In an era defined by digital innovation, GetReal has emerged as a critical player in countering the sophisticated threat posed by AI-generated deepfakes. These highly realistic imitations of audio, video, and images are posing significant security risks across various sectors, including government and financial services. The startup, co-founded by Hany Farid, is focused on advancing detection technologies to address these growing concerns.
Funding and Technological Advancements
Recent Investments
GetReal has recently secured $17.5 million in equity to accelerate its research and development. This funding is pivotal for expanding their team’s capabilities and boosting business development efforts, marking a substantial step forward in their mission to counter deepfake threats. The involvement of notable investors underscores the recognition of the critical need for robust solutions against deepfakes. The investment is not just about financial backing; it’s also an endorsement of GetReal’s innovative technology and its potential to make a significant impact in mitigating the risks posed by deepfakes.
The funding round was led by Forgepoint Capital, a specialist in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence investments. With additional backing from Ballistic Ventures, Evolution Equity, and the K2 Access Fund, GetReal is well-positioned to enhance its technological advancements. Ballistic Ventures, a significant player in GetReal’s development, had previously led a $7 million seed round and has been instrumental in the company’s progress. These strategic partnerships are essential for GetReal’s growth, providing not only financial support but also valuable industry insights and networks to bolster its development and market penetration.
Cutting-Edge Platform
The startup is rolling out an advanced forensics platform that encompasses a web interface, API, and media analysis integrations. This platform is designed to provide a comprehensive suite of tools aimed at addressing the diverse needs associated with deepfake detection. Key features include a threat exposure dashboard, an “Inspect” tool for protecting high-profile individuals, a “Protect” tool for media screening, and a “Respond” service involving human teams for in-depth analysis. These tools are tailored to meet the needs of various stakeholders, from individual executives to large organizations, thus broadening the platform’s applicability.
The threat exposure dashboard offers real-time monitoring and alerts, enabling organizations to respond promptly to potential threats. The “Inspect” tool focuses on safeguarding the reputations and security of high-profile individuals by providing advanced spoof detection capabilities. The media screening “Protect” tool is essential for companies, allowing them to verify the authenticity of content before dissemination. The “Respond” service leverages expert human teams to provide a deep dive into suspicious media, ensuring a thorough and reliable analysis. Together, these tools form a robust suite designed to counter the multifaceted threat posed by deepfakes, making GetReal an indispensable asset for organizations concerned about digital authenticity and security.
Founders and Expertise
Hany Farid’s Vision
Hany Farid’s renowned expertise in identifying doctored digital images forms the backbone of GetReal’s technology. His pioneering techniques, honed over two decades, are being leveraged to combat the emergent threat of deepfakes, blending old methods with modern reverse engineering. Farid’s extensive academic background and his contributions to the field of digital forensics provide a strong foundation for GetReal’s technology, ensuring that the company stays ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
Farid’s reputation in the field is well-established, with his methodologies being adopted by media organizations, legal teams, and other entities to verify the authenticity of digital content. His collaboration with Ted Schlein and the team at GetReal marks the transition from informal applications of his techniques to a scalable business solution. The integration of Farid’s tried-and-tested methods with cutting-edge technology allows GetReal to offer a unique and highly effective toolset for deepfake detection. This blend of experience and innovation is critical for the company’s mission to provide reliable and robust solutions in the fight against digital deception.
Ted Schlein and Matthew Moynahan
Ted Schlein, the founder of Ballistic Ventures, serves as chairman and co-founder, bringing deep experience from his tenure at Kleiner Perkins. Schlein’s role is pivotal, providing strategic oversight and leveraging his vast network to support GetReal’s growth. His involvement is more than just a title; his insights and strategic vision are crucial for navigating the company’s development in a competitive and high-stakes field like cybersecurity.
CEO Matthew Moynahan, with a robust background in leading cybersecurity firms, underscores the pervasiveness of deepfakes and their potential to cause widespread harm. Moynahan’s previous experience with companies like Symantec and Veracode adds a layer of credibility and expertise to GetReal’s leadership. His focus on the ubiquity and potential damage of deepfakes highlights the company’s commitment to addressing these threats head-on. Moynahan’s leadership is directed towards ensuring that GetReal’s solutions are not only cutting-edge but also user-friendly and effective in real-world scenarios. This blend of experience, both academic and commercial, strengthens the startup’s position and its ability to deliver on its promises.
Strategic Partnerships
Key Investors
The Series A funding round includes investments from major players like Cisco Investments, Capital One Ventures, and In-Q-Tel. This backing not only provides financial support but also validates the critical need for effective deepfake detection solutions in both private and public sectors. Cisco’s involvement signals a recognition of the importance of integrating deepfake detection into broader cybersecurity frameworks. Capital One Ventures’ participation indicates the financial sector’s concern over digital authenticity and the potential for fraud through deepfakes.
In-Q-Tel’s investment, associated with the CIA, highlights the governmental and national security interests in combating deepfakes. The inclusion of these investors reflects a diverse range of stakeholders who recognize the importance of GetReal’s mission. This diverse backing underscores the widespread and cross-industry relevance of GetReal’s solutions. The strategic investments ensure that the company has the resources and industry connections necessary to scale its operations and refine its technology, ultimately enhancing its ability to fight deepfake threats effectively.
Industry Adoption
The types of companies adopting GetReal’s products include heavily regulated industries like financial services, where deepfake impersonations carry significant risks. Notable clients such as John Deere and Visa highlight the demand for robust detection tools to prevent fraud and misinformation. These industries, driven by stringent regulatory requirements and the high stakes of financial security, are at the forefront of adopting advanced deepfake detection technologies. Their adoption of GetReal’s platform demonstrates its effectiveness and the trust these organizations place in its capabilities.
The presence of clients from diverse sectors such as agriculture with John Deere, and financial services with Visa, illustrates the broad applicability and necessity of GetReal’s solutions. These partnerships not only validate GetReal’s technological prowess but also underscore the urgent need for reliable deepfake detection across various industries. The adoption by such reputable names is a testament to the robustness and reliability of GetReal’s tools. It signifies the crucial role that the startup is playing in safeguarding against the ever-evolving threats posed by digital deception.
Scope and Future Plans
Expanding Tools
Currently, GetReal’s technological focus does not extend to text-based deepfake impersonations. Hany Farid acknowledges this challenge, indicating plans to broaden their scope in the future to tackle various forms of digital deception. The expansion into text-based deepfake detection is a logical next step, considering the increasing sophistication of AI in generating convincing text content. Addressing this issue would involve developing new algorithms and techniques tailored to analyze and verify text authenticity, an area that poses its own unique set of challenges.
Farid’s acknowledgment of this gap reflects GetReal’s commitment to continuous improvement and adapting to emerging threats. The company’s strategic vision includes expanding its toolset to offer comprehensive solutions that cover all forms of digital manipulation. This proactive approach ensures that GetReal remains at the forefront of digital forensics, ready to tackle the next wave of deepfake evolution. By continuing to innovate and expand its capabilities, GetReal aims to provide its clients with the most comprehensive and effective protection against all types of digital deception.
National Security Concerns
In a time marked by digital innovation, GetReal has become a significant player in addressing the complex risks posed by AI-generated deepfakes. These incredibly realistic audio, video, and image forgeries pose substantial security threats across multiple sectors, including government and financial services. The deceptive nature of deepfakes can lead to misinformation, fraud, and even political turmoil. GetReal was co-founded by Hany Farid, a leading expert in digital forensics, who has dedicated his efforts to developing advanced detection technologies.
The startup focuses on creating cutting-edge solutions that can identify and combat these fraudulent digital creations. As deepfake technology continues to evolve, so does the urgency to find reliable methods to detect them. GetReal aims to stay ahead of the curve by constantly innovating and enhancing its detection tools. By doing so, the company plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the authenticity of digital content, which is crucial for maintaining trust and security in today’s digital world.
