Corma, a cybersecurity startup founded in 2025 and based in Tel Aviv and San Francisco, has raised $60 million in seed funding led by Sequoia Capital, with participation from Khosla Ventures and Coatue, the company announced today. The startup emerged from stealth mode and has deployed its first AI model six weeks ago to several Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies across sectors including healthcare, financial services, energy, critical infrastructure, and retail, according to fortune.com.
Corma’s AI models are designed specifically to defend against cyberattacks, a response to the rise of powerful AI tools that have been used offensively by malicious actors. CEO Alon Pluda explained that while many popular AI models from companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google are trained to carry out cybersecurity attacks by writing and refining code or identifying bugs, Corma’s AI focuses on defense. The company’s name is inspired by the Elvish word for the all-powerful ring in The Lord of the Rings, symbolizing a tool for defenders rather than attackers, fortune.com reported.
The funding round highlights growing investor interest in AI-driven cybersecurity solutions amid increasing threats enabled by advanced AI technologies. Corma’s approach contrasts with other AI models that have capabilities mapping directly to offensive security. By focusing on defense, Corma aims to fill a critical gap in the cybersecurity market, which is facing unprecedented challenges from AI-powered attacks. The participation of top-tier venture capital firms like Sequoia Capital underscores the strategic importance of AI in cybersecurity, according to fortune.com.
Corma’s initial AI model has already been deployed in high-profile sectors, demonstrating early traction and adoption. The company did not disclose its total valuation. The $60 million seed funding is expected to accelerate product development and expand deployment across industries vulnerable to AI-driven cyber threats, fortune.com confirmed.