Mathematicians Raise $20 Million to Secure Major AI Labs with Zero-Knowledge Proofs

Attestable, a startup founded in 2025 by three mathematicians, Yogev Bar-On (CEO), Shahar Papini (CTO), and Shahar Samukha (VP R&D), has raised $20 million in a seed funding round led by TLV Partners and Altimeter Capital. Other investors include Netz Capital, Cerca Partners, and private backers such as Waze founder Assaf Rappaport, Armis founders Yevgeny Dibrov and Nadir Izrael, Sharin Fisher Dibrov, and Meta board member Charlie Songhurst. The company employs 15 people, mostly in its Israeli development center, with some staff in California.

Attestable develops cryptographic verification technology for AI systems that enables organizations to prove which computations are performed and on what data, without revealing the AI model or sensitive information. This capability is critical for entities running AI models in high-stakes areas like finance and security, where trust, resilience, and confidentiality are paramount. As AI systems transition from experimental to decision-making roles, the need for robust monitoring and verification grows.

The company’s technology leverages zero-knowledge proofs, a cryptographic method that proves a statement’s truth without disclosing the underlying data. Attestable claims a mathematical breakthrough allowing practical application of zero-knowledge proofs to AI systems, enabling fast verifiable proofs of model operations while preserving secrecy. Bar-On explained the goal is to help major AI labs such as Anthropic and OpenAI defend against hostile actors, including rival states, and to allow governments and large organizations to verify responsible AI use.

Bar-On emphasized the importance of control and verification mechanisms in a future dominated by superintelligent AI, envisioning Attestable’s technology as essential for regulation and international agreements. He acknowledged the solution’s relatively high cost but stressed its value and the company’s lean, expert team. TLV Partners’ Jonathan Mandelbaum noted the investment decision was quickly made after recognizing the urgent need for new AI security paradigms beyond traditional firewalls or intrusion prevention software.

Attestable plans to use the funding to expand its team and continue product development, aiming to become the central tool for securing AI labs worldwide and ensuring AI technologies are used safely and ethically.