Ontic Raises $230M to Expand Connected Security Platform

Ontic, a connected security intelligence platform founded by a former Sprinklr executive, has successfully raised $230 million to establish itself as the leading provider of physical security software. The Austin, Texas-based company aims to leverage Series C funding to enhance operations by integrating AI and automation, enabling analysts to more effectively triage risks and shift from reactive to proactive security measures.

According to Chief Solutions and Innovation Officer Manish Mehta, the funding will directly support the company’s ambition to unify fragmented security workflows by ingesting diverse signals from various sources. The platform seeks to tie these insights to physical security infrastructures, including access controls and sensor technology.

Mehta emphasized that the current security landscape is filled with outdated point solutions that fail to meet modern demands. “We have a clear opportunity to become the standard for physical security software,” he noted, as Ontic anticipates expanding its capabilities to create an interconnected ecosystem. The recent funding round was led by KKR, a firm that brings a wealth of operational and cyber expertise to bolster Ontic’s mission.

Since its inception in 2017, Ontic has grown to employ 276 people and raised nearly $300 million across five funding rounds, following a $40 million Series B round in November 2021. Mehta pointed out that there is significant untapped potential in the market, as Ontic plans to explore new sectors and international opportunities for growth.

Historically, physical security workflows have operated in silos, addressing daily incidents like badge access anomalies, anticipated threats during significant events, and crises such as active shooters. By consolidating these disparate systems into one comprehensive platform, Ontic aims to enhance communication and streamline responses to incidents across various categories.

Mehta highlighted the importance of enhancing the Connected Intelligence Platform, stating, “More resources in R&D will help us establish the standard that can cover the various rhythms of security operations.” The company’s focus will be on improving threat signal synthesis from different sources, including social media and sensors, which will ultimately facilitate a transition from reactive approaches to proactive risk management.

Artificial Intelligence will play a crucial role in this transition, assisting analysts with real-time triage by filtering out irrelevant signals and prioritizing actionable insights. Mehta noted that Ontic’s upcoming AI enhancements will help security teams understand which anomalies require immediate attention, ultimately enabling a more effective response to threats.

As companies increasingly experience insider risks, Mehta believes integrating physical and cybersecurity systems is essential for early threat detection. By harmonizing data from perimeter devices, access controls, and cyber systems, Ontic aims to provide organizations with a comprehensive view of potential threats.

In addition to enhancing security protocols, Ontic is pursuing FedRAMP certification, enabling the company to navigate unique operational challenges within the U.S. federal government landscape. As Ontic seeks to extend its reach beyond U.S. borders, it recognizes that navigating data privacy laws and fragmented infrastructures in international markets will introduce further complexities into its growth strategy.