Aikido's AI-Powered Cybersecurity Soars to Unicorn Status, Revolutionizes Software Development with Integrated Guardrails

January 14, 2026
Aikido's AI-Powered Cybersecurity Soars to Unicorn Status, Revolutionizes Software Development with Integrated Guardrails
  • AI is reshaping software development, and Aikido’s approach represents a necessary evolution in security for developers by integrating guardrails into the build process.

  • AI-generated code, autonomous agents, and continuous deployment are driving the need for continuous, adaptive security tied to the software lifecycle.

  • Industry context emphasizes AI’s material impact on development and the shift toward security models that align with AI-enabled workflows.

  • A European, bottom-up go-to-market, freemium model, and a focus on delivering real daily value underpin Aikido’s strategy, backed by a broad investor base including Notion Capital, Singular.vc, Syndicate One and new backers.

  • The cybersecurity funding environment remains robust, with nearly $14 billion raised in 2025, signaling strong investor momentum in security tooling.

  • Aikido’s platform is used by more than 100,000 teams worldwide.

  • Aikido reports rapid growth: over 100,000 teams, 5x revenue growth year over year, and triple customer base last year, with marquee customers like the Premier League, SoundCloud, Niantic, and Revolut.

  • Founded in 2022, Aikido reached unicorn status within three years, reportedly the fastest pace for a European cybersecurity firm.

  • Customer mix spans mobile apps, fintech, and music streaming, with about half of revenue coming from the United States and substantial international growth.

  • CEO Willem Delbare frames the platform as guardrails that integrate into existing workflows rather than hindering developers.

  • Valuation signals that top-tier capital remains willing to back infrastructure software that becomes a default layer in product development and operations, despite a tighter funding climate.

  • Europe positions itself as capable of building and scaling world-class software security, with a 180-person team and 60-plus daily deployments.

Summary based on 10 sources


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