Security startup ecosystem
We track 28 organisations in this sector across 6+ countries.
Showing 1–20 of 28 Security
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27th NextGen Payments & RegTech Forum Cyprus 2026
One-day QUBE forum at Four Seasons Limassol bringing 400+ leaders to cover instant payments, open banking, digital wallets, stablecoins, the Digital Euro, RegTech and AI in compliance.
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Adria Security Summit 2026
Southeast Europe's leading security industry event at Zagreb Fair bringing together 3,000+ professionals and 150+ exhibitors across physical security, cybersecurity, IoT and smart technologies.
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Ajax Systems
Overview: Ajax Systems is a leading security technology startup and is now the largest manufacturer of professional security systems in Europe. The company develops and produces a range of smart security devices for homes and businesses - including wireless motion detectors, door/window opening sensors, glass break sensors, fire alarms, flood detectors, and control panels - all connected via Ajax's proprietary radio communication technology. An Ajax security system typically centers around a smart hub and can integrate over 50 different sensors and sirens to provide comprehensive intrusion detection, fire safety, and even smart home automation. The devices are known for their sleek design (winning multiple Red Dot design awards) and reliable performance (long battery life, extended wireless range, resistant to jamming). Users manage the system through Ajax's mobile app, receiving instant alerts and being able to arm/disarm or monitor their property from anywhere. Unlike traditional wired security systems, Ajax's wireless approach allows easy installation and scalability. With its combination of hardware and software, Ajax Systems has effectively become a security platform protecting over 1 million premises in more than 120 countries. Founding Story (2011): Ajax Systems was founded in 2011 in Kyiv, Ukraine by Oleksandr (Alexander) Konotopskyi. Konotopskyi started Ajax in his mid-20s, with a vision to build a security system that was both high-quality and affordable, targeting a gap in the market between cheap unreliable alarms and overly expensive Western systems. In the early days, Ajax was literally a garage startup - the team of engineers hand-soldered the first devices themselves. They focused initially on creating a car alarm and simple motion detectors, but soon pivoted fully to smart home security. The name "Ajax" was chosen to signify agility and strength (after the Greek hero). The company struggled to find capital at first, as Ukraine in 2011 had limited VC presence. In 2015, Ajax got its first external investment of $1M from SMRK, a local fund run by MacPaw's CEO, which allowed scaling production. A major milestone was around 2016 when Ajax launched its second-generation system with the Jeweller radio technology and a polished mobile app - this got attention in European markets. By 2017, Ajax started exporting its devices beyond Ukraine, and a turning point came when it won a prestigious security industry award in the UK, helping build global credibility. The founding story is one of persistence: Konotopskyi has often recounted how many advised him that manufacturing electronics in Ukraine was impractical, but he proved it possible with a highly motivated local team. Product and Innovation: Ajax's product line today includes about 180 products covering intrusion detection (motion, opening, glass break sensors), fire safety (smoke and CO detectors, fire alarm), flood prevention (leak detectors), plus sirens, keypads, panic buttons, and relay modules to control third-party devices. The system connects via radio frequencies (868 MHz band in Europe, etc.) with range up to 2000 meters and has advanced encryption. One of Ajax's innovation points is its proprietary OS Malevich that runs the hubs, enabling over-the-air updates and new features. The Ajax mobile app provides a modern UX that was missing in older alarm systems. Another innovative aspect is battery life - sensors can work 5-7 years on one battery, addressing a pain point of wireless security. Ajax also built a technology called Wings for photo verification - some motion detectors have cameras that can send photos when triggered, so users and alarm companies see if an intruder is present. The target market for Ajax includes both residential customers and small businesses/shops, as well as larger commercial clients (they have a heavier-duty hub for enterprise). The systems are typically sold and installed via a network of 1,100+ authorized security providers/installers globally, rather than direct to consumer only. This channel strategy helped Ajax penetrate traditional security markets in Europe, Asia, and beyond. Traction and Scale: The growth of Ajax Systems has been remarkable, especially post-2015. As of late 2023, Ajax serves over 4 million end users worldwide who rely on its security systems. It has become the top alarm system brand in Europe by units sold - a feat for a Ukrainian company competing with legacy giants. The company's revenue reflects this: in 2023, Ajax's revenue was around UAH 7.5-8.5 billion (Ukrainian hryvnia), roughly $200+ million USD, showing rapid growth from just a few million USD a decade prior. It's been profitable and reinvesting in expansion, now running multiple manufacturing plants. Ajax exports to over 120 countries, with key markets including Italy, Spain, France, the UK, and also growth in the Middle East and Latin America. In Ukraine, Ajax became a market leader, protecting many homes even amid the war. The company's workforce grew to around 2,500 employees (by 2025) spread across R&D centers in Kyiv, hardware development in Kharkiv, and manufacturing facilities in Ukraine and a new plant in Turkey (opened 2022) and recently in Vietnam (opened 2025 to diversify production). These expansions are partly in response to risk management due to regional instability, but also to meet surging global demand. Ajax's products have received numerous awards in the security industry and technology circles for innovation. Funding and Investors: Ajax's funding journey started with local investors. The initial $1M from SMRK in 2015 and early revenues got the company off the ground. A significant boost came in 2019 when Horizon Capital, a U.S.-Ukrainian private equity firm, invested $10 million for a minority stake. This effectively was Ajax's Series A, and it valued the company north of $70M reportedly. Horizon's investment provided growth capital to scale production and international sales. Interestingly, Ajax never took traditional Silicon Valley VC funding; by the time it was on VC radar, it was already profitable and scaling via PE style funding. EBRD also extended some debt financing to Ajax as it expanded manufacturing. Total external funding is relatively modest (about $11M equity and some debt), as the company's strong revenue allowed it to fuel growth internally. PitchBook data shows Ajax's valuation surpassed $100M by 2020, and given the revenue growth, some speculated it could approach unicorn status if valued on a typical tech multiple (though security hardware might have lower multiples). Achievements and Impact: Ajax Systems stands out as one of the most successful hardware startups from Eastern Europe. Achievements include becoming the number 1 security system brand in Europe within 10 years, something even the founder calls "building the Apple of security in Ukraine." The products have achieved a level of reliability that professional security companies trust - over 1,200 security companies (alarm response centers) around the world integrate with Ajax's system to provide monitoring services. Ajax's impact in Ukraine is also profound: it built local manufacturing when many said it was impossible, created thousands of jobs, and became one of Ukraine's top tech exporters. Even during the 2022 Russian invasion, Ajax kept its factories in Ukraine running (with precautions and relocating some lines to safer regions) and supported the war effort by developing an "Air Alarm" app for Ukrainians (in partnership with the government) to warn of missile attacks. This app uses Ajax's expertise in instant mass notification and became a widely used tool, saving lives. Ajax's success has been a beacon for Ukraine's tech industry, proving that a hardware company can scale globally from Ukraine. In recognition, founder Konotopskyi received national awards and is often cited among top Ukrainian entrepreneurs. The company's plans include possibly an IPO in the future once global expansion stabilizes. It continues to innovate - recent new products include automation devices (to control lights, thermostats, etc., moving Ajax towards smart home, not just security). By coupling security with convenience, Ajax is carving out a role in the broader IoT and smart home market. In summary, Ajax Systems transformed from a Kyiv startup into a global security powerhouse, all while keeping its R&D and much of its production in Ukraine, which is a testament to the talent and resilience of Ukrainian engineers and business leaders. Sources: inventure.com.ua, euristiq.com, techukraine.org, ajax.systems.
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Atlas Aerospace
Atlas Aerospace is a Riga-based UAV manufacturer founded in 2015 by Ivan Tolchinsky that produces lightweight reconnaissance drones for military and civilian use. Its flagship drone weighs under 2 kg, is man-portable, and carries a camera for real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Atlas is a NATO supplier and has delivered over 200 drones to Ukrainian armed forces for battlefield reconnaissance. Beyond defence, the company's systems are used by Norwegian mountain-rescue teams and firefighting services worldwide. Atlas is a member of MilTech Latvia, the national defence industry cluster.
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Brave1 Defense Tech Valley 2026
Ukraine's flagship defense-tech summit, organised by the Brave1 cluster with the Ministry of Defence & Ministry of Digital Transformation. 5,000+ participants; 2025 edition closed $100M in deals. 2026 focus is global scaling and joint US/EU production.
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BSides Maribor 2026
Inaugural BSides chapter in Maribor: a free, community-driven information security conference at Hotel City Maribor covering offensive security, detection engineering, cloud security, AI in cybersecurity, and incident response.
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BSides Vilnius 2026 - Security Theater
Community-driven cybersecurity conference at Kablys with a workshop day (DEF CON CTF, AI Red Teaming, Bash for hackers) plus a main conference day of talks and CTF competitions covering offensive and defensive security.
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Bulgarian Security Summit 2026
Inaugural Southeast European security industry summit at Inter Expo Center, co-organized by a&s Adria and NAFTSO. Combines exhibition and conference on smart-city security, IoT, and AI, with 30+ regional experts and a B2B matchmaking platform.
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CulturePulse
CulturePulse builds AI systems that create “digital twins” of societies to model social dynamics and predict conflict or messaging resonance. Initially used in defense and security contexts, the technology has expanded into brand and marketing testing for large enterprises. By 2026, CulturePulse holds a unique position at the intersection of social science, AI, and strategic forecasting.
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CyberChess 2026
Annual international cybersecurity conference organised by CERT.LV across three tracks (#CyberStory, #CyberShock, #BalticDomainDays) with policy panels, technical sessions on AI security and threat intel, plus a two-day Capture the Flag competition.
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CyberWave 2026
Student-run cybersecurity conference focused on red teaming, AI-driven defense, and a parallel CTF competition. A strong recruiting venue for security and engineering leaders.
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CyCon 2026
18th International Conference on Cyber Conflict by NATO CCDCOE, themed 'Securing Tomorrow'. Multidisciplinary tracks across legal, strategy, policy, and technology drawing 600+ decision-makers from ~50 countries.
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CyCon 2027
The 19th International Conference on Cyber Conflict, themed 'Unified Response', is confirmed for 25-28 May 2027 in Tallinn. Organised by NATO CCDCOE, CyCon is a prominent multidisciplinary conference with keynotes and panels spanning legal, strategy, policy, and technology tracks.
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Data & AI Warsaw Tech Summit 2026
Hybrid AI and data engineering summit at Legia Warszawa Conference Center bridging advanced research with production use cases. Good lead-generation venue for startups building ML infrastructure, analytics platforms, and enterprise data tooling.
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Data & AI Warsaw Tech Summit 2027
The next Data & AI Warsaw Tech Summit runs 21 April 2027 in a hybrid format and 22 April 2027 online. The event bridges advanced AI and data-engineering research with production use cases, a good lead-generation venue for startups building ML infrastructure, analytics platforms, and enterprise data tooling.
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DIH Naval Forge 2026
International naval defence conference connecting Nordic & EU industry with Ukraine's frontline maritime expertise. 30+ military, government, and industry speakers plus 40+ manufacturers of unmanned naval systems, with Day 2 dedicated to live demonstrations.
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Innovatrics
Innovatrics is a global leader in biometrics, known for highly accurate fingerprint and facial recognition algorithms. Its technology is used by governments and enterprises for elections, border control, national ID systems, and KYC compliance. The company is established, profitable, and influential in the identity market, exporting Slovak engineering excellence into critical infrastructure worldwide.
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ITBN Conf-Expo 2026
Hungary's leading independent cybersecurity conference and expo, spread across 5,300 m² at the Bálna National Defense Center. Covers AI risks, NIS2, OT, fraud, and cyber sovereignty.
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Ledger
Ledger is the global leader in hardware wallets for cryptocurrency, providing secure cold-storage devices that protect digital assets offline. The company's Nano S and Nano X devices have sold over 6 million units worldwide, and its enterprise solution, Ledger Enterprise, serves institutional clients including funds and exchanges. Ledger also develops Ledger Live, a companion software for managing crypto portfolios. The company is a cornerstone of Europe's Web3 infrastructure ecosystem.
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MoneyLIVE Nordic Banking 2026
MoneyLIVE Nordic Banking 2026 is a two-day retail-banking and fintech leadership conference held 27-28 October 2026 at the Bella Center, Copenhagen, produced by MoneyLIVE (Marketforce Business Media). It gathers 800+ senior leaders — around 60% from banks — across four stages covering AI, digital identity, payments, fraud, risk, resilience, and lending, with 100+ speakers drawn from Nordea, SEB, Swedbank, Danske Bank, Lunar, Monzo and others. Nasdaq Verafin is the platinum sponsor.
