Khosla Ventures and Felicis Back Runlayer with $11M to Secure AI Models

Runlayer, a startup specializing in Model Context Protocol (MCP) security, emerged from stealth mode on Monday with $11 million in seed funding from Khosla Ventures' Keith Rabois and Felicis. This significant investment marks a major milestone for the company, which has already gained traction in the market. The seed funding round brings Runlayer's total valuation to an impressive $11 million, with the company having secured backing from prominent investors. This influx of capital will enable Runlayer to accelerate its growth and expand its product offerings. Notably, the company has already signed dozens of customers, including eight unicorns or public companies such as Gusto, Rippling, dbt Labs, Instacart, Opendoor, and Ramp. Runlayer's product has gained widespread adoption in a short span of four months since its launch in stealth mode. The company's MCP security solution has become the de facto standard for allowing AI agents to connect with the data and systems they need to work independently. This protocol enables AI agents to access data, move it, alter it, and execute business processes without human oversight. The market for MCP security solutions is rapidly growing, driven by the increasing adoption of AI and machine learning technologies. As AI agents become more prevalent in various industries, the need for secure and reliable protocols to manage their interactions with data and systems has become a pressing concern. Runlayer's MCP security solution addresses this need, providing a standardized protocol for AI agents to interact with data and systems. Runlayer was founded by third-time entrepreneur Andrew Berman, who has a proven track record of building successful companies. Berman's previous ventures include Nanit, a baby-monitor maker, and Vowel, an AI video conferencing tool that was acquired by Zapier in 2024. The company has also secured the support of David Soria Parra, the lead creator of MCP, who has joined as an angel and advisor. The adoption of Runlayer's MCP security solution by prominent companies such as Gusto, Rippling, and Instacart underscores the growing recognition of the importance of secure AI interactions. As the market for MCP security solutions continues to expand, Runlayer is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. With its strong backing from investors and its growing customer base, the company is poised to make a significant impact in the industry. In the future, Runlayer is likely to continue expanding its product offerings and deepening its relationships with customers. The company's MCP security solution is expected to become an essential component of AI infrastructure, enabling businesses to deploy AI agents with confidence. As the market for MCP security solutions continues to grow, Runlayer is well-positioned to emerge as a leader in this space.