San Mateo-based startup GetReal has secured $17.5 million in Series A funding to scale its AI-driven forensics platform. Designed to detect and neutralize deepfakes in audio, video, and imagery, the company aims to protect governments and global enterprises from the multi-million dollar losses and security risks caused by sophisticated digital impersonations.
Advanced Forensics as a Service
The company, co-founded by deepfake detection pioneer Hany Farid and cybersecurity veteran Ted Schlein, is moving beyond academic research to provide a commercial-grade defense suite. The platform offers a comprehensive toolkit, including:
- Inspect: Safeguards high-profile executives from identity spoofing.
- Protect: Automated screening of media files for signs of manipulation.
- Respond: Expert-led deep analysis for critical security incidents.
- Threat Dashboard: Real-time visibility into impersonation risks.
The “Hany as a Service” Model
GetReal addresses a critical talent gap in cyber-forensics. CEO Matt Moynahan, who joined the startup after a three-decade career leading firms like Symantec and Forcepoint, describes the current deepfake landscape as a threat more ubiquitous than traditional viruses. “We basically took Hany [Farid] and tried to create a ‘Hany service’ in the cloud,” Moynahan explained.
While the technology relies on reverse-engineering modern AI apps, Farid notes that the core methodology is rooted in two decades of forensic expertise. Certain techniques developed years ago remain highly effective today, forming the backbone of the platform’s ability to verify digital authenticity.
Strategic Backing and Market Demand
The funding round was led by Forgepoint Capital, with participation from Ballistic Ventures, Evolution Equity, and K2 Access Fund. The company has also attracted high-profile strategic investors, including Cisco Investments, Capital One Ventures, and In-Q-Tel, the venture firm linked to the CIA.
Market adoption is already underway. According to Alberto Yépez of Forgepoint, heavily regulated sectors—specifically financial institutions—are driving demand. Major corporations, including John Deere and Visa, have already tapped into the platform to defend against sophisticated impersonation attacks that target leadership.
Future Roadmaps: Beyond Media
While GetReal currently focuses on visual and auditory media, the scope of digital impersonation is rapidly evolving. Recent events, such as the confusion surrounding Signal group chats involving sensitive military intelligence, have highlighted the urgent need for tools that can verify text-based communications.
Farid acknowledges that text-based impersonation is a “different beast,” but confirms it remains a core part of the company’s long-term roadmap. As the line between digital reality and AI-generated fabrication continues to blur, GetReal intends to expand its detection capabilities to cover the full spectrum of modern synthetic threats.