In the mid-2010s, Alex Zenla, while delving into internet-of-things (IoT) security, identified a significant issue. The limited processing power of IoT devices hindered their ability to implement cloud-based security measures effectively, unlike traditional PCs and servers equipped with advanced processors. This disparity left many embedded devices directly connected to local networks, increasing their vulnerability to potential cyberattacks. At the time, Zenla was a young innovator, focusing on IoT platforms and engaging with open-source projects while building communities in various online forums. After several years of contemplation and research, she embarked on developing a technology that would enable nearly any device to operate within its own isolated cloud environment, referred to as a “container.” Today, a decade later, Zenla stands as one of three female co-founders of Edera, a company dedicated to transforming how cloud infrastructure allocates and shares resources.
Edera specializes in cloud workload isolation technology, which may seem niche but directly addresses a widespread challenge within shared cloud infrastructures, particularly as applications move toward increased reliance on artificial intelligence. Modern AI workloads necessitate high-performance GPUs for computational tasks; however, these chips prioritize efficiency and capacity over security, making them lack the necessary separations to protect various processes. As a result, an attacker breaching one segment of the system can potentially gain broader access through lateral movements within the compromised environment.
Zenla emphasizes the complexity of the challenges faced, particularly related to GPU and container isolation, noting that industry professionals often underestimated the necessity of robust solutions. In October, following a $5 million seed funding round, Edera announced a $15 million Series A funding round led by Microsoft’s venture capital arm, M12. While funding of this nature is not uncommon, Edera’s trajectory stands out amid a generally subdued venture capital climate, especially given the company’s all-female founding team, which includes two transgender women.
In the tech startup ecosystem, particularly in the United States and globally, venture capital funding has historically favored male founders, leading to significant disparities in support for female entrepreneurs. Women who manage to secure initial funding often face increased challenges in raising follow-up rounds and encounter greater hurdles in establishing subsequent ventures after a setback. This trend is exacerbated by ongoing political and corporate efforts that undermine diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives aimed at addressing systemic biases within the industry.
Edera’s CEO, Emily Long, acknowledges their minority status within the industry while affirming their commitment to driving change. She highlights the influx of qualified women expressing interest in joining their team, indicating a growing recognition of the potential for diverse representation in technology leadership.
The founding team, including co-founder Ariadne Conill who brings extensive expertise in open-source software and security, is focused on enhancing Edera’s container isolation technology. Their objective is to facilitate the implementation of security measures that provide robust safeguards against exploits, ensuring that vulnerabilities in one part of the network do not lead to widespread breaches.
Long points out that many organizations still operate legacy applications and outdated software, which complicates their security stance. This reliance contributes to a heightened risk profile, as it is impractical to rectify every existing vulnerability systematically. Moreover, traditional container designs were not optimized for isolation, forcing companies to choose between innovation, performance, and security—an unfair trade-off that Edera aims to eliminate.
In conclusion, as cyber threats continue to evolve, the advancements made by Edera in cloud workload isolation could prove essential in mitigating risks associated with shared infrastructures. By leveraging insights from the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which encompasses tactics such as initial access, persistence, and privilege escalation, Edera seeks to provide solutions that not only protect individual components of a network but also elevate overall security postures for organizations harnessing cloud technologies.
