AI Cybersecurity Startup Raises $600,000 in Pre-Seed Funding

Neural Defend, an AI-driven cybersecurity startup, has secured $600,000 in a pre-Seed funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), a Gurugram-based angel investment firm. Other investors include MIT SBXI (Boston), Techstars San Francisco, and Soonicorn Ventures. The funding will be used to enhance AI-driven deepfake detection technology, support R&D efforts, and accelerate product development.

Founded in 2024, Neural Defend specializes in deepfake detection and digital identity protection. With pilot projects in New York and Singapore, the startup is tackling the growing risks of AI-generated fraud. Led by Piyush Verma (CEO), Sivashankar Selvarajan (CTO), and Sumit Singh (Chief Data Officer), the company aims to redefine fraud prevention on a global scale.

“Our mission is to safeguard real identities against digital deception through cutting-edge AI technology,” said Piyush Verma, CEO of Neural Defend.

Currently in the pre-revenue stage, Neural Defend is focusing on global expansion by partnering with fintech companies, financial institutions, and enterprises to validate its product offerings. The startup’s AI models detect deepfakes across video, image, audio, and real-time streams, providing advanced fraud prevention solutions for businesses and government agencies.

Additionally, Neural Defend is working with financial institutions on video verification and KYC use cases, claiming to have achieved state-of-the-art benchmarks in AI-powered fraud detection.

Highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity solutions, Vikram Ramasubramanian, Partner & CIO at Inflection Point Ventures, stated:

“Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, jeopardizing businesses and individuals’ security. Neural Defend’s real-time AI-driven approach is aligned with the urgent demand for digital identity protection, making it a promising investment.”

With growing cyber threats and deepfake risks, Neural Defend’s AI-powered solutions position it as a key player in the future of cybersecurity and fraud prevention.