What happens when the tools meant to propel businesses into the future become their greatest vulnerability? In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) drives innovation, enterprises are grappling with a hidden threat: massive data leaks caused by unchecked use of AI systems. Enter Nexos AI, a Lithuania-based startup that has just secured a staggering €30 million (about $35 million) in Series A funding to address this critical challenge. This feature dives into how this rising star plans to transform the landscape of secure AI adoption, ensuring companies can leverage cutting-edge technology without risking their most sensitive information.
The Urgency of Securing AI in Corporate Worlds
The stakes couldn’t be higher for businesses integrating AI into their operations. With employees casually uploading proprietary data to large language models (LLMs), the risk of what one expert calls “the biggest corporate data leak in history” looms large. This isn’t just a theoretical concern—real-world implications include regulatory penalties and loss of competitive edge, especially in industries bound by strict compliance rules. Nexos AI steps into this gap with a mission to make AI both powerful and safe, a necessity for companies hesitant to fully embrace the technology.
This funding milestone, valuing the company at €300 million (around $350 million), underscores the market’s recognition of an urgent need. Investors see Nexos AI as a linchpin in bridging the divide between innovation and security. For enterprises across Europe and North America, the startup’s approach offers a lifeline to adopt AI confidently, addressing fears that have stalled progress in boardrooms worldwide. The story of Nexos AI isn’t just about a financial win; it’s about redefining how businesses interact with transformative technology.
A Bold Vision Backed by Proven Founders
At the helm of Nexos AI are Tomas Okmanas and Eimantas Sabaliauskas, serial entrepreneurs whose previous venture, Nord Security, achieved a $3 billion valuation. Their track record lends instant credibility to this new endeavor, which emerged from stealth mode mere months ago with an $8 million raise. Now, with €30 million more in their arsenal, co-led by Index Ventures and Evantic Capital alongside support from Creandum and angel investors, the duo is poised to tackle one of the most pressing issues in tech today.
Their personal motivation stems from witnessing firsthand the chaos of unsecured AI usage in corporate settings. Okmanas has been vocal about the scale of the problem, warning that data breaches via AI tools are already happening on an unprecedented level. This insight, combined with strategic guidance from Evantic’s network of 140 industry experts, positions Nexos AI not just as a startup, but as a movement toward safer digital transformation.
Innovative Tools to Tame the AI Wild West
Nexos AI isn’t merely sounding the alarm—it’s delivering solutions with a dual-pronged platform designed for both usability and control. The AI Workspace provides employees with a secure interface to interact with AI tools, minimizing the risk of accidental data exposure. Meanwhile, the AI Gateway targets developers, acting as a centralized hub for security, compliance, and cost management across over 200 AI models, effectively reducing the fragmentation that plagues many organizations.
What sets this platform apart is its role as a neutral intermediary, often dubbed the “Switzerland for LLMs.” This approach ensures that sensitive information stays protected while still enabling productivity gains. With plans to enhance support for private models tailored for handling confidential data, Nexos AI is gearing up to meet the needs of regulated industries, where governance isn’t just a priority—it’s a mandate.
Early feedback from users highlights the platform’s potential. For instance, Payhawk, a Bulgarian fintech unicorn, has already adopted the technology to streamline secure AI deployment. Such real-world applications demonstrate that Nexos AI’s innovations aren’t just theoretical—they’re already reshaping how companies operate in high-stakes environments.
Targeting Markets Hungry for Secure Solutions
Initially, Nexos AI is focusing on tech-savvy firms and sectors under heavy regulatory scrutiny, where data privacy concerns are paramount. The startup reports conducting 50 to 60 demo calls weekly, a clear sign of robust demand from businesses eager to integrate AI without the risks. While tech-forward companies are quick to jump on board, traditional enterprises face internal resistance, often struggling to convince leadership of AI’s tangible benefits.
Geographic expansion is also on the horizon, fueled by the recent funding. Plans to grow in Europe and North America align with regional priorities, particularly Europe’s emphasis on data sovereignty, which could open doors to public sector opportunities. This strategic focus ensures that Nexos AI addresses not just current market needs but also emerging trends that will define AI adoption in the coming years.
A compelling example of impact comes from within the founders’ own portfolio. At Hostinger, a web hosting provider under their Tesonet umbrella, an AI assistant slashed costs by €10 million in a single year by reducing the need for 500 additional staff. Such outcomes provide hard evidence to counter skepticism, showing that secure AI can deliver measurable value.
A Roadmap for Enterprises Ready to Act
For companies looking to harness AI without falling into security pitfalls, Nexos AI offers actionable steps to get started. The first move is a thorough audit of existing data vulnerabilities—identifying where employees might be using AI tools without oversight. From there, integrating the AI Gateway can centralize control, ensuring compliance and managing costs across multiple models, a critical step for eliminating operational silos.
Regulated industries should prioritize the upcoming support for private models, which promises to handle sensitive information with the highest security standards. Additionally, deploying the AI Workspace empowers teams to use AI intuitively while maintaining strict data protection protocols. This balanced approach allows businesses to drive innovation without exposing themselves to unnecessary risks, aligning with Nexos AI’s core mission.
Looking back, the journey of Nexos AI stands as a testament to the power of targeted innovation in addressing complex challenges. The €30 million Series A round marked a pivotal moment, reflecting trust in a vision that prioritizes security alongside progress. As enterprises wrestle with the dual demands of adopting AI and safeguarding data, the startup’s platform emerges as a beacon of practical solutions. Moving forward, the focus shifts to broader adoption—encouraging more businesses to take proactive steps in securing their AI initiatives. With expansion plans set to unfold across continents over the next few years, from 2025 onward, the influence of Nexos AI promises to grow, potentially setting a new standard for how technology and trust can coexist in corporate landscapes.