TL;DR: Embedded Cybersecurity Takes Center Stage with Exein's €100 Million Expansion
Cybersecurity startup Exein secures €100 million in funding, emphasizing the critical need for embedded security as IoT devices surge globally. Their AI-driven platform protects 1.5 billion devices today and aims to surpass 2 billion by 2026.
• Real-time, AI-powered protection baked into device firmware, not added later
• Global expansion into Asia-Pacific and strategic acquisitions planned
• Positioned for growth amid stricter regulatory shifts like the EU Cyber Resilience Act
Key takeaway for entrepreneurs: Focus on scalable solutions that solve critical problems and align with market trends. Embrace innovation strategically and watch for regulatory opportunities to drive growth. Ready to secure your place in tomorrow’s market?
In the relentless march of technological innovation, one area of critical importance often flies under the radar: embedded cybersecurity. For years, this field has been treated as a niche, even as the number of connected devices in homes, cars, hospitals, and factories skyrockets. Last December, the Rome-based cybersecurity startup Exein made headlines by securing an additional €100 million in funding to scale its operations even further, bringing its total fundraising for 2025 to €170 million. But here’s the real story: This isn’t just another funding milestone. It’s a clear sign that cybersecurity is no longer an afterthought, it’s the main event.
Why does this matter? Because we’re at a tipping point. The exponential growth of IoT devices, expected to surpass 30 billion globally by 2030, means vulnerabilities are multiplying at an equally terrifying rate. Exein aims to address this challenge by embedding AI-powered security directly inside connected devices, providing real-time protection that scales alongside this growing threat. I’ll walk you through the nuances of Exein’s business, explore where they’re headed next, and offer insights into the broader implications for startup founders like you.
What does Exein’s funding mean for the cybersecurity landscape?
The €100 million round, led by Blue Cloud Ventures and joined by major players like HV Capital and J.P. Morgan, is more than just a vote of confidence. It’s an acknowledgment that Exein has successfully turned a deeply technical, hardware-heavy problem into a scalable solution. Exein’s embedded cybersecurity platform protects devices at the firmware level, meaning that the software guarding your smart devices isn’t just bolted on as an afterthought, but baked into the device itself. This approach secures over 1.5 billion devices today across sectors like energy, healthcare, automotive, and robotics. By Q1 2026, that number is projected to exceed 2 billion devices.
- Global expansion into Asia-Pacific with new offices in Taipei
- Development of next-generation AI-driven security
- Strategic acquisitions planned for 2026
- Market leadership in securing devices for critical sectors
But let’s not ignore the broader trend driving these developments: the increasing overlap between cybersecurity and regulatory compliance. With initiatives like the EU Cyber Resilience Act and the US Cyber Trust Mark ramping up, pressure is mounting on manufacturers to ensure their devices meet stringent security standards. Exein appears perfectly positioned to capitalize on this regulatory wave.
How does this affect startup founders and CEOs?
If you’re a founder in the tech space, Exein’s story holds valuable lessons, and a few warnings. First, consider their core business strength: solving real, high-stakes problems. With cyberattacks increasingly targeting critical infrastructure like transport systems, hospitals, and energy grids, the urgency for embedded security has never been greater. Here’s where Exein excels: rather than just playing defense, they build a “digital immune system” for devices. In your own business, how are you addressing the foundational challenges in your industry? What urgent problem does your product solve?
- Focus on scalable solutions that align with industry pain points
- Take advantage of regulatory shifts as growth opportunities
- Leverage strategic partnerships (as Exein has with manufacturers like Mediatek and Kontron)
- Embed innovation at the core, not as an afterthought
On the flip side, Exein’s expansion raises a cautionary note: they’re planning a multi-deal M&A strategy in 2026. Acquisitions can be a powerful growth tool, but they’re also risky. Integration is complex and can divert focus from core operations. If you’re thinking of scaling through acquisition, ensure you’re prepared for the operational and cultural headaches that often come with it.
What can we learn from Exein’s approach to AI and innovation?
One of the most exciting aspects of Exein’s roadmap is their commitment to next-gen technology. They’re not just securing today’s connected devices; they’re preparing to protect tomorrow’s, especially those powered by AI. This includes new developments around conversational AI models, edge AI, and large language models. The first product announcements in this area are anticipated at the RSA Conference in early 2026, so keep an eye on that.
For your own startup, consider how you can integrate emerging tech. Could AI or machine learning allow you to reach new customers, automate processes, or improve operational scalability? Just remember that innovation should serve your core mission, don’t adopt technology just for the sake of appearing modern.
Final thoughts for entrepreneurs
As founders, we’re constantly weighing risks and rewards. Exein’s bold moves into high-growth markets, high-stakes security challenges, and bleeding-edge tech are an object lesson in focused leadership. Gianni Cuozzo, Exein’s CEO, puts it simply: “We’ve become the world’s largest embedded runtime security provider by devices protected, but we’re just getting started.”
The question is, how can you apply these lessons to your own business? Whether through embracing core challenges, pushing into underserved markets, or preparing for the regulatory demands of tomorrow, there’s something to learn from Exein’s success. The game has changed. Are you ready to play?
FAQ on Exein’s €100M Funding Expansion and Embedded Cybersecurity Initiatives
What does Exein’s €100M funding signify for IoT cybersecurity?
Exein’s recent €100M funding signifies a paradigm shift in how cybersecurity for IoT devices is managed. By embedding AI-driven security directly at the firmware level, the company ensures devices are protected in real-time, even without continuous internet connectivity. This funding allows Exein to expand globally and roll out innovative solutions to secure over 2 billion devices by Q1 2026. As cyberattacks targeting physical infrastructure increase, this move strengthens defenses for sectors like healthcare, automotive, and energy. Explore Exein's IoT security advancements
How are EU regulations shaping embedded cybersecurity in 2025-2026?
With regulations like the EU Cyber Resilience Act and RED 3.3 coming into effect, embedded cybersecurity providers like Exein are aligning their product offerings with strict standards. These policies push manufacturers to integrate robust security measures directly into their devices rather than relying on external systems. Exein’s approach is perfectly suited to address these regulatory challenges, ensuring compliance while scaling adoption across critical devices globally by early 2026. Learn more about regulatory impacts on cybersecurity
Why is Exein focusing on Asia-Pacific markets?
Asia-Pacific is a high-growth region for IoT and embedded technologies, with significant adoption in healthcare and industrial automation. Exein’s new office in Taipei aims to build partnerships with chipset and hardware manufacturers like MediaTek and Kontron, driving almost 50% of current revenues. This expansion capitalizes on demand while securing leadership in securing devices for critical infrastructure. Check out Exein’s Asia-Pacific strategy
How does Exein’s embedded AI security protect IoT devices?
Exein embeds AI-driven security at the firmware level, creating a digital immune system inside IoT devices. This ensures real-time threat detection and containment, enabling protection under offline conditions. This approach helps secure devices like cars, smart speakers, hospital systems, and industrial robots against hackers who exploit vulnerabilities at both software and hardware levels. Discover Exein’s AI-powered technology
What role will AI play in Exein’s future offerings?
AI is central to Exein’s roadmap. The company is developing next-gen solutions to safeguard devices powered by AI, such as conversational AI models and large language models (LLMs). Initial product launches are slated for RSAC 2026. Exein’s innovation leverages edge AI to scale protection, driving strategic growth through a patented AI-driven framework. Learn how AI fortifies Exein’s platform
How does Exein compare to traditional cybersecurity approaches?
Unlike traditional cybersecurity methods that rely on external defenses, Exein focuses on embedded protections within device firmware. This strategy ensures real-time, on-device security while complying with emerging global cybersecurity regulations. Devices secured by Exein can repel threats even during low-connectivity scenarios, showcasing its superior adaptability and reliability. Explore the benefits of embedded security
What sectors does Exein primarily aim to protect?
Exein targets industries with critical infrastructure, including healthcare, transportation, energy, automotive, aerospace, and robotics. By 2026, their firmware-security systems are expected to safeguard over 2 billion devices across these sectors, addressing vulnerabilities unique to interconnected systems. Learn more about Exein’s impact on key industries
How does Exein plan to use M&A to fuel growth?
Exein is pursuing a multi-deal M&A strategy in 2026 to expand its footprint in Europe, the US, and APAC. These acquisitions aim to integrate complementary technologies, streamline operations, and scale solutions for critical IoT ecosystems faster than organic growth could allow. This strategy signals Exein’s ambition to dominate the embedded cybersecurity market. Discover Exein’s M&A plans
When will Exein introduce new AI-based embedded security products?
Exein plans to unveil its next-generation AI-based products at RSAC in early 2026. These solutions are designed to protect devices powered by conversational AI models, edge AI, and large language models (LLMs). This represents a significant leap in embedded cybersecurity capabilities for IoT devices operating in critical systems. Learn about Exein’s RSAC product launch
How can startups learn from Exein’s market strategy?
Startups can draw lessons from Exein’s focus on solving pressing industry challenges, aligning with regulatory demands, and forming cross-sector collaborations. Their commitment to core innovation, scalability, and the foresight in anticipating market needs exemplify resilient leadership in competitive markets. Explore more insights from Exein
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the point of view of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
