Physical security company Hakimo Inc. announced today that it has raised $10.5 million in new funding and launched AI Operator, an autonomous security agent that monitors existing security hardware, detects threats in real time, and executes response protocols just like a human security professional.

Founded in 2020 by Stanford-trained AI experts Sam Joseph and Sagar Honnungar, Hakimo builds artificial intelligencce agents for physical security monitoring. The company services include AI-driven, human-in-the-loop security software solutions that work with existing security hardware to enhance real-time threat detection, optimize resources and proactively deter security breaches.

The new AI Operator service takes the company’s vision further through a combination of computer vision and generative AI that monitors existing security hardware, such as cameras and badge readers. Differing from other solutions on the market, the service can detect any anomaly or potential threat that can be described in words. In addition to detection, AI Operator can also issue real-time speaker warnings and execute standard operating procedures to respond to incidents, with human operators providing intervention only when necessary.

“Hakimo has pioneered a new era of AI-driven security by creating an intelligent AI agent that understands and responds to threats like never before,” said co-founder and Chief Executive Sam Joseph. “We’re not just automating security — we’re redefining it with AI that can recognize and act on any security event and deliver unmatched protection for businesses worldwide.”

On the funding side, the venture capital round was led by Vertex Ventures Management Pte. Ltd. and Zigg Capital, with participation from RXR Arden Digital Ventures and existing investors Defy Ventures and Gokul Rajaram. The funding will be used to scale up Hakimo’s physical security platform and expand its team to meet growing demand.

Hakimo has seen strong demand for its services, with the company tripling its customer base over the last year to over 100 clients across industries, including multifamily apartments, car dealerships, construction sites and Fortune 500 enterprises. Through 2024, Hakimo’s technology is said by the company to have prevented thousands of security incidents, assisted law enforcement in multiple arrests and even saved a life.

Including the new funding, Hakimo has raised $20.5 million to date. Previous investors include Neotribe Ventures Management and Rocketship.vc.

Image: Hakimo