Endpoint security startup Kolide Inc. announced today it has raised $17 million in new funding, led by OpenView Partners along with participation from previous investor Matrix Partners.

Founded in 2016, Kolide offers an endpoint security and mobile device management platform that integrates with Slack Inc. The software-as-service platform enlists the help of employees directly to fix serious issues it detects on Linux, Mac and Windows devices.

All communication that occurs through the Slack app is filtered with messages sent to end-users when their device no longer meets the security standards set by the company. The messages include customized instructions and even a way for users to verify they correctly fixed the problem immediately.

The combination of cross-platform visibility and end-user involvement enables Kolide to fix issues that cannot be resolved with traditional endpoint security and management software, according to the company. In one example, customers can use Kolide to remind employees to remove sensitive data that has lingered too long on their local drive.

Kolide has seen strong growth fueled by the move to remote work driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges accompanying that shift.

Jason Meller, founder and chief executive officer of Kolide, explained that the rise of remote work has created two opposes forces. “On one hand, IT and security teams feel they need more visibility and greater control over devices out of their physical reach,” he said. “On the other hand, employees, now at home, are starting to worry about being inappropriately surveilled, in turn driving them to use unauthorized personal devices for their work.”

Meller says the key to solving both sides is total transparency. “It’s why Kolide uses an open-source endpoint agent and why we’ve invested hundreds of hours creating the best possible experience for end-users to see exactly what data from devices is being collected and who in the company can see it,” he said.

With the shift to remote work, Kolide now has over 250 customers. Notable clients include Unity, Octopus Energy and Convoy.

With the new Series B funding, Kolide has raised $27 million to date, including a round of $8 million in April 2018.

Image: Kolide