25. Abnormal AI
Founders: Evan Reiser (CEO), Sanjay JeyakumarLaunched: 2018Headquarters: Las Vegas, NevadaFunding: $546 millionValuation: $5.1 billionKey Technologies: Artificial intelligence, machine learningIndustry: CybersecurityPrevious appearances on Disruptor 50 list: 1 (No. 47 in 2024)
Abnormal AI uses artificial intelligence to help big companies counter an old but dangerous problem: socially engineered attacks delivered via email, exploiting human vulnerability. These remain one of the largest cybersecurity threats.
Unlike traditional cybersecurity that identifies markers of compromise, Abnormal Security uses artificial intelligence to create baselines for users' normal behavior, then uses the baseline to filter out malicious activity. Examples are emails sent at the wrong time of the day, with words that aren't right for that user, or an uncommon contact reaching out in a suspicious manner. Humans backstop the AI filter and respond to threats. The company can also detect attacks that bypass multi-factor authentication and guard against account takeovers.
In 2024, Abnormal hit several key milestones: 100% year over year growth, $200 million in annual recurring revenue, and over 3,000 customers across 35 countries.
The company has been expanding across Europe and to Japan, and has grown its headcount by 70% to more than 1,000.
Abnormal has continued to roll out new products, including an AI system that works across cloud applications, including email and collaboration apps, and a security mailbox that automates user-reporting phishing attacks.
This year, the company launched autonomous AI agents that offer employees personalized training replacing generic cybersecurity compliance modules, using actual attacks from the past to create simulations that train users.
With systems designed for companies with thousands of employees, Abnormal AI says more than 20% of the Fortune 500 use its services.
In April, the company secured a key authorization from the federal government to compete for contracts in the public sector.
Last August, Abnormal announced a $250 million Series D funding round led by Wellington Management. Other investors include CrowdStrike Falcon Fund and Greylock Partners, where CEO and serial entrepreneur Evan Reiser incubated the company.
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