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HiddenLayer

HiddenLayer, a Gartner-recognized Cool Vendor for AI Security, is the leading provider of Security for AI. Its AISec Platform unifies supply chain security, runtime defense, posture management, and automated red teaming to protect agentic, generative and predictive AI applications. The platform enables organizations across the private and public sectors to reduce risk, ensure compliance, and adopt AI with confidence. Founded by a team of cybersecurity and machine learning veterans, HiddenLayer combines patented technology with industry-leading research to defend against prompt injection, adversarial manipulation, model theft, and supply chain compromise. The company is backed by strategic investors including M12 (Microsoft’s Venture Fund), Moore Strategic Ventures, Booz Allen Ventures, IBM Ventures, and Capital One Ventures.

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Founded

2022

Location

Austin, TX

Employees

162

Funding

$50M Series A

HiddenLayer: AI Security Platform for LLMs, Agents, and Predictive ML

HiddenLayer is an AI security company that safeguards models and AI-enabled applications across the lifecycle—from pre-deployment scanning to runtime defense and governance. Its flagship AISec Platform combines model supply chain security, real-time detection and response, posture management, and automated red teaming, designed to protect agentic, generative, and predictive AI without requiring access to model code or training data. Sources: [Website](https://hiddenlayer.com), [AISec Platform](https://hiddenlayer.com/aisec-platform).

Platform and Core Modules

  • **AISec Platform (end-to-end)**: Unifies supply chain security, runtime defense, posture management, and automated red teaming in one system. Source: [AISec Platform](https://hiddenlayer.com/aisec-platform).
  • **AI Detection & Response (AIDR)**: Real-time protection against prompt injection, data/PII leakage, evasion, model theft, and misuse by inspecting prompts, responses, model behavior, and telemetry. Sources: [AIDR](https://hiddenlayer.com/aidr), [Platform 2.0 announcement](https://hiddenlayer.com/innovation-hub/hiddenlayer-unveils-aisec-platform-2-0-to-deliver-unmatched-context-visibility-and-observability-for-enterprise-ai-security).
  • **Model Scanner**: Pre-deployment scanning for malware, tampering, embedded backdoors, and integrity risks for both third-party and internally built models. Sources: [Model Scanner](https://hiddenlayer.com/model-scanner), [Platform Datasheet](https://21998286.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21998286/HiddenLayer%20AISec%20Platform%20Datasheets.pdf).
  • Notable design principle: protection without invasive access to training data or source code—well-suited to regulated, IP-sensitive environments. Source: [AISec Platform](https://hiddenlayer.com/aisec-platform).

    Key Capabilities

  • **Runtime defense for LLMs and agents**: Blocks prompt injection, jailbreaks, data exfiltration, session hijacking, and model theft; detects evasion patterns and abnormal behavior. Sources: [AIDR](https://hiddenlayer.com/aidr), [CrowdStrike Marketplace listing](https://marketplace.crowdstrike.com/content/crowdstrike-marketplace/locale-sites/us/en-us/listings/hiddenlayer-aisec-platform.html).
  • **Supply chain and pre-deployment assurance**: Scans models for malware, tampering, and backdoors; validates integrity before release and distribution. Sources: [Model Scanner](https://hiddenlayer.com/model-scanner), [Platform Datasheet](https://21998286.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21998286/HiddenLayer%20AISec%20Platform%20Datasheets.pdf).
  • **Posture management and governance**: Establishes controls, standards, and continuous monitoring to meet audit and compliance needs across AI portfolios. Source: [AISec Platform](https://hiddenlayer.com/aisec-platform).
  • **Automated red teaming**: Programmatic adversarial testing of models and applications to discover vulnerabilities and harden defenses. Source: [AISec Platform](https://hiddenlayer.com/aisec-platform).
  • **Research-informed protections**: Features like Refusal Detection for safer LLM outputs are informed by active research on adversarial ML, jailbreaks, and backdoors. Sources: [Refusal Detection](https://hiddenlayer.com/innovation-hub/enhancing-ai-security-with-hiddenlayers-refusal-detection), [Innovation Hub](https://hiddenlayer.com/innovation-hub/hiddenlayer-unveils-aisec-platform-2-0-to-deliver-unmatched-context-visibility-and-observability-for-enterprise-ai-security).
  • Who It’s For

  • **Security teams and CISOs** rolling out LLMs, agent frameworks, and predictive ML—especially in regulated or IP-sensitive industries.
  • **MLOps and platform engineering** needing pre-deployment model scanning, runtime monitoring, and incident response for AI systems.
  • **Enterprises** seeking AI risk management that integrates with existing SIEM, ticketing, and cloud workflows. Sources: [AISec Platform](https://hiddenlayer.com/aisec-platform), [CrowdStrike Marketplace](https://marketplace.crowdstrike.com/content/crowdstrike-marketplace/locale-sites/us/en-us/listings/hiddenlayer-aisec-platform.html).
  • Common Use Cases

  • **Stop prompt injection and jailbreaks** in chatbots and AI agents, preventing data leakage and secret exfiltration. Source: [AIDR](https://hiddenlayer.com/aidr).
  • **Scan and validate models before deployment** to catch malware, tampering, and embedded backdoors. Sources: [Model Scanner](https://hiddenlayer.com/model-scanner), [Platform Datasheet](https://21998286.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21998286/HiddenLayer%20AISec%20Platform%20Datasheets.pdf).
  • **Establish AI posture management and automated red teaming** to meet governance and audit requirements. Source: [AISec Platform](https://hiddenlayer.com/aisec-platform).
  • **Monitor production behavior for evasion and misuse** with continuous detection and response. Source: [CrowdStrike Marketplace](https://marketplace.crowdstrike.com/content/crowdstrike-marketplace/locale-sites/us/en-us/listings/hiddenlayer-aisec-platform.html).
  • Integrations and Distribution

  • **Marketplace availability**:
  • CrowdStrike Marketplace (AISec Platform integration): [Listing](https://marketplace.crowdstrike.com/content/crowdstrike-marketplace/locale-sites/us/en-us/listings/hiddenlayer-aisec-platform.html)
  • AWS Marketplace (Model Scanner): [Listing](https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/prodview-2haypjrayfxgw)
  • Microsoft Commercial Marketplace (AIDR): [Listing](https://marketplace.microsoft.com/ja-jp/marketplace/apps/hiddenlayerinc1690422428200.hiddenlayer-mldr?tab=overview)
  • **APIs and workflow fit**: API-based integration into ML/DevOps pipelines with telemetry forwarding to existing security stacks. Source: [CrowdStrike Marketplace](https://marketplace.crowdstrike.com/content/crowdstrike-marketplace/locale-sites/us/en-us/listings/hiddenlayer-aisec-platform.html).
  • Market Traction, Funding, and Recognition

  • **Funding**: $50M Series A (2023), led by M12 and Moore Strategic Ventures; total known funding ~ $56M. Sources: [PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hiddenlayer-raises-50m-in-series-a-funding-to-safeguard-ai-301931260.html), [VentureBeat](https://venturebeat.com/security/hiddenlayer-raises-50m-to-bolster-defenses-of-enterprise-ai-models), [M12](https://m12.vc/news/why-we-invested-in-hiddenlayers-vision-of-creating-safer-ai-solutions).
  • **Investors**: M12, Moore Strategic Ventures, Booz Allen Ventures, IBM Ventures, Capital One Ventures. Sources: [PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hiddenlayer-raises-50m-in-series-a-funding-to-safeguard-ai-301931260.html), [M12](https://m12.vc/news/why-we-invested-in-hiddenlayers-vision-of-creating-safer-ai-solutions).
  • **Recognition**: Named a Gartner Cool Vendor for AI Security. Source: [LinkedIn company profile](https://www.linkedin.com/company/hiddenlayersec).
  • **Research presence**: Regular publications on adversarial ML, jailbreaks, and defenses; productized into features like Refusal Detection. Source: [Refusal Detection](https://hiddenlayer.com/innovation-hub/enhancing-ai-security-with-hiddenlayers-refusal-detection).
  • Buyer Perspective: Pros and Cons

  • Pros
  • **Credible research leadership** in adversarial ML and backdoors, appreciated by practitioners. Source: [Community discussion](https://www.reddit.com/r/comfyui/comments/1g4ztrp/hiddenlayer_research_placing_backdoors_in_ai).
  • **Covers priority LLM threats** (prompt injection, data leakage) with real-time controls via AIDR. Source: [AIDR](https://hiddenlayer.com/aidr).
  • **Strong market validation** through notable investors and sizable Series A. Sources: [PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hiddenlayer-raises-50m-in-series-a-funding-to-safeguard-ai-301931260.html), [Reddit funding thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/Multiplatform_AI/comments/16s15pd/hiddenlayer_secures_impressive_50_million).
  • Cons
  • **Limited third-party reviews** on platforms like G2, making benchmarking of real-world deployments difficult. Source: [G2 seller page](https://www.g2.com/es/sellers/hiddenlayer).
  • **Nascent category expectations**: Community threads note LLM security is evolving across all vendors; outcomes may vary by context. Sources: [r/devops jailbreak handling](https://www.reddit.com/r/devops/comments/1nudj4x/how_the_hell_are_you_all_handling_ai_jailbreak), [r/cybersecurity on prompt injection](https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/1nhijzp/prompt_injection_is_becoming_a_major_security).
  • Pricing and Evaluation

  • **Free trial**: No public free trial details; evaluations typically via sales-led POCs or marketplace engagements. Sources: [HiddenLayer site](https://hiddenlayer.com), marketplace listings above.
  • Company Facts

  • **Headquarters**: Austin, Texas (area). Source: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/hiddenlayersec).
  • **Employees**: 51–200; 162 listed on LinkedIn. Source: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/hiddenlayersec).
  • **Founded**: 2022. Source: [Washington Technology](https://www.washingtontechnology.com/companies/2023/09/hiddenlayer-closes-50m-series-capital-raise/390468).
  • Leadership

  • **CEO & Co-Founder**: Chris “Tito” Sestito. Source: [Leadership profile](https://hiddenlayer.com/company/christopher-tito-sestito).
  • Additional leadership bios available: [Leadership page example](https://hiddenlayer.com/company/marta-janus).
  • Educational Resources and Further Reading

  • Product and platform details: [AISec Platform](https://hiddenlayer.com/aisec-platform), [AIDR](https://hiddenlayer.com/aidr), [Model Scanner](https://hiddenlayer.com/model-scanner), [Platform Datasheet](https://21998286.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21998286/HiddenLayer%20AISec%20Platform%20Datasheets.pdf).
  • Research and feature deep-dives: [Refusal Detection](https://hiddenlayer.com/innovation-hub/enhancing-ai-security-with-hiddenlayers-refusal-detection), [Innovation Hub](https://hiddenlayer.com/innovation-hub/hiddenlayer-unveils-aisec-platform-2-0-to-deliver-unmatched-context-visibility-and-observability-for-enterprise-ai-security).
  • Marketplace integrations: [CrowdStrike](https://marketplace.crowdstrike.com/content/crowdstrike-marketplace/locale-sites/us/en-us/listings/hiddenlayer-aisec-platform.html), [AWS (Model Scanner)](https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/prodview-2haypjrayfxgw), [Microsoft (AIDR)](https://marketplace.microsoft.com/ja-jp/marketplace/apps/hiddenlayerinc1690422428200.hiddenlayer-mldr?tab=overview).
  • If you’d like, I can build a deeper feature map (supported environments, SIEM/SOAR and ticketing integrations, deployment patterns) by parsing the datasheets and marketplace documentation page by page.

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