TL;DR: Zepo Intelligence’s $15M Seed Round Tackles AI-Powered Cyber Threats
Zepo Intelligence has secured $15M in seed funding to fight the rising dangers of AI-driven social engineering like deepfakes and voice mimicry. Combining real-time AI threat detection with employee training, Zepo aims to redefine workplace security.
• AI-fueled social engineering surged by 1,200% post-gen AI tools like ChatGPT.
• Traditional filters miss 80% of personalized phishing, creating costly data breaches averaging $4.35M annually.
• Zepo’s strategy integrates simulations, behavior-based employee training, and actionable threat insights.
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Zepo Intelligence, a cybersecurity company focusing on AI-driven workspace security, recently raised $15 million in seed funding led by Kibo Ventures, eCAPITAL, and TIN Capital. This funding empowers Zepo to combat the escalating risks associated with advanced AI-powered social engineering attacks. In expanding their technological capabilities, Zepo aims to transform global human-centric cybersecurity and address one of the most persistent threats modern organizations face.
What is Zepo Intelligence’s Mission?
The heart of Zepo’s mission lies in reshaping workplace security. Social engineering, fueled by generative AI such as ChatGPT, has shifted from basic phishing to sophisticated attacks like deepfakes, voice cloning, and cross-platform messaging. Their platform uniquely combines real-time AI threat detection with human risk management. Antonio Muñoz, CEO and co-founder of Zepo, emphasizes that “traditional cybersecurity tools alone can’t sufficiently address these rapidly evolving threats.” Instead, Zepo’s approach focuses on bridging the gap with solutions tailored for real-world consequences.
- Simulates AI-infused attacks like deepfakes and personalized phishing.
- Offers behavior-based training to prepare employees for human vulnerabilities.
- Provides actionable insights through continuous threat metrics and monitoring.
Why is AI-Driven Social Engineering a Growing Concern?
AI has revolutionized cybersecurity, but it’s also intensified attacker ingenuity. According to the World Economic Forum, social engineering incidents surged by 1,200% following the release of generative AI tools. The resulting damages exceeded $1 trillion in 2024 alone. These numbers underscore the urgent need for predictive, real-time approaches to counter AI-powered attacks.
Violetta Bonenkamp, founder of Fe/male Switch and a vocal advocate for systems-first solutions, reflects on this trend: “Leaders often rely on outdated static training models, which are unable to mimic the fluidity of modern threats. Zepo is smartly taking a step into the future by integrating AI and human behavior to empower both technology and team readiness.”
Shocking Stats Entrepreneurs Need to Know
- Attackers are increasingly using deepfakes and voice cloning to deceive employees.
- Traditional email filters fail to detect over 80% of personalized phishing emails.
- Businesses that don’t invest in proactive cybersecurity see an average annual data breach cost of $4.35 million.
What Can Founders Learn from Zepo’s Strategy?
Entrepreneurs operating in industries beyond cybersecurity can take several cues from Zepo’s human-centric and proactive methods:
- Hire ahead of the curve: Zepo is channeling its funding into attracting top AI and data engineering talent. Founders should similarly hire strategically for areas that align with where their industry is heading, not where it is today.
- Adopt simulation-based training: Just as Zepo simulates real-world attacks to train employees, startups can design role-playing exercises for high-stakes scenarios such as sales negotiations or crisis management.
- Expand where demand grows: With plans to launch operations across Europe and the United States, Zepo exemplifies the importance of scaling strategically, targeting markets where the problem they solve is hugely felt.
What Mistakes Should Startups Avoid in Cybersecurity?
Zepo Intelligence’s success also highlights the pitfalls entrepreneurs should sidestep:
- Neglecting the human factor: Too many approaches rely solely on tech-centric solutions. Startups must prioritize educational frameworks that improve human response alongside technological advancement.
- Ignoring team dynamics: Cybersecurity involves collaboration; siloed teams can undermine efforts. Facilitating cross-functional discussions strengthens defense.
- Focusing only on reactive solutions: Waiting to respond post-breach will always cost more than real-time prevention and detection models.
How Startups Can Incorporate Proactive AI Strategies
Building AI-driven systems like Zepo’s platform doesn’t just apply to cybersecurity, it’s a methodology that any entrepreneur can adapt. Violetta Bonenkamp underscores the importance of combining no-code tools, data-driven iterations, and human-centric design. Her advice echoes through four actionable steps:
- Observe predictable patterns: Whether in team workflows or market behavior, AI thrives on pattern recognition.
- Mock-test key processes: Borrow Zepo’s playbook by running simulations for your startup’s risks or bottlenecks.
- Upskill with intent: Team readiness in AI and agile decision-making empowers better solutions within faster timeframes.
- Integrate human-AI workflows: Assign humans to high-stakes judgment areas while automating pattern-heavy tasks.
What’s Next for Zepo Intelligence?
With fivefold year-over-year revenue growth and backing from top-tier investors, Zepo Intelligence is poised for significant scale. One of their boldest initiatives includes expanding their operations across Europe and the United States within 18 months, a move dropping breadcrumbs for scaling efficiently while maintaining product focus.
Zepo’s trajectory confirms what I often advise founders: problems that are accelerating exponentially, like AI-based security threats, carry built-in demand for calibrated solutions. It’s not only about addressing today’s challenges but staying two or three steps ahead.
Want a deeper dive on tackling risk and scaling effectively under AI constraints? Check out Zepo Intelligence’s approach here, or see similar models emerging across deeptech industries by bookmarking platforms like Fe/male Switch.
FAQ on Zepo Intelligence and AI-driven Cybersecurity
What is Zepo Intelligence’s approach to workplace cybersecurity?
Zepo Intelligence combines human risk management with AI-driven threat detection. Their platform simulates threats like deepfakes and phishing, ensures continuous monitoring, and provides behavior-based training. This proactive strategy addresses modern AI risks. Explore AI-driven solutions for startups.
Why is AI-driven social engineering a pressing cybersecurity concern?
AI-powered attacks like deepfakes and voice cloning have surged by 1,200% since 2024, causing over $1 trillion in damages. Traditional tools like email filters fail to detect these sophisticated threats. Learn from Valliance’s AI-focused strategies.
How does Zepo Intelligence use its seed funding?
Zepo Intelligence raised $15 million to expand its team, enhance AI-driven threat detection tools, and scale operations across Europe and the U.S. This funding solidifies the company’s position as a leader in adaptive cybersecurity solutions.
What role does behavior-based training play in cybersecurity?
Zepo employs behavior-based training to educate employees on how to identify and respond to sophisticated cyber threats, closing human vulnerability gaps often exploited in AI-powered attacks. Discover human-first AI strategies at NobodyWho.
What lessons can startups adopt from Zepo’s approach?
Startups can innovate by hiring for future technology needs, integrating simulation-based training for risk management, and strategically scaling where market demand aligns with their services. Explore best practices for startup authority building.
How do AI-driven cybersecurity platforms mimic real-world threats?
Platforms like Zepo’s simulate realistic AI attacks, such as phishing and deepfakes. This training strengthens employee readiness and ensures real-time monitoring across digital communication platforms. See how AIR modernized AI in credit ratings.
What mistakes do startups often make in cybersecurity?
Common missteps include overlooking employee training, relying solely on tech without human adaptability, and adopting reactive instead of preventative strategies. Avoid pitfalls with Healthplus.ai’s insights.
What trends are driving demand for proactive cybersecurity solutions?
AI-driven threats have made static tools obsolete. Enterprises now prioritize platforms blending AI detection with team training, creating a unified approach to cybersecurity. Stay ahead with trending business ideas.
How does Zepo foster innovation in its hiring process?
Zepo focuses on hiring expert talent in data engineering and AI innovation, enabling the development of cutting-edge solutions to tackle evolving cybersecurity risks. Learn how startups are automating growth strategies.
What’s next for Zepo Intelligence in the next 18 months?
Zepo plans global expansion, targeting Europe and the U.S., while further innovating its AI-driven cybersecurity technology. Staying ahead of AI-powered attacks shapes its growth strategy. Discover global funding opportunities for startups.
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.
