AI’s security arms race heats up

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Hello reader,

A lot of technology is a double-edged sword: Its strengths create new weaknesses, none more so than AI.

As companies adopt more and more AI tools, productivity is expected to rise. But with new tools shipping at breakneck speed, some pieced together in-house by vibe coders, security vulnerabilities are popping up just as fast.

The solution? More AI, of course.

This week’s top deal is for Australian cybersecurity firm UpGuard’s US$75 million raise. The firm uses an AI platform, likely to ward off the AI-driven cybersecurity threats it faces. As Bart Simpson might say, the ironing is delicious.

You can find all other important investment deals from the last few days in our weekly funding news wrap-up.

Let’s dive into the biggest deals that have recently taken place.

— Peter

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The biggest deals by country

🇦🇺 Australian cybersecurity firm UpGuard runs an AI-powered platform for cyber risk posture management aimed at unifying the fragmented cybersecurity landscape. It has secured US$75 million in a series C round from Pelion Venture Partners, Springcoast Partners, Square Peg, and August Capital.

🇰🇷 BOS Semiconductors is a South Korean firm that designs semiconductors for mobility applications. The firm has raised US$60.9 million in a series A round with several backers, including existing investors such as Atinum Investment Co. and the Industrial Bank of Korea, as well as new ones like the Korea Development Bank and HB Investment Inc.

🇲🇾 Zetrix AI is a Malaysian company that plans to list its AI unit on the Nasdaq by the end of 2026. It has closed a US$40 million series A round, with participation from the International Finance Corporation.

🇮🇳 Wishlink is an India-based ecommerce platform that connects content creators with consumers and ecommerce brands, allowing shopping on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. It has scored US$17.5 million in a series B round led by Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India.

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