Dawnguard is a cybersecurity startup based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, which recently emerged from stealth mode in July 2025. The company, founded by Mahdi Abdulrazak and Kim van Lavieren, focuses on embedding security directly into system architecture from the earliest stages of development. It raised $3 million in pre-seed funding led by 9900 Capital and several angel investors, including notable CIOs and CISOs. By integrating AI and ML-driven engines, Dawnguard aims to redefine the cybersecurity landscape by addressing design flaws early on, rather than reactive security measures.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2025 |
| Headquarters | Amsterdam, The Netherlands |
| Founders | Mahdi Abdulrazak, Kim van Lavieren |
| Pre-seed Funding | $3 Million |
| Key Investors | 9900 Capital, Various angel investors |
| Industry | Cybersecurity |
Dawnguard was founded in response to the increasing realization that traditional cybersecurity models were insufficient for the rapidly evolving technology landscape. The founders, leveraging their extensive experiences from companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Amazon, recognized that security often became an afterthought in the software development process. This approach led to security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by increasingly sophisticated threats. By embedding security controls directly into the system's design and architecture from the start, Dawnguard seeks to mitigate these vulnerabilities before they arise.
Dawnguard operates at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, and cloud infrastructure. Its platform provides a shared workspace for engineering and security teams to collaborate on secure, compliant architecture. This holistic approach distinguishes Dawnguard from traditional cybersecurity firms that focus on reactive measures and post-development security checks. Key achievements include:
Dawnguard's primary activity involves offering a cybersecurity platform that integrates seamlessly with existing enterprise systems. By focusing on cloud-native environments, the startup has positioned itself to address the modern security needs of companies integrating AI into their operations. Its approach to embed security into architecture from "day zero" gives it a competitive edge over firms treating security as a secondary consideration. As of its emergence, Dawnguard is focusing on enhancing its enterprise integrations and scaling its platform for broader adoption.
Dawnguard stands out in the cybersecurity field with its innovative approach of integrating security directly into system design from the earliest phases of development. By focusing on design-year security rather than post-facto adjustments, the startup is setting a new standard in cybersecurity, particularly in AI and cloud-driven environments. With solid financial backing and industry support, Dawnguard is poised to influence how cybersecurity is embedded in digital systems at a foundational level, which could lead to a safer digital landscape in the future.