Breakthrough: GetReal Cracks AI Deepfakes with $18M & Impressive Client List

Are you concerned about the increasingly realistic AI deepfakes flooding the digital landscape? You’re not alone. Deepfakes are no longer just a futuristic worry; they’re a present danger, costing companies millions and posing serious national security risks. But there’s a beacon of hope in the fight against this emerging threat: GetReal. This startup, armed with $18 million in funding and a client list that speaks volumes, claims to have cracked the code on AI deepfakes. Let’s dive into how GetReal is revolutionizing deepfake detection and safeguarding our digital world.

Funding Fuels the Fight Against AI Deepfakes

GetReal, co-founded by Dr. Hany Farid, a pioneer in deepfake detection technology, has successfully raised $17.5 million in Series A equity funding. This significant investment, led by Forgepoint Capital, with participation from Ballistic Ventures, Evolution Equity, and K2 Access Fund, will propel GetReal’s research and development, expand its team, and accelerate business development. This financial backing underscores the urgency and importance of addressing the growing threat of AI deepfakes.

The funding coincides with the launch of GetReal’s groundbreaking forensics platform as a service. This platform offers:

• Web Interface: User-friendly access to deepfake analysis tools.
• API: Seamless integration for automated media analysis.
• Media Analysis-as-a-Service: Scalable solution for various organizational needs.

Key features of GetReal’s platform include:

• Threat Exposure Dashboard: Provides a comprehensive overview of potential deepfake risks.
• “Inspect” Tool: Specifically designed to protect high-profile executives from impersonation attacks.
• “Protect” Tool: Screens media content to proactively identify and block deepfakes.
• “Respond” Service: Offers in-depth analysis by GetReal’s expert human teams for complex cases.

The Brains Behind the Breakthrough in Deepfake Detection

GetReal’s origins are deeply rooted in expertise. Incubated at Ballistic Ventures since 2022, the startup emerged from stealth mode in June 2024. Ballistic’s founder, Ted Schlein, also serves as GetReal’s chairman and co-founder, highlighting the venture capital firm’s strong belief in GetReal’s mission. Adding to this powerhouse team is CEO Matt Moynahan, a seasoned cybersecurity veteran with decades of experience leading companies like Symantec and Forcepoint. He emphasizes the critical gap GetReal is filling in the cyber forensics landscape, stating, “If you think cybersecurity has a shortage of people, get ready for forensics.”

However, the true linchpin is co-founder Dr. Hany Farid. A renowned academic from UC Berkeley, Farid has spent years pioneering techniques for identifying manipulated digital images, long before AI deepfakes became a mainstream concern. Moynahan aptly describes GetReal’s core offering as “Hany as a service,” explaining how they’ve transformed Farid’s deep expertise into a scalable, cloud-based platform. Farid himself notes the fascinating blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless principles in their approach: “There are techniques we developed 20 years ago that still work today,” showcasing the enduring foundation of their deepfake detection methods.

Strategic Backing and Real-World Validation for AI Forensics

The Series A funding round isn’t just about the amount raised; it’s about the strategic investors involved. Cisco Investments, Capital One Ventures, and In-Q-Tel (linked to the CIA) are among the backers, signaling strong industry and government interest in GetReal’s AI forensics capabilities. Alberto Yépez of Forgepoint Capital points out that regulated industries, particularly financial institutions, are proactively seeking solutions like GetReal’s due to board-level concerns about deepfake impersonations, especially after instances of CEO voice impersonations. Notable clients like John Deere and Visa further validate the platform’s real-world effectiveness.

While GetReal’s current focus is on audio, video, and image deepfake detection, the recent incident involving The Atlantic’s editor being mistakenly added to a Signal group chat planning a military attack highlights the emerging threat of text-based impersonations. Farid acknowledges that text is a “different beast” but confirms that expanding to address all forms of deepfake and impersonation threats is a long-term goal.

Is GetReal the Ultimate Weapon Against AI Deepfakes?

GetReal’s emergence with significant funding, a stellar team, and an impressive client roster strongly suggests they are a leading contender in the fight against AI deepfakes. Their platform, built on decades of expertise and cutting-edge technology, offers a comprehensive suite of tools for detection and response. However, the battle against deepfakes is constantly evolving. Here’s a quick look at the landscape:

While GetReal appears to have made significant strides in deepfake detection, the ongoing arms race between deepfake creators and detection technology means continuous innovation and adaptation are crucial. The $18 million investment and the caliber of clients and investors signal a powerful vote of confidence in GetReal’s approach. Whether they have definitively “cracked the code” remains to be seen, but they are undoubtedly a formidable force in safeguarding the digital realm from the insidious threat of AI deepfakes.

To learn more about the latest AI deepfake trends, explore our article on key developments shaping AI features.