Clarity, an Israeli AI cybersecurity startup, has recently made waves in the tech investment scene with its groundbreaking platform designed to combat the rise of deepfakes. The company announced a significant milestone, securing a Seed investment of $16 million in a round led by Walden Catalyst Ventures and Bessemer Venture Partners. Notably, the funding round also saw participation from investors such as Secret Chord Ventures, Ascend Ventures, and Flying Fish Partners, along with over 70 angel investors and advisors, including Udi Mokady, Chairman of CyberArk, and Professor Larry Diamond from Stanford University, a renowned expert in democracy.
Founded in 2022 by a team comprising Michael Matias as CEO, Natalie Fridman as CTO, and Gil Avriel as CSO and COO, Clarity boasts an impressive lineup of talent. Matias brings a wealth of experience, having studied AI at Stanford, served as an Officer at the 8200 Cyber Unit, and earned recognition with the Goldman Sachs 2023 Builders and Innovators Award. Meanwhile, Fridman holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science specializing in artificial intelligence and has a strong background in managing R&D teams in high-tech companies. Avriel, with a master’s degree from Harvard University, previously served for 14 years as a legal advisor at the National Security Council in the Prime Minister’s Office. The company’s team, consisting mostly of veterans from Check Point and intelligence units in Israel, underscores Clarity’s commitment to excellence in the cybersecurity domain.
The recent capital will fuel Clarity’s expansion plans, allowing the company to ramp up hiring efforts, further develop its technology, and establish a stronger presence in the U.S. market. In a candid conversation with Calcalist, Michael Matias shed light on the inspiration behind Clarity’s mission, citing his deep concern over the proliferation of deepfakes and their potential threat to democratic processes worldwide, especially with elections slated for the year.
Clarity’s technology represents a significant advancement in the fight against AI-manipulated content. Leveraging patent-pending algorithms, the platform can detect subtle alterations in videos, images, and audio, while also providing authentication through encrypted watermarking. By integrating Clarity’s solution into their workflows, organizations can strengthen their defenses against the growing threat of digital deception, protecting the integrity of their content and assets.
Matias emphasized the urgency of addressing the challenge posed by deepfakes, noting that the current landscape marks just the beginning of what he terms the “invasion of deceit.” The continued support from investors like Walden Catalyst and Bessemer will enable Clarity to accelerate its efforts and expand its reach.
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