Innovative startups help Cisco stay at the forefront of technology by giving our customers the products and solutions they need to succeed in a competitive market. This not only helps our customers maintain their edge but also opens up new opportunities for business growth and development.
Cisco Live
This month, six startups from our portfolio had the exciting opportunity to be featured at Cisco Live in Amsterdam. These innovative companies—AppOmni, Aviz, Cogniac, CorPower Ocean, Lightning AI, and Securiti—showcased their cutting-edge solutions, demonstrating how they contribute to Cisco’s mission of powering an inclusive future for all.
Cisco Investments Portfolio Development Manager Amy Gerrie shares highlights from Cisco Live. Check out LinkedIn.
Artificial Intelligence
Fiddler introduced Guardrails to enhance the governance of AI models. It provides comprehensive monitoring and bias detection tools that ensure fairness and compliance. The new solution empowers organizations to manage risks and maintain transparency throughout the AI lifecycle.
Groq unveiled a Developer Tier on GroqCloud to broaden access to its high-performance compute platform for AI and machine learning. It provides developers with a free entry point to experiment and prototype on its state-of-the-art hardware and software ecosystem.
Cloud and Data Center
HYCU was recognized as a CRN Cloud 100 company. The prestigious list recognizes the top 100 companies supporting channel partners and advancing innovation in cloud-based products and services. HYCU was noted for its ability to protect SaaS applications and cloud services data across public and private clouds.
Collaboration
Aisera was featured in the latest CB Insights Industrial AI Agents & Copilots Market Map report, showcasing their leadership in driving innovation across industries with domain-specific AI agents for manufacturing optimization, digital work instructions, industrial safety & compliance, supply chain, and defense & national security.
Theta Lake was honored as a finalist for Best of Enterprise Connect Overall and Best Innovation for Security/Compliance at Enterprise Connect 2025. This recognition reinforces Theta Lake's commitment to innovation in compliance, security, and AI-powered collaboration and risk detection.
Uniphore introduced enhanced capabilities in X-Stream, unlocking greater power and flexibility in its knowledge layer. It upgraded its platform with advanced features for contextual engagement and automation, improving customer interaction efficiency.
Whatfix examined employee experience management by highlighting the need for a unified digital employee journey. It detailed how digital adoption platforms simplified training, onboarding, and everyday interactions to boost productivity and satisfaction.
Networking
Aviz Network integrated Copilot with Cisco 8000 SONiC and Nexus switches, bringing AI-powered network assistance to existing Cisco enterprise environments. This integration enables enterprises to seamlessly introduce AI-driven troubleshooting, network operations, and inventory management into their existing Cisco environments, enhancing efficiency and automation without disruption.
Lightbits Labs addressed the inefficiencies of traditional AI storage systems by recommending a smarter, leaner approach. It explained how optimizing storage architectures could lower costs while enhancing performance for AI workloads.
Security
Mitiga investigated the rising threat of AI-enabled adversaries. It detailed how threat actors harnessed artificial intelligence to automate and enhance attacks while evading traditional defenses. The blog offers actionable recommendations for fortifying cybersecurity in an evolving threat landscape.
Query.ai unveiled new capabilities in OCSF 1.4.0 to strengthen security analytics and streamline threat detection. It introduced enhanced query functions, performance optimizations, and improved data processing features.
RangeForce updated its cybersecurity training strategy by evolving the traditional SANS model. It revamped exercises and incorporated dynamic, real-world simulations to address contemporary cyber threats.
SGNL published an updated approach to security and compliance, highlighting that legacy, inflexible IGA frameworks no longer fit our dynamic, ephemeral access needs of today’s digital landscape. They posit that the future of IGA isn’t just about streamlining workflows—it’s about automating access decisions based on real-time context.
Upstream explored key trends, vulnerabilities, and incidents that shaped the ecosystem in 2024, in their 2025 Global Automotive Cybersecurity Report.
Halcyon partnered with Pax8 to help partners combat ransomware. It combined Halcyon’s advanced threat detection capabilities with Pax8’s distribution network to improve proactive defense. The collaboration provides organizations with enhanced resources to mitigate ransomware risks effectively.
Looking to connect with a startup or delve deeper into our portfolio of more than 100+ startups, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at work-with-cisco-investments@cisco.com. Our dedicated team is eager to assist you by providing additional information, addressing your specific interests, and ensuring that you have a comprehensive understanding of our portfolio.