Runlayer: The AI-Powered Security Startup Making Waves with 8 Unicorn Backers and $11M Investment

New Security Startup Runlayer Launches with $11 Million in Seed Funding

A new security startup called Runlayer has emerged from stealth mode, backed by $11 million in seed funding from Khosla Ventures’ Keith Rabois and Felicis. Founded by Andrew Berman, a seasoned entrepreneur with successful ventures like baby-monitor maker Nanit and AI video conferencing tool Vowel, Runlayer aims to revolutionize the security landscape.

Since its launch, Runlayer has quickly gained traction, securing numerous high-profile clients including unicorns like Gusto, dbt Labs, Instacart, and Opendoor. The company has also attracted top talent like David Soria Parra, the lead creator of the Model Context Protocol (MCP), as an angel investor and advisor.

MCP, developed by Parra’s team at Anthropic, has become the industry standard for AI agents to interact with data and systems autonomously. However, concerns have been raised about the protocol’s security vulnerabilities, leading to the emergence of various security products in the market.

GitHub and Asana are among the companies that have faced security issues related to MCP, highlighting the importance of robust security solutions in the AI ecosystem. Runlayer distinguishes itself by offering a comprehensive security tool that combines gateway protection, threat detection, observability, and enterprise development features.

Runlayer’s approach involves matching agent permissions with human users’ access levels, ensuring a secure and controlled environment for AI operations. The company’s team, led by Berman, brings a wealth of experience in AI development and security, setting Runlayer apart from its competitors.

With a focus on addressing the gaps in MCP security, Runlayer aims to provide enterprises with a reliable and secure platform for AI innovation. The company’s rapid growth and partnerships with industry experts like Travis McPeak and Nikita Shamgunov signal a promising future in the cybersecurity space.