Spanish cybersecurity startup 8Layers secures €2.5 million in extended pre-Seed funding round

8Layers Raises €1 Million Extension in Pre-Seed Round to Strengthen GTM Strategy

8Layers, a cybersecurity company based in Madrid, has recently closed a €1 million extension of its pre-Seed round in order to enhance their Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy and expedite commercialisation efforts across the European market. This latest funding round brings their total funding to €2.5 million.

New Strategic Investors Enter the Picture

Two new strategic investors from the Spanish corporate venture capital ecosystem have joined 8Layers in this round. Criteria Venture Tech, the venture capital arm of CriteriaCaixa, one of Spain’s largest financial holding companies, and Bankinter have made significant contributions to the company’s growth.

Building on Previous Success

This extension follows a successful €1.5 million pre-Seed round that was closed in 2025, showcasing 8Layers’ continued momentum and investor confidence.

CEO Daniel García Morán Expresses Gratitude

CEO and co-founder of 8Layers, Daniel García Morán, expressed his gratitude for the support from these strategic partners, stating, “We have just launched the platform commercially, and we are very proud to welcome two strategic partners who know first-hand the problem we solve. Their entry is not just an investment: it is confirmation, from within the financial sector itself, that digital identity security is now a top-level priority.”

8Layers’ Position in the European Cybersecurity Landscape

8Layers’ pre-Seed extension comes at a time of heightened funding activity across European cybersecurity, digital identity, and compliance infrastructure in 2026. The company is well-positioned among other key players in the industry.

Notable Funding Activity in the Cybersecurity Sector

EU-Startups has reported on several comparable funding rounds in 2026, including raises by companies such as Sybol, Zepo Intelligence, NeuralTrust, Wultra, and MokN. The total disclosed funding across these examples amounts to approximately €112.3 million, with 8Layers’ extension contributing an additional €1 million to this sum.

Specialisation in Digital Identity Protection

Established in 2024, 8Layers focuses on safeguarding digital identities, which are often the most vulnerable assets within organizations and a primary target for cyberattacks. The company’s platform, which became commercially available in May 2026, offers a comprehensive solution that includes Identity Security Posture Management, Identity Threat Detection and Response, and automated compliance with European regulations.

A Team with Extensive Experience

The company was founded by industry professionals with over 20 years of experience in scalable systems development and cybersecurity. Three of the founders were part of the founding team of Devo, a Spanish DeepTech unicorn.

Recognition from the Financial Sector

8Layers views the investment from Criteria Venture Tech and Bankinter as a validation of its mission. Banks, facing increasing credential-based attacks and regulatory pressures, acknowledge the importance of digital identity security as a top priority.

Conclusion

8Layers’ recent funding extension and strategic partnerships demonstrate the company’s commitment to addressing critical cybersecurity challenges in the European market. With a strong focus on digital identity protection and compliance, 8Layers is poised for further growth and success in the cybersecurity industry.