Blackwall, an AI-based cybersecurity and network infrastructure company, is dedicated to protecting web ecosystems against automated threats. Formerly known as Botguard, Blackwall recently secured a €45 million Series B funding led by Dawn Capital, with participation from existing investors MMC. The company, already operating in the US and Asia-Pacific regions, plans to use this capital to expand its workforce in key markets and invest in product development.
Based in London, Blackwall was founded in 2019 by Nikita Rozenberg (CEO) and Denis Prochko (CTO). The company is deployed on over 2.3 million websites and applications, safeguarding them against malicious automated threats.
Approximately 50% of global web traffic comes from bots, with 66% being malicious. Traditional solutions are costly and geared towards large enterprises, leaving SMEs vulnerable to cyberattacks. Blackwall partners with hosting and managed service providers, as well as e-commerce platforms, to protect SME clients from bot-related threats.
Blackwall’s flagship product, GateKeeper, is an advanced reverse proxy with bot detection and next-gen attack prevention mechanisms. By reducing server costs and increasing server efficiency, GateKeeper helps hosting and managed service providers support millions of SMEs worldwide. Supporting Managed Service Providers with Blackwall’s Security Services
Blackwall aids hosting and managed service providers in boosting their margins by increasing revenue through high-value, scalable security services. These services not only attract new clients but also create additional recurring revenue streams.
“Blackwall has only scratched the surface of the opportunities in the United States and Asia-Pacific” – Norman Fiore, General Partner, Dawn Capital
Led by Dawn Capital with participation from existing investors MMC, Blackwall’s Series B funding will double its workforce and accelerate growth in the U.S. and Asia-Pacific regions. This expansion will also strengthen global distribution partnerships.
Nikita Rozenberg, Co-Founder and CEO, stated, “With Blackwall, we are taking our mission to the next level by providing top-notch infrastructure protection to SMEs, who are traditionally overlooked. This funding allows us to expand globally and continue innovating for businesses in dire need.”
Norman Fiore, General Partner at Dawn Capital, added, “It’s rare to see a company targeting SMEs with such a comprehensive offering, with each component being best-in-class. This is made possible by Blackwall’s innovative technology.”
“Mina Samaan, General Partner at MMC Ventures, commented, “Blackwall’s approach to tackling malicious and unnecessary traffic at the infrastructure level fills a critical gap in the market, providing essential protection to hosting providers and small businesses. With the rise of AI-related threats, Blackwall’s products are more crucial than ever, poised to become a leading force in combating bots and other digital threats.”
Additionally, Blackwall welcomes Norman Fiore, Co-Founder of Dawn Capital and General Partner, and Shamillah Bankiya, Non-Executive Director at Dawn Capital, to its board. Roi Carthy, Co-Founder and CEO of Hudson Rock, will be appointed Executive Chairman.
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About Blackwall
Blackwall (formerly BotGuard) is an AI-based network security and infrastructure company dedicated to protecting web ecosystems from automated threats. GateKeeper, the company’s flagship product deployed on over 2.3 million websites and applications, is trusted by over 100 service and hosting partners worldwide. By enhancing performance, reducing operating costs, and generating maximum revenue, GateKeeper protects SMEs globally from emerging threats affordably, simply, and at scale. Learn more at www.blackwall.com.
About Dawn Capital
Dawn is Europe’s leading B2B software specialist investor with over $2 billion in assets under management. Dawn primarily invests in early-stage companies, supporting them from Series A and B rounds through their growth cycles to exit. Its portfolio includes successful companies like Mimecast, iZettle, Tink, LeanIX, Collibra, Dataiku, Quantexa, Soldo, and Copper.
About MMC Ventures
MMC Ventures is a leading European venture capital firm focused on deep tech. Investing in transformative tech startups using AI and data science across sectors such as enterprise AI, fintech, data-driven healthcare, cloud infrastructure, and data infrastructure. Some of MMC’s supported companies include Synthesia, Copper, Signal AI, Interactive Investor, Current Health, YuLife, and Cloudsmith.
In conclusion, Blackwall’s innovative approach to cybersecurity for SMEs, backed by strategic investments, positions them as a key player in the industry. By expanding globally and continuing to innovate, Blackwall is set to revolutionize how small businesses access advanced security solutions. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from Blackwall!
