HiddenLayer vs Robust Intelligence

HiddenLayer is an Austin, Texas-based AI security company founded in March 2022 by experienced cybersecurity and machine learning professionals. The company provides a comprehensive AI Security Platform covering AI Discovery (automated inventory), AI Supply Chain Security (model scanning for embedded threats), AI Attack Simulation (red teaming), and AI Runtime Security (guardrails and active threat response). The platform is designed to be non-invasive — protecting models without requiring access to raw training data — and integrates with CI/CD, MLOps, data pipelines, and SIEM/SOAR tools. HiddenLayer is recognized by Gartner as a Cool Vendor for AI Application Security. The company raised $50M in Series A in September 2023, the largest Series A for an AI-focused cybersecurity company at that time, led by M12 (Microsoft's Venture Fund) and Moore Strategic Ventures. Customers include enterprises in financial services, US federal government, and technology. Named endorsers include the CISO of the NFL and the former CISO of AIG.

Robust Intelligence was a San Francisco-based AI security company co-founded in 2019 by Harvard computer science professor Yaron Singer and Kojin Oshiba. The company pioneered the concept of an 'AI Firewall' — a purpose-built platform that validates, stress-tests, and protects AI models from development through production. Key capabilities included algorithmic red teaming, automated model assessment, and proactive AI risk mitigation aligned to OWASP and MITRE ATLAS standards. Robust Intelligence was acquired by Cisco in October 2024 for a reported $400M and has been foundational to the development of Cisco AI Defense and Cisco Foundation AI. Its technology is now integrated into the Cisco Security Cloud, providing threat protection against prompt injection, data poisoning, jailbreaking, and unintentional model outcomes. The company raised $44M prior to acquisition across three rounds.