Ex-Google Execs Raise $36M to Stop AI Email Scams

Former Google security executives Cy Khormaee and Ryan Luo spent a decade protecting Gmail users from hackers, and now they're taking that expertise to the next level.

The duo launched AegisAI less than a year ago with a bold mission: use artificial intelligence to stop AI-powered email scams. Their timing couldn't be better, as hackers are now using AI to craft frighteningly convincing fake emails by instantly gathering personal details about targets, from coworker names to recent vacation photos.

Traditional email security systems rely on simple "if-then" rules that can't keep up with these sophisticated attacks. Khormaee says AI-powered scams now bypass existing controls more than half the time, making them nearly twice as effective as older phishing attempts.

AegisAI takes a different approach. Their AI agents analyze every message the way a careful human would, spotting tiny red flags that even elaborate checklists would miss. The system can detect malicious PDF attachments disguised with passwords and CAPTCHAs designed specifically to fool standard spam filters.

The approach is already working. Dozens of companies have adopted the technology, including crypto payments firm Mesh, AI startup LangChain, and privacy platform Lokker. That early success just helped AegisAI close a $36 million Series A funding round led by Battery Ventures, bringing their total funding to $49 million.

Why This Inspires

What makes this story particularly exciting is watching security experts who protected billions of Gmail users now building the next generation of defense. Khormaee and Luo aren't just reacting to threats—they're anticipating how attacks will evolve and building smarter shields.

Battery Ventures partner Dharmesh Thakker noticed the surge in email attacks hitting his own inbox and knew companies needed better protection. He believes defending against AI-driven threats will become a top priority for businesses everywhere.

AegisAI isn't stopping at email either. The team plans to expand their AI agents to protect other areas like data security, with Khormaee believing these advanced investigative agents will define the next dominant security company.

In a world where bad actors increasingly use AI for harm, it's refreshing to see brilliant minds racing to use the same technology for good.