Upwind Security, a cloud security startup based in San Francisco, has secured $100 million in Series A funding to enhance its platform aimed at addressing cloud vulnerabilities. Founded in 2022 by CEO Amiram Shachar, a former NetApp executive, the company focuses on using real-time runtime context and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve cloud security across several critical areas, including API protection, misconfiguration management, and vulnerability detection. This funding will help Upwind double its workforce and deepen its capabilities, aiming to provide the best-in-class security tools to its growing customer base.
Shachar emphasized that, unlike many startups that expand into new products after raising funds, Upwind plans to focus on refining its existing technology. By strengthening its core capabilities, the company hopes to offer a more streamlined and effective security solution, particularly in the cloud space. With the latest round of funding, Upwind intends to add 50 engineers and 50 to 75 go-to-market professionals to support its rapid growth and global expansion.
One of Upwind’s distinguishing features is its use of runtime context, which provides real-time insights into vulnerabilities and risks, rather than relying on traditional static data and configurations. This approach reduces the number of critical alerts clients receive, allowing for more precise and actionable recommendations. By incorporating API security into a broader cloud security stack, Upwind addresses the growing risks of identity mismanagement and data leaks, which are common in modern applications. The company believes that contextualizing API security within the larger framework of cloud risks is key to reducing cost and complexity for organizations.
AI is another cornerstone of Upwind’s strategy, both to enhance operational efficiencies and to secure AI-driven processes. The company uses AI not only to accelerate threat detection and response but also to safeguard the training and deployment of AI models, protecting them from risks such as data poisoning and model manipulation. By differentiating itself from competitors like Palo Alto Networks and CrowdStrike, Upwind’s focus on runtime context, integrated API security, and AI-driven advancements allows it to address the most pressing cloud security challenges while maintaining a strong competitive edge in the market.
Reference:
