Riot Raises $30 Million to Enhance Employee Cybersecurity

Riot, a leading cybersecurity startup, has successfully raised $30 million in a Series B funding round after surpassing $10 million in annual revenue in 2024. Originally dedicated to training employees on cybersecurity threats, the company is now taking a proactive approach to minimize security vulnerabilities.

Strategic Investment to Strengthen Cybersecurity

This latest funding round was spearheaded by Left Lane Capital, with continued support from existing investors including Y Combinator, Base10, and FundersClub. With this investment, Riot’s post-money valuation has exceeded $170 million.

From Phishing Simulations to Comprehensive Security

Riot initially focused on simulated phishing attacks to help employees recognize malicious emails. These tests, designed to mimic real cyber threats, helped employees improve their ability to spot suspicious activity. Over time, Riot introduced Albert, a security chatbot accessible via Slack and Microsoft Teams, to provide ongoing cybersecurity education.

Growing Client Base and Industry Reach

The effectiveness of Riot’s approach has led to rapid growth. The company now serves over one million employees across 1,500 organizations, including major clients like L’Occitane, Deel, Intercom, and Le Monde. This marks a significant expansion from its earlier base of 100,000 employees.

Why Cybersecurity Awareness Alone Isn’t Enough

Despite growing awareness, cyberattacks continue to cause widespread damage. A notable example is the Change Healthcare data breach, which impacted 190 million Americans. The attack began when an employee reused a compromised password on multiple platforms, highlighting the need for stricter security measures like multi-factor authentication.

Introducing Employee Security Posture Management

Recognizing the need for a more holistic approach, Riot is launching its Employee Security Posture Management platform. This innovative tool will help organizations track and improve employee security habits, ensuring better protection against cyber threats. Riot’s CEO, Benjamin Netter, explained:

“Our goal is to assess employee security postures. Do they enable multi-factor authentication? Are their smartphones protected with strong security codes? Are their LinkedIn privacy settings restrictive enough? Small adjustments can make a big difference in preventing cyberattacks.”

Gamification and AI-Driven Cybersecurity

To engage employees and encourage security best practices, Riot’s platform will incorporate gamification elements, scoring employees based on their security habits. Dubbed the ‘Karma Score’, this metric will offer organizations insights into potential vulnerabilities and provide actionable recommendations.

The Road Ahead: Expanding Global Presence

With fresh capital, Riot is set to expand its global reach by opening new offices and further developing its security solutions. Looking ahead, the company envisions broadening its cybersecurity offerings, potentially introducing tools such as secure password managers and AI-driven security assessments.

Final Thoughts

As cyber threats continue to evolve, companies must prioritize employee security beyond basic training. Riot’s transition into security posture management signifies a shift in how organizations approach cybersecurity—moving from reactive education to proactive defense. With the latest funding, Riot is well-positioned to redefine employee cybersecurity and safeguard businesses from the ever-growing risks of cybercrime.