Recorded Future Launches $20M Intelligence Fund for Startups

Recorded Future Launches $20 Million Fund for Data Intelligence Startups

Recorded Future, a leading threat intelligence firm, has announced the establishment of a $20 million fund dedicated to supporting early-stage startups.

This Intelligence Fund will focus on providing seed and Series A funding to companies that have already secured initial venture capital. It will also offer resources designed to expedite the development and market introduction of intelligence applications.

Investment Focus and Objectives

Recorded Future, known for delivering actionable insights into external cyber threats, intends to invest in startups addressing complex challenges. These solutions should leverage innovative data sets and collection methods, ranging from internet sensors to satellite technology.

The fund is particularly interested in startups developing advanced intelligence analysis toolsets. These toolsets should utilize technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. Investments will also consider applications that seamlessly integrate with Recorded Future’s existing Intelligence Platform.

Leadership Perspective

Christopher Ahlberg, co-founder and CEO of Recorded Future, stated: “Intelligence is the key to navigating an increasingly uncertain world.” He further emphasized that the Intelligence Fund represents an investment in the next generation of entrepreneurs committed to global security through intelligence.

Initial Investments and Acquisition Strategy

To date, the Intelligence Fund has made two investments. The first was in SecurityTrails, a provider of comprehensive domain and IP address data, both current and historical.

The second investment was in Gemini Advisory, a fraud intelligence platform specializing in identifying compromised data on the dark web. Recorded Future subsequently acquired Gemini Advisory earlier this year for $52 million, strengthening its own threat intelligence capabilities.

Recorded Future indicated to TechCrunch that future investments may be strategically aligned with potential acquisitions. However, funding will also be allocated to startups that demonstrate strong potential as business or technology partners.

Background of Recorded Future

Recorded Future itself was acquired by private equity firm Insight Partners in 2019 for $780 million. This acquisition resulted in the buyout of earlier investors, including Google’s venture arm, GV, and In-Q-Tel, the venture arm of the U.S. intelligence community.

Industry Commentary

Michael Triplett, managing partner at Insight Partners, commented on the fund’s launch. He noted the continuing impact of cyberattacks on global enterprises and expressed enthusiasm for Recorded Future’s investment in startups tackling critical organizational issues.

Triplett added: “The Intelligence Fund will empower entrepreneurs to create applications grounded in data and mathematical principles.”