Exein’s Rise to Unicorn Status: Defending Against 5,000 New Attacks Weekly with €234 Million in Funding for Physical AI Cybersecurity

Exein, a leading Physical AI cybersecurity company based in Rome, has recently secured a significant amount of funding to further its expansion and innovation in the field of Physical AI security. The company announced a new funding round of €234 million ($270 million), valuing the company at €1.4 billion ($1.7 billion) and solidifying its position as the most valuable cybersecurity startup in Europe.

The funding will enable Exein to accelerate its expansion into the US and APAC markets, focusing on protecting intelligent machines that utilize AI to perceive, make decisions, and operate in the physical world. This includes safeguarding robots, drones, autonomous vehicles, and other intelligent machines from potential cyber threats.

The funding round was led by Headline, with participation from Sofina, Goldman Sachs, European Investment Bank Group through ETCI, KfW Capital, and T.Capital. Previous investors such as Balderton, HV, Intrepid Growth Partners, 33N Ventures, Lakestar, Supernova Invest, Blue Cloud Ventures, and Geodesic Capital also contributed to the round.

Gianni Cuozzo, the founder and CEO of Exein, emphasized the importance of securing the physical world as AI technology advances. He highlighted the company’s expertise in embedded systems and machine data, which give Exein a competitive edge in addressing machine-time attacks.

The company’s growth and success have been evident in its previous funding rounds, including a €15 million Series B in 2024 and €170 million raised in 2025. With the latest financing round, Exein’s total funding surpasses other cybersecurity startups covered by EU-Startups in 2026.

In addition to its financial achievements, Exein has launched Photon, a preemptive runtime security architecture that operates at the kernel level to prevent malicious attacks. The company is also developing a proprietary foundation model tailored for Physical AI security, leveraging machine data to enhance security measures for autonomous machines.

Exein’s commitment to innovation and security has positioned it as a global leader in Physical AI cybersecurity. The company plans to introduce its new agentic security architecture by the end of 2026, with further developments expected in 2027.

As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, with AI-powered attacks increasing in frequency, Exein remains at the forefront of protecting connected devices across various sectors. The company’s dedication to securing the physical world and its continuous growth reflect its leadership in the cybersecurity industry.

The funding will support Exein’s expansion efforts in key markets such as the US and APAC, as the demand for robotics, autonomous systems, and Physical AI security continues to rise. Over the next two years, Exein aims to expand its presence in the US, forge new partnerships, and establish a new office in the San Francisco Bay Area.

In conclusion, Exein’s latest funding round underscores its dedication to advancing Physical AI security and its commitment to safeguarding intelligent machines in the evolving cybersecurity landscape. With a focus on innovation, expertise, and global expansion, Exein is poised to lead the charge in securing the physical world against emerging cyber threats.