Xayn Raises $12M for Privacy-Focused Search & Device Integration

Xayn Secures $12 Million in Series A Funding

We initially reported on the emergence of Xayn, a novel smartphone app-based search engine, back in December 2020.

The Privacy-Focused Search Alternative

The question of another search engine may arise, but Xayn addresses a critical concern: the trade-off between personalized search results and user privacy. While conventional search engines enhance their services through individual user tracking, this practice compromises personal data security.

Although alternatives like DuckDuckGo (based in the U.S.) and Qwant (from France) exist, users frequently encounter compromises in search result relevance and overall user experience due to the absence of personalization.

Xayn’s Innovative Approach

Xayn, headquartered in Berlin, presents a solution – a personalized and privacy-respecting web search for smartphones. Instead of relying on cloud-based artificial intelligence, as utilized by companies like Google, Xayn leverages the AI capabilities already present within modern smartphones.

This design ensures that no user data is transmitted to Xayn’s servers, offering a significant privacy advantage.

The appeal of this model extends beyond privacy advocates, attracting businesses seeking alternatives to Google’s market dominance.

Recent Investment and Expansion

Confirmation of this growing interest comes with the announcement that Xayn has secured approximately $12 million in Series A funding. This round was spearheaded by Japanese investors Global Brain and KDDI, a prominent Japanese telecommunications operator, and included contributions from existing investors like Earlybird VC in Berlin.

This brings Xayn’s total funding to over $23 million.

Xayn’s unique combination of a search engine, a discovery feed, and a mobile browser has resonated with these Asian market investors, particularly due to its potential for integration into original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices.

The investment will facilitate Xayn’s expansion into the Asian market, beginning with Japan, alongside continued growth in Europe.

Leadership Statements

Leif-Nissen Lundbæk, co-founder and CEO of Xayn, stated: “We have demonstrated that it is possible to achieve both excellent results through personalization and robust privacy through advanced technology, all while providing a user-friendly experience through intuitive design.”

He further emphasized: “In an industry often characterized by data monetization and mass advertising, we prioritize privacy and user satisfaction.”

Regulatory Landscape and User Adoption

This funding arrives amidst increasing public awareness regarding online personal data, fueled by legislation such as the EU’s GDPR and California’s CCPA.

Since its launch, the Xayn app has been downloaded approximately 215,000 times globally, and a web-based version is anticipated shortly.

KDDI Partnership Details

Lundbæk clarified the KDDI partnership: “Through this collaboration, users will gain free access to Xayn, with KDDI, or similar corporate entities, serving as the paying customer and providing the search engine at no cost to end-users.”

Key Features of Xayn

Xayn’s core functionalities include:

• Personalized search results
• A personalized internet discovery feed that learns from user interactions, similar to a “swipe” interface, without collecting or sharing personal data
• An ad-free browsing experience

Investor Perspectives

Naoki Kamimeada, partner at Global Brain Corporation, commented: “The market for private online search is expanding, and Xayn distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to online information discovery.”

Kazuhiko Chuman, head of KDDI Open Innovation Fund, added: “This European discovery engine uniquely integrates efficient AI with a strong focus on privacy and a seamless user experience. KDDI actively seeks companies that can shape the future with their expertise and technology, making Xayn an ideal partner.”

New Executive Appointments

In addition to the existing co-founders – Leif-Nissen Lundbæk (CEO), Professor Michael Huth (Chief Research Officer), and Felix Hahmann (Chief Operations Officer) – several new executives will join the team.

Dr. Daniel von Heyl will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer, Frank Pepermans will become Chief Technology Officer, and Michael Briggs will join as Chief Growth Officer.