Startup Snapshot - Catching Up with our Portfolio Companies in September 2024

At Cisco, we're always on the hunt for innovative startups with game-changing solutions. These companies bring cutting-edge tech that fits perfectly with what we offer, making sure our customers have the best tools to stay ahead and discover new business opportunities.

Collaboration

Aisera explored the key differences between Generative AI and Predictive AI, explaining how Generative AI focuses on creating new content by learning from data patterns, while Predictive AI analyzes historical data to forecast future outcomes. 

Parsable introduced their AI-Powered Analytics, which enhances frontline operations by providing real-time data insights, customizable dashboards, and proactive anomaly detection. The tool empowers workers with Aladdin, a Generative AI feature, allowing them to ask questions in natural language and receive actionable answers instantly, improving decision-making and operational efficiency.

Networking

Aliro published a detailed guide on simulating entanglement-based secure networks, explaining how simulation helps optimize design, hardware configuration, and network protocols. It highlights the importance of gathering detailed network data, understanding environmental factors, and utilizing performance metrics from simulations to improve network performance and security.

Aviz Networks broke down how its AI Networking Stack addresses the challenges of traditional networking, offering vendor-agnostic, AI-driven solutions that enhance network management, visibility, and cost efficiency.

Lightbits Labs evaluated the end-of-life for CentOS, suggesting companies should switch to other operating systems like RHEL, Rocky Linux, or AlmaLinux. It emphasizes that moving to a supported system improves security, compliance, and reduces costs.

Security

Binarly launched its Transparency Platform 2.5, introducing the advanced Reachability Analysis feature, which prioritizes vulnerabilities based on their exploitability within a system’s execution flow.

JupiterOne emphasized the importance of modern cloud-native cyber asset management by explaining the roles and convergence of technologies like CSPM, CWPP, CNAPP, and CMDB. 

SGNL explained reducing the value of authentication as an attack vector by using approaches like Zero-Standing Privilege (ZSP) and Continuous Access Evaluation Profile (CAEP) to minimize the impact of stolen credentials through real-time access control.

StrongDM shared best practices for Privileged Identity Management (PIM), a method for controlling privileged account access to sensitive systems, emphasizing security through strategies such as session monitoring, least-privilege access, and multi-factor authentication. 

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.