Exein
Exein provides AI-powered embedded cybersecurity for IoT and connected devices, combining firmware analysis, runtime kernel-level threat blocking, and automated regulatory compliance for industrial, automotive, healthcare, and critical infrastructure OEMs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersRoma, Italy
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Exein does
Exein S.p.A. is a Rome-headquartered cybersecurity company founded in 2018 that specializes in protecting embedded and IoT devices at the firmware and kernel level. The company's platform combines Exein Analyzer (pre-deployment firmware scanning that generates SBOMs, identifies CVEs, and produces EU CRA / Cyber Trust Mark compliance evidence without requiring source code) with Exein Runtime (an on-device agent providing real-time threat detection and incident blocking via eBPF, with a specialized Linux Lite variant for legacy ARM32 devices on kernels as old as 2.6.37). In March 2026 Exein introduced Photon, a next-generation kernel-level preemptive security platform that blocks attacks at the point of execution rather than detecting them post-compromise, targeting AI-native environments including physical AI, IoT, and edge infrastructure. The technology stack is Rust-based and designed for resource-constrained devices, with a fleet-wide Runtime Platform applying generative AI to incident analysis.
Exein monetizes through a combination of annual platform subscription licensing for enterprise and direct OEM customers, per-device/per-chip licensing through native integration agreements with chipset makers and hardware OEMs (notably MediaTek Genio and the Yocto Project, which collectively represent 3.5B+ devices annually), and professional services for integration and compliance mapping. The go-to-market is multi-motion: direct enterprise field sales for industrial, automotive, healthcare, and critical infrastructure customers; OEM/embedded distribution through chip and board partnerships with MediaTek, Kontron, AAEON, OnLogic, Supermicro, and SECO; and channel partnerships with regional system integrators (Mesh Systems in the US, Integral System in France, Abinsula in Italy). Named customers include MediaTek, Deutsche Bahn, Hitachi Energy, Leonardo, Arm, Intel, Kontron, and Daikin. The company holds ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certifications and is GDPR/CCPA compliant.
The business is in a high-growth phase: nearly 50% of revenue is generated in Asia-Pacific as of late 2025, headcount has grown to 40+ with plans to double, and total funding of €193M has been raised since inception — including €170M in 2025 across a €70M Series C (led by Balderton) and a €100M extension (led by Blue Cloud Ventures with J.P. Morgan participation), bringing the post-money valuation to approximately €700M. The company protects 1.5B+ devices globally and is positioning for a multi-deal M&A programme in Europe and the US.
Exein firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Exein
- Legal name
- Exein S.p.A.
- Website
- https://exein.io
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Exein provides AI-powered embedded cybersecurity for IoT and connected devices, combining firmware analysis, runtime kernel-level threat blocking, and automated regulatory compliance for industrial, automotive, healthcare, and critical infrastructure OEMs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Exein industry classification
Industry- Product category
- IoT/Embedded Cybersecurity
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP/NGAV) (HDADAEAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Security Analytics & Detection Engineering (HDADAGAE), Threat Monitoring, Intrusion Detection & Incident Response for Smart Home (HSAHAJAE), Intrusion Detection & Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) (HDAFAFAD)
Keywords
Where Exein is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Roma
- HQ country
- Italy
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
Exein business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Operations
Revenue model
- Platform Licensing (Exein Analyzer + Runtime): Annual subscription licensing of the Exein security platform comprising Analyzer (pre-deployment firmware scanning) and Runtime (in-field protection). Delivered as embedded security integrated into device firmware or as add-on security layer. Revenue model combines subscription with usage-based scaling for fleet management.
- OEM/Embedded Licensing: Technology licensing to OEMs and chipset manufacturers for native integration of Exein security into their products. MediaTek partnership exemplifies this model where Exein Runtime is built into MediaTek Genio IoT chipsets, creating recurring licensing revenue as chips ship at scale.
- Partner Integration Services: Professional services and integration support for strategic partners implementing Exein technology. Includes technical integration, compliance mapping, and customization services for partners like Kontron, AAEON, and regional system integrators.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Enterprise platform licensing with volume-based pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | OEM/chipset licensing embedded in hardware |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels10 records
Marketing channels9 records
Exein product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Exein provides an AI-powered cybersecurity platform purpose-built for embedded IoT devices. The offering combines Exein Analyzer (pre-deployment firmware vulnerability scanning, SBOM generation, and compliance evidence) with Exein Runtime (on-device kernel-level security agent providing real-time AI-driven threat detection and blocking via eBPF). The platform is delivered through annual subscription licensing, native chipset integration (MediaTek Genio), and OEM partnerships to embed security into devices at the manufacturing stage.
Product overview
Exein offers an all-in-one IoT security platform comprising three main products: Exein Analyzer (pre-deployment firmware security analysis), Exein Runtime (on-device runtime protection), and Photon (next-generation kernel-level preemptive security). The platform is enhanced by Pulsar (open-source observability framework) and the Runtime Platform (cloud-based fleet management with Gen AI). The architecture follows a unified platform approach where Analyzer assesses firmware before deployment, Runtime protects devices in the field, and Photon provides advanced kernel-level blocking capabilities. Exein Runtime also includes a specialized Linux Lite Agent variant for legacy embedded devices.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Exein Runtime: AI-powered on-device IoT security solution providing real-time threat detection and incident response through embedded runtime protection.
- Exein Analyzer
- Photon
- Pulsar
Products and services
- Exein Analyzer
Quantifiable outcome
- Protects 1.5+ billion connected devices globally, expected to exceed 2 billion in Q1 2026
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Exein
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Exein technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
AI capability4 records
Feature6 records
Exein partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- OnLogiccoreStrategic partnership integrating Exein AI-driven cybersecurity into OnLogic's fanless, industrial x86 and ARM-based hardware platforms. Provides OEMs with pre-validated secure-by-design environment from first boot. Partnership delivers threat blocking, regulatory readiness for EU CRA, and accelerated compliance through AI automation for industrial IoT and Physical AI customers.
- ErmitcorePartnership to secure Physical AI through unified stack featuring Ermit Secure IoT Module with Exein Runtime natively integrated. Solution offers hardware-rooted identity, autonomous certificate lifecycle management, and continuous behavioral monitoring. Enables compliance with CRA and RED 3.3 without requiring complete hardware redesigns for new or legacy products.
- AbinsulacoreStrategic partnership to integrate IoT security solutions focused on CRA compliance for connected devices and embedded systems. Collaboration aims to help clients meet cybersecurity requirements ahead of the 2026 enforcement date, especially in the EU. Abinsula serves clients globally including China, Japan, Taiwan, Europe, Middle East, and the United States.
- Mesh SystemscoreStrategic partnership to help connected device manufacturers strengthen firmware security and meet EU cybersecurity regulations. Collaboration addresses growing regulatory pressure including EU Cyber Resilience Act, Radio Equipment Directive, and US Cyber Trust Mark. Partnership targets the expanding US IoT security market valued at $34.8 billion in 2024, projected to reach $296 billion by 2033.
- Integral SystemminorPartnership with French industrial IT solutions provider to deliver AI-powered real-time security solutions to French market. Collaboration addresses growing cyber threats and compliance requirements under CRA, RED 3.3, and NIS2, providing French manufacturers, OEMs, and IoT developers with Exein Analyzer and Exein Runtime tools.
- AAEONcoreStrategic partnership integrating Exein real-time embedded security technology across AAEON industrial IoT and AI Edge solutions. Integration provides AI-driven threat detection, compliance with Cyber Resilience Act and Radio Equipment Directive 3.3, and real-time vulnerability management. Several AAEON products including UP Squared Pro 7000 Edge System and UP Xtreme i14 Edge Computing Kit have already launched with Exein security software embedded.
- KontronflagshipStrategic partnership integrating Exein AI-powered cybersecurity technology into Kontron's solutions including KontronOS and KontronAIShield. Collaboration aims to protect millions of devices across strategic industries including manufacturing, energy, healthcare, automotive, critical infrastructure, and aerospace. Partnership also addresses EU regulatory requirements including RED 3.3 enforcement and upcoming EU Cyber Resilience Act.
- SupermicrocorePartnership integrating Exein AI-driven cybersecurity solutions into Supermicro hardware ecosystem. Collaboration embeds security technology directly into hardware enabling zero-trust security approach with real-time threat detection and EU Cyber Resilience Act compliance. Sets new standard for securing IoT infrastructure across industrial, automotive, and energy sectors worldwide.
- SECO SpacoreStrategic alliance integrating Exein cybersecurity solutions into SECO computer products. Partnership aims to enhance cybersecurity protections for IoT devices and extend protections to devices already in use. SECO Clea IoT platform integrated with Exein for secure-by-design IoT solutions with flexible SaaS model.
- MediaTekflagshipStrategic partnership to natively embed Exein cybersecurity platform into MediaTek Genio IoT chipset products, starting with MediaTek IoT Yocto 24.1 release. MediaTek powers over 2 billion devices annually, making this integration significant for delivering built-in security protections at scale without requiring third-party security add-ons. Partnership designed to help businesses achieve regulatory compliance with CRA while accelerating time to market for secure IoT solutions.
- Logic TechnologyminorStrategic partnership to integrate cybersecurity solutions for IoT devices, focusing on compliance with international regulations. Collaboration aims to enhance security and reliability of embedded products across various sectors.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Exein competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Karamba Security: Karamba Security provides embedded security for connected and autonomous vehicles, IoT devices, and industrial controllers — a near-direct overlap with Exein's Runtime business across automotive and industrial IoT.
- BlackBerry (QNX & IVY): BlackBerry QNX provides safety-certified embedded operating systems and security for automotive ECUs and industrial IoT, while IVY extends to in-vehicle edge — directly comparable to Exein's automotive and embedded security focus.
- Claroty: Claroty specializes in cybersecurity for cyber-physical systems and OT/IoT across industrial, healthcare, and critical infrastructure verticals — overlapping with Exein's manufacturing, healthcare, and critical infrastructure segments.
- Nozomi Networks: Nozomi Networks delivers OT and IoT visibility, threat detection, and vulnerability management for critical infrastructure and industrial customers — comparable to Exein's Analyzer and Runtime stack.
- SecuriThings: SecuriThings provides device-level security and operational management for IoT fleets — a direct functional competitor focused on detecting anomalies and managing connected device security at scale.
- Shield-IoT: Shield-IoT offers AI-based collective threat intelligence and device-level security for IoT and OT networks — comparable to Exein's runtime threat detection on resource-constrained devices.
Broad incumbents
- JFrog (formerly VDOO): JFrog acquired VDOO, a direct embedded device security platform, and bundles it within its broader software supply-chain and security platform — competing with Exein's Analyzer and pre-deployment firmware scanning.
- CrowdStrike: CrowdStrike is an enterprise endpoint security incumbent that has expanded into IoT/OT via Falcon for IoT — a broader incumbent with overlapping endpoint protection capabilities targeting Exein's verticals.
- Palo Alto Networks (Zingbox / OT Security): Palo Alto Networks' IoT Security (built on Zingbox) and OT Security solutions bundle endpoint and network protection for unmanaged IoT devices — a broad incumbent encroaching on Exein's segment.
- Trend Micro: Trend Micro offers endpoint and IoT/OT security across consumer and industrial segments (e.g., TXOne for OT) — comparable to Exein's industrial and embedded security positioning at a much broader enterprise scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Exein social profiles
Digital presenceExein compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance12 records
Exein financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Exein leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Exein funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds8 records
Investors21 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Exein M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Exein
What does Exein do?
Exein provides an AI-powered cybersecurity platform purpose-built for embedded IoT devices. The offering combines Exein Analyzer (pre-deployment firmware vulnerability scanning, SBOM generation, and compliance evidence) with Exein Runtime (on-device kernel-level security agent providing real-time AI-driven threat detection and blocking via eBPF). The platform is delivered through annual subscription licensing, native chipset integration (MediaTek Genio), and OEM partnerships to embed security into devices at the manufacturing stage.
Is Exein a public or private company?
Exein is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Exein founded?
Exein was founded in 2018. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Exein based?
Exein is headquartered in Roma, Italy, in the Europe region.
How does Exein make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Platform Licensing (Exein Analyzer + Runtime) is the primary driver. The others are OEM/Embedded Licensing and partner Integration Services.
Who are Exein's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Karamba Security, BlackBerry (QNX & IVY), Claroty, Nozomi Networks, SecuriThings and Shield-IoT. Broad incumbents are JFrog (formerly VDOO), CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks (Zingbox / OT Security) and Trend Micro.
Does Exein have an API?
No public API is recorded for Exein.
What industry is Exein in?
Exein's product category is IoT/Embedded Cybersecurity. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDADAEAD, Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP/NGAV), with a secondary code of HDADAGAE, Security Analytics & Detection Engineering. Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 7371.