Five cybersecurity startups to watch

Africa's technology landscape is flourishing and the cybersecurity industry is thriving. As established companies hold their ground, a surge of innovative startups are disrupting the norm, introducing novel ideas and state-of-the-art solutions.

In recent years, the continent has seen a surge in innovative cybersecurity startups tackling growing digital threats.

Connecting Africa has compiled a list of five cybersecurity startups that are shaping and influencing the African cybersecurity ecosystem.

1. Sendmarc (South Africa)

South African cybersecurity Sendmarc – founded in 2020 by Sam Hutchinson, Keith Thompson and Sacha Matulovich – has swiftly risen to prominence.

Sendmarc safeguards email communications from phishing attacks, with substantial funding of US$7 million, the startup equips businesses with essential tools to protect their email systems, which are frequently targeted by cybercriminals.

Its proactive strategies ensure organizations can secure sensitive information and uphold client trust.

2. Cypherleak (Morocco)

Another cybersecurity firm worth noting is Cypherleak, a Moroccan startup founded in 2022 by Mohamed Amine Belarbi.

This Moroccan startup provides an automated cyber risk monitoring platform, serving over 1,000 corporate clients worldwide.

By focusing on risk scoring, the company helps businesses identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

With a recent funding round of $750,000, this startup is rapidly establishing itself as a significant player in the African cybersecurity sector.

3. Orca Fraud (South Africa)

As a new entrant, Orca Fraud leverages machine learning models to tackle fraud.

The company's cutting-edge solutions enable organizations to stay ahead of fraudsters.

Founded in January 2024 by Thalia Pillay and Carla Wilby, Orca focuses on combating fraud in emerging markets by providing advanced fraud and compliance tools to banks and fintechs.

Despite being in its early stages with $550,000 in funding, Orca is set to make a significant impact in the cybersecurity field.

Africa has seen a surge in innovative cybersecurity startups tackling the continent's growing digital threats. (Source: Image by DC Studio on Freepik)

4. Cyber Talents (Egypt)

With the increasing frequency of cyber threats, there is a dire need for skilled professionals to address this issue. Egyptian-based startup Cyber Talents fills that gap.

The company addresses the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals through a platform that ranks talent via competitions and assessments.

The Egyptian startup was founded in 2021 by a group of cybersecurity enthusiasts dedicated to bridging the skills gap in the industry.

Its platform specializes in identifying and nurturing cybersecurity talent through competitions and assessments. It connects skilled individuals with companies seeking to bolster their cybersecurity defenses.

This startup not only assists companies in finding qualified personnel but also cultivates the next generation of cybersecurity experts. Their approach has garnered substantial attention and funding from various investors.

5. Buguard (Egypt)

Buguard is a multinational cybersecurity firm founded by cybersecurity enthusiasts aiming to provide comprehensive security solutions.

Established in 2020, Buguard has quickly positioned itself as a key player in the cybersecurity landscape.

The Egyptian-headquartered startup serves clients locally and internationally, addressing the cybersecurity needs of businesses across different sectors.

By leveraging advanced technologies and methodologies, the company conducts thorough assessments to identify vulnerabilities and implement effective security measures. This approach ensures that businesses can operate securely while complying with regulatory requirements.

African startups advance cybersecurity ambitions

Not only is Africa's cybersecurity landscape keeping up with global advancements, but it is also setting new benchmarks in the ecosystem.

The above startups have demonstrated that innovation and resilience are at the heart of Africa's tech ecosystem.

These companies are not just addressing critical security challenges but are also fostering a new generation of cybersecurity experts and solutions.

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