers can exploit them.
In a striking demonstration, SplxAI revealed the platform’s capabilities by exposing sensitive data from an AI chatbot of a well-funded U.S. enterprise in a matter of minutes. This example underscored the severity of the threat posed by unprotected conversational AI systems.
A Paradigm Shift in AI Security
According to CEO Kristian Kamber, “We’re experiencing a paradigm shift in GenAI security, with huge implications for organizations that come under attack.” Kamber emphasizes the need for continuous, proactive security measures to protect conversational AI systems across industries.
SplxAI’s focus on AI chatbot security comes at a crucial time. As companies integrate AI technologies into their operations, chatbots are increasingly replacing traditional customer service teams. However, these chatbots often harbor significant security flaws that can lead to data breaches, reputational damage, and operational disruptions.
Real-World Risks: Bias and Reputational Damage
SplxAI has already gained recognition for its work, with a notable example being the identification of “content bias vulnerabilities” in an IKEA AI assistant. The chatbot exhibited ethnic bias, which could have led to considerable reputational harm for the company. This incident highlights the broader risks businesses face as they scale AI technologies without implementing adequate security measures.
Investors Back SplxAI’s Vision
The recent funding round underscores the growing importance of AI security. Karol Lasota, Principal at Inovo.vc, emphasized the pivotal role SplxAI could play in safeguarding AI systems, stating, “In the AI gold rush, sell shovels—SplxAI wants to be one of the key shovels in the GenAI space.” Lasota further highlighted that the demand for chatbot security solutions is urgent and immense, with SplxAI’s technology offering a clear solution.
Similarly, Jure Mikuž, Managing Partner at South Central Ventures, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in driving innovation. “In GenAI-powered industries, cybersecurity tools are the guardians of innovation, shielding sensitive data from cyber threats that evolve as fast as technology itself,” he stated.
Future Plans and U.S. Expansion
With the new funding, SplxAI plans to accelerate the development of its security platform, expand its team, and grow its presence in the U.S., where demand for AI security solutions is rapidly increasing. As more businesses adopt AI chatbot technology, SplxAI is poised to become a key player in the global AI security landscape.
SplxAI’s proactive approach to securing AI chatbots not only addresses immediate threats but also ensures that companies can innovate safely, without risking sensitive data or reputational damage. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, startups like SplxAI are leading the charge in protecting the future of generative AI technologies.
