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Knostic Nabs $11 Million to Eliminate Enterprise AI Data Leaks

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2 years ago

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Top cyber luminaries bet on Gadi Evron and Sounil Yu’s latest AI security venture following impressive sweep at Black Hat and RSA startup competitions

HERNDON, Va., March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Knostic, the world’s first provider of need-to-know access controls for Generative AI, today celebrates an $11 million investment to secure enterprise large language models (LLMs). The funding will be used to bolster Knostic’s offering, supporting enterprises in their AI transformation and adding a customizable safety layer to tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot and Glean. This additional round brings the company’s total funding to date to $14 million.

“The problem is that these tools just can’t keep a secret, lacking the ability to discern what’s appropriate, in what context — think bonuses, sales revenue, mergers and acquisition information and more,” said Gadi Evron, co-founder and CEO of Knostic. “Businesses can’t adopt these tools without Knostic and we’re grateful our investors recognize this.”

This funding round was led by Bright Pixel Capital with follow-on investments from new and previous investors such as Silicon Valley CISO Investments (SVCI), DNX Ventures, Seedcamp, and angel investors Kevin Mahaffey (founder of Lookout), and Gerhard Eschelbeck (former CISO of Google) among others.

“In this era of rapid digital transformation, it’s rare to find a board that isn’t asking about AI, yet attempts to keep LLMs in check have failed time and time again,” said Fernando Martins, Director of Cybersecurity at Bright Pixel Capital. “Enterprises who want to use LLMs for their benefit need Knostic to lock down information – it’s that simple. We’re energized by the major demand Gadi and his team are already seeing, and we’re eager to support them as their customer base expands even further.”

“At SVCI, the CISO members devote considerable time and effort to evaluating specific segments of the cybersecurity market before deciding to partner and invest in a company. While the intersection of AI and security is broad, access control remains one of the most significant risks. As companies accelerate AI adoption at the board level, Knostic’s need-to-know technology plays a crucial role in facilitating this transformation. As a result, we, at SVCI chose to back Knostic,” said Shaun Marion, CISO at Xcel Energy, previously with McDonald’s, and one of the CISO investors in SVCI.

Knostic serves as a safety net for LLM tools, earning recognition at the industry’s top tradeshows. Shortly after its market debut, the company was named as a Launch Pad winner at the 2024 RSA Conference and the 2024 Black Hat Startup Spotlight Competition, the only startup to ever be nominated and win both.

“Unlike traditional access controls, which limit our options to just allowing or denying access, need-to-know policies enable LLM answers that can be reshaped to fit within the user’s own business context,” explained Sounil Yu, co-founder and CTO of Knostic. “Need-to-know boundaries allow enterprises to accelerate their AI adoption without compromising security.”

“LLM oversharing is a huge problem that enterprises really need to pay attention to,” shared Adm. Mike Rogers (Ret.), Knostic advisory board member and former NSA Director. “In a world of heightened awareness around data privacy (and thus negative repercussions for disregarding it), Knostic’s technology is crucial for enterprises looking to avoid reputational, legal and financial harm as AI becomes a strategic imperative.”

To learn more about how Knostic is transforming the way businesses use AI, please visit: https://www.knostic.ai/.

About Knostic
Knostic was founded in 2023 by veteran cybersecurity experts and innovators Gadi Evron (serial entrepreneur, previously from Citibank and PwC) and Sounil Yu (former Chief Security Scientist at Bank of America), with the goal of ensuring the safe adoption of AI at enterprises at scale. Knostic is the world’s first provider of need-to-know based access controls for Large Language Models (LLMs). With knowledge-centric capabilities, Knostic enables organizations to accelerate the adoption of LLMs and drive AI-powered innovation without compromising value, security, or safety. For more details, visit https://www.knostic.ai/

About Bright Pixel Capital
Bright Pixel Capital is the technology investment arm of the multinational group Sonae. With special focus on cybersecurity, infrastructure software, retail technologies, business applications and emerging tech, it has a portfolio of more than 60 companies, from early to growth stages. Bright Pixel Capital acts as a partner that brings specialized know-how, global footprint, and a wealth of experience in helping companies from early stage to IPO. Find out more at brpx.com.

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SOURCE Knostic

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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53 minutes ago

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

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2 hours ago

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October 23, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

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SOURCE Travelzoo

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