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§ Private Profile · London, UK
AI-enabled authentication & fraud prevention for finance, digital services, and governments, verifying digital identities in real-time.
Based in London, Callsign develops AI-enabled authentication and fraud prevention software that utilizes passive behavioral analysis to verify digital identities across web, mobile, and physical interactions. The company operates a subscription-based business model serving retail banks, digital service providers, and government agencies globally, maintaining strategic integrations with major technology firms including Microsoft, Temenos, and Intel. Operating with a global workforce of over 100 employees, the enterprise generated €22.9 million in revenue alongside a negative €42 million EBITDA during the 2023 fiscal year. The cybersecurity firm has raised €130 million in total funding to date, reaching a post-money valuation of $691.75 million following its Series B round, with financial backing from institutional investors such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. Callsign was officially founded in 2010 by co-founders Zia Hayat and Ian Welch.
Callsign has raised $35.0M across 1 funding round.
Callsign has raised $35.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Callsign has raised $35.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $35.0M Series A in March 2018.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1, 2018 | $35M Series A | Accel, Dave Fields | AllegisCyber Capital, Forerunner Ventures, General Catalyst, Silicon Valley Data Capital, WestWave Capital, Robert Ackerman, Dave Dewalt | Announced |
Callsign is a cybersecurity company specializing in digital identity verification, passive user authentication, and fraud prevention. It builds an AI-powered platform that analyzes behavioral biometrics, device fingerprints, location data, and threat indicators to recognize users with 99.999% accuracy through simple actions like swipes or keystrokes, serving financial services, digital industries, enterprises, and sectors like government, gaming, healthcare, telecom, and e-commerce.[1][2][3][4] The platform solves the problem of unauthorized access post-credential compromise—such as from data breaches or phishing—by dynamically orchestrating frictionless authentication journeys, integrating multi-factor methods, and ensuring KYC/AML compliance while prioritizing privacy through event-based data analysis and obfuscation techniques.[1][2][3][4] Backed by investors like AlbionVC, Dawn Capital, HSBC Enterprise Fund, and Accenture, Callsign demonstrates growth through global expansion (USA, Australia), partnerships with Microsoft, Temenos, Intel, and Visa, and scaling from 7 to over 100 employees by 2018.[1][2]
Callsign was co-founded in 2011 (with some sources noting 2012) in London by Zia Hayat (CEO) and business partner Ian Welch, starting with just seven employees focused on creating the most intelligent authentication solution to safeguard digital identities.[1][2][4] Hayat and Welch identified gaps in traditional authentication amid rising data breaches and phishing, aiming to mimic human recognition through proprietary tech for secure, low-friction verification.[2][3] Early traction came via a $35 million Series A in 2017, enabling a customer-facing rollout; by 2018, the company had expanded to the USA and Australia, secured contracts, and formed key partnerships like Microsoft and Temenos, marking pivotal growth amid evolving AI and privacy concerns.[2]
Callsign stands out in cybersecurity through its human-mimicking AI that prioritizes passive, frictionless authentication over intrusive methods:
These enable seamless experiences for enterprises while outperforming rigid multi-factor systems.[2][3]
Callsign rides the wave of AI-driven digital trust amid exploding cyber threats, where traditional passwords fail against sophisticated breaches, phishing, and deepfakes, fueled by AI/ML evolution raising privacy stakes.[2][4] Its timing aligns with regulatory pressures (e.g., privacy laws) and market shifts toward passwordless, biometric authentication in finance and beyond, where fraud costs billions annually.[1][3] Favorable forces include rising demand for zero-trust models and ethical AI that balances security with user-centricity, as seen in partnerships with Visa and Microsoft amplifying adoption.[2][3] By powering frictionless journeys for forward-thinking companies, Callsign influences the ecosystem toward proactive identity orchestration, reducing fraud while fostering trust in digital economies.[4][5]
Callsign is poised to dominate passive authentication as AI threats intensify and privacy regulations tighten, expanding its platform to physical interactions and deeper integrations with emerging tech like decentralized identity.[4] Trends like ubiquitous biometrics, real-time fraud intelligence, and no-code orchestration will propel growth, potentially through more Series B/C rounds or acquisitions by fintech giants. Its influence may evolve from specialist to ecosystem enabler, redefining secure digital experiences—proving that true innovation lies in making identity as intuitive as human recognition.[2][3][4]
Callsign has raised $35.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Callsign's investors include Accel, Dave Fields, AllegisCyber Capital, Forerunner Ventures, General Catalyst, Silicon Valley Data Capital, WestWave Capital, Robert Ackerman, Dave DeWalt.