Goldman Sachs backs security startup founded by former GCHQ researcher
.jpg)
Immersive Labs, a cyber security training platform founded by a former GCHQ researcher, has raised $8m (£6.2m) in Series A funding led by Goldman Sachs.
The Bristol-based startup was launched by James Hadley (pictured) in 2017 after he ran a cyber summer school for teenagers on behalf of the UK’s signals intelligence agency.
Hadley had noticed that the most successful classes focused on ethical hacking challenges and subsequently built Immersive Labs around that model of teaching.
The platform combines threat data with gamified learning and can, the company claims, teach cyber security and IT staff new skills within hours of a threat appearing.
It has already been adopted by a number of businesses, including BAE Systems, Sophos and Goldman Sachs. The government’s Cyber Security Immediate Impact Fund also uses the platform to teach the next generation of cyber security workers.
“Having rolled out the Immersive Lab platform globally ourselves, we are aware of the benefits it brings to large organisations,” said Goldman’s chief information security officer Andy Ozment. “The Immersive platform has helped us hone the skills of the people at the front line of our cyber defenses and identify new talent throughout the organisation.”
Since the company was founded two years ago, it has grown to 65 people and has established offices in Bristol, London and New York. Robert Hannigan, the former director of GCHQ, has also joined the company as the chair of its advisory board.
“It is great to see a company with the reputation of Goldman Sachs getting firmly behind one of the fastest-growing UK cyber security success stories,” said Hannigan. “Not only does it speak volumes of everything the team at Immersive Labs has achieved to date, but also of the massive growth potential the company has.”
Hadley added: “Large organisations are facing a dual cyber security talent problem; not only is the number of professionals seriously lagging but so is the pace at which their skills are developed. If you are able to recruit the right people in the first place, today’s attackers move so fast your team may quickly fall behind.
“Our goal is to reduce this gap. With increased capital, we can help more companies continue to upskill their cyber talent in a way which keeps pace with the threat landscape.”
source newstatesman
Industry: Cyber Security News
Latest Jobs
-
- London Sales Manager, Key Clients. Security. Immediate
- London
- N/A
-
London Sales Manager, Key Clients A senior sales leadership role within the cyber security services and technology market, focused on account development and revenue growth across key clients. You will lead a sales team with responsibility for customer retention, increasing share of wallet and maintaining a strong commercial pipeline. The role works closely with technical, delivery and marketing teams, as well as technology partners. Key focus Lead and coach a field based sales team Own forecasting, pipeline quality and revenue delivery Drive renewals and account development Expand customer investment across services and solutions Build relationships with vendors and partners Background Proven experience managing enterprise sales teams Consistent performance against revenue targets Cyber or IT security sales leadership experience Exposure to Palo Alto, Check Point, Microsoft, etc Commercially focused with a structured sales approach A role for a sales leader focused on long term client value and sustainable growth.
-
- Outside IR35 Functional tester - London - Security Cleared
- London
- Outside IR35
-
Outside IR35 Functional tester - London - Security Cleared Willing to undergo DV Clearance 3 days a week onsite. (London) We are looking for a Functional Test Specialist to support a complex technology programme where accuracy and delivery assurance matter. Key Focus Validate application behaviour and run functional test scenarios Identify risk, defects, and delivery issues early Define practical test approaches and environment needs Produce automated checks where appropriate Work closely with technical teams to agree acceptance criteria Report clearly on outcomes, defects, and risks Experience Needed Strong Microsoft stack exposure Experience supporting server or infrastructure migrations Solid functional testing background Comfortable working remotely onsite (London 3 days a week) Linux or container exposure Jira / Wiki Restricted or isolated environments A hands on role for someone who values clarity, ownership, and quality.
-
- GRC Security Consultant - Energy. Security Clearable. Scotland
- Glasgow
- N/A
-
GRC Security Consultant - Utilities. OT. Security Clearable. Scotland Hybrid (UK | Remote) We need a We need a Senior GRC consultant with experience in the utilities sector. Previous experience working within Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) industries, specifically within Operational Technology is essential. Security clearance / (clearable) required. Current external consultancy experience preferred but not essential. You will be leading lead audits and advisory services (risk assessment / strategic) against CAF, ISO 27001, and IEC 62443 standards to uplift security. This is a permanent position, looking for someone who wants to make a difference away from a firm with progression and no politics. Apply today to find out more.