AI Startup IdentifAI Raises €5M Series A

European AI startup secures significant funding to expand deepfake detection capabilities across global markets as synthetic media threats escalate.

IdentifAI, the fast-growing European startup addressing AI-generated disinformation threats, has successfully raised €5 million in Series A funding led by United Ventures. This substantial investment follows the company’s €2.2 million seed round secured less than a year ago, positioning IdentifAI for aggressive international expansion across Europe and into the United States market.

The funding will accelerate the development of IdentifAI’s proprietary deepfake detection platform whilst supporting the company’s mission to preserve authentic human expression in an increasingly synthetic digital landscape.

The Growing Deepfake Detection Market

As generative AI becomes increasingly embedded within global digital infrastructure, the demand for sophisticated detection tools is experiencing unprecedented growth. Recent market analysis by UNCTAD reveals that the global AI market is projected to surge from $189 billion in 2023 to an extraordinary $4.8 trillion by 2033 – representing a 25-fold increase over just one decade.

During this period, AI technology is expected to expand from 7% to 29% of the frontier technology market, highlighting the critical importance of developing robust safeguards against potential misuse.

Public Concern Reaches Critical Levels

Consumer awareness and concern regarding synthetic content manipulation are reaching alarming levels. A comprehensive Deloitte study has revealed that:

• 70% of respondents familiar with generative AI express significant concern about synthetic content being used for deception or manipulation
• 60% admit struggling to distinguish between AI-generated and human-created media content
• 84% believe synthetic content should carry mandatory clear labelling

These statistics underscore the urgent market need for reliable deepfake detection solutions.

Meet the Founders: Cybersecurity Veterans Leading the Charge

Marco Ramilli: The Technical Visionary

Marco Ramilli brings over 15 years of international cybersecurity expertise to IdentifAI’s leadership team. As a recognised cybersecurity expert, ethical hacker, and tech entrepreneur, Ramilli holds a PhD in Information and Communication Technologies earned in the United States.

His distinguished research background includes advanced work on malware and penetration testing for the U.S. government at NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), with particular focus on securing electronic voting systems – experience that proves invaluable in today’s fight against digital manipulation.

In 2015, Ramilli founded Yoroi, which grew to become one of Italy’s leading Managed Cybersecurity Service Providers. Throughout his tenure, he successfully oversaw multiple mergers, acquisitions, and investment rounds, demonstrating proven capability in scaling technology companies.

As a frequent international speaker, published author, and advocate for ethical innovation, Ramilli operates under a clear mission: ensuring AI contributes positively to societal progress whilst minimising misinformation risks. His leadership philosophy is encapsulated in his motto: “Defence belongs to humans.”

Marco Castaldo: The Strategic Business Leader

Marco Castaldo, co-founder and CEO of IdentifAI, brings extensive international finance and business development expertise to the partnership. Originally from Naples and based in Rome for three decades, Castaldo graduated with honours in Economics and Business and holds an MBA.

His impressive international background spans senior finance roles at Technipetrol (now Technip S.p.A.), Azimut, and Credit Suisse. His global experience includes a strategic year in London at Morgan Grenfell, followed by over two decades as a partner at Falcon Capital, a London-based venture capital firm operating internationally before its acquisition by Soja Ventures in New York.

Castaldo was also co-founder of Yoroi alongside Ramilli, helping build the cybersecurity company into a major player within the Italian market before its recent acquisition by Tinexta Cyber S.p.A.

Advanced AI Detection Technology

IdentifAI has developed a sophisticated AI platform capable of determining—with exceptional confidence and accuracy—whether digital content (images, videos, or voice recordings) has been created or manipulated using generative AI technologies, or represents genuine human creation.

We’ve built a system that evolves in real time, allowing us to respond rapidly as new generative models enter the market. With AI’s exponential growth, we’re working against the clock and this new funding round couldn’t come at a better time.

explained Marco Castaldo.

The founders’ cybersecurity background provides a crucial competitive advantage.

Our background in cybersecurity is a key differentiator because it means we understand the inherent dangers of technology, and risks associated with potential deviant uses of it.

added Castaldo.

Strategic International Expansion Plans

The €5 million funding round will directly support IdentifAI’s expansion into key European and US markets, where the company has already assembled a team of high-calibre AI and security specialists. Investment will simultaneously accelerate research and development efforts to continuously enhance the accuracy and performance of IdentifAI’s detection models.

From the very beginning, our goal has been to build a global company – because truth is a universal value, and it needs to be protected on a global scale.

stated founder Marco Ramilli.

Strategic Team Expansion

IdentifAI has recently completed several strategic senior appointments to consolidate its international presence:

• Kate Burns – VP of EMEA
• James Cashmore – Commercial Director
• Justin Cooke – Senior Advisor
• Jean-Pierre Levieux – Senior Advisor

Investor Confidence and Market Validation

Massimiliano Magrini, Managing Partner and co-founder of United Ventures, expressed strong confidence in IdentifAI’s potential:

IdentifAI is building technology to address one of the most pressing challenges created by the rapid advancement of AI itself: distinguishing what’s real from what’s not. This is a foundational issue for the future of AI.

The team has demonstrated exceptional vision, execution, and international ambition – positioning IdentifAI as one of Europe’s most promising players in the fight against disinformation.

continued Magrini.

Industry Partnerships and Future Outlook

IdentifAI is currently engaged in advanced discussions with leading industry partners globally to validate and scale adoption of its detection technology. These strategic partnerships will be crucial for establishing market presence and driving widespread implementation of deepfake detection capabilities.

The company’s mission, captured in its motto “We Stand For Truth”, reflects its commitment to preserving the authenticity of human expression and empowering individuals to navigate a digital world where the distinction between real and artificial content becomes increasingly challenging to discern.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Authentication

As the global digital landscape continues evolving at unprecedented pace, IdentifAI’s advanced detection capabilities represent a critical line of defence against the proliferation of synthetic media manipulation. With substantial funding secured and experienced leadership in place, the company appears well-positioned to become a dominant force in the expanding deepfake detection market.

The success of this funding round demonstrates growing investor recognition that authentic content verification will become increasingly essential as AI-generated media becomes more sophisticated and widespread.