In a move reflecting mounting concerns about disinformation and cyber threats, UK-based venture capital firms Fuel Ventures and Oxford Capital have co-led a $1 million pre-seed funding round in Egregious.
The pioneering company specialises in “Human AI” solutions designed to protect organisations against malicious deployments of artificial intelligence, including superhuman AI deception, disinformation and harmful content.
The funding, which follows warnings in the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report that disinformation remains a top global hazard, will bolster the development of Egregious’s advanced platform. Egregious’s solutions target a range of sectors, from national security and defence — with private and secure social media intelligence — to finance, corporate security, marketing, cybersecurity, and insurance.
By focusing on behavioural analysis and digital risk management, the firm seeks to arm enterprises, governments, and insurers with the tools to spot manipulative AI content and reduce systemic vulnerabilities. According to Egregious CEO and founder Rupert Small, PhD, this deal marks a “defence line for humanity,” enabling the company to counter the growing threat of AI-generated disinformation and narrative manipulation on social media platforms.
Mark Pearson, founder of Fuel Ventures, emphasised that Egregious’s expertise and dedication to tackling major societal challenges aligns with Fuel Ventures’ vision of spurring innovation. “Rupert and his team have demonstrated exceptional expertise and have an unwavering commitment to addressing some of the most critical challenges facing society today,” Pearson said.
