AXON Connected raises $2.1 million for second round of funding

AXON Connected, a company that commercializes technology, said it has had a preliminary closing on $2.1 million in its second round of funding. The capital came entirely from existing investors. The company plans to invest the new funds in its subsidiaries -- AxonDx, a medical diagnostic company launching its first products related to early stage cancer detection, therapeutic monitoring, and point of care diagnostics, and AXON AI, a company developing products for its swarm-based artificial intelligence. Kent Murphy, the president and CEO of AXON Connected, said AXON Connected is grateful for the continued confidence and support of its early investors, and that advanced discussions with outside investors for more capital are already underway.

Click here for press release.

AXON Ghost Sentinel demonstrates technology to VA Governor McAuliffe

Hugh Brooks introduces AXON Ghost Sentinel to VA Governor McAuliffe

Dr. Sven Brueckner demonstrates AGS technology to VA Governor McAuliffe

On Friday, October 10, 2014, AXON Ghost Sentinel CTO Dr. Sven Brueckner and AGS President Hugh Brooks presented AGS’ technology to the Governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe, at the Artisphere in Arlington, VA. The event, hosted by TandemNSI was part of an effort for ‘TechTober’ where the state of VA highlights local technology and entrepreneurs. Virginia Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson attended along with several other leaders and entrepreneurs from the community. Hugh introduced the company and gave an overview of the swarm intelligence approach and technology, while Sven demonstrated the Carnica™ public-beta Android app, and the enterprise console, which will be released soon. Governor McAuliffe was excited to see our new approach, impressed that we had already released our first live application, and thrilled that we are creating jobs in the northern Virginia region. His parting words were, “You are the future of cyber technology.” We agree.

Thanks again to Governor McAuliffe, TandemNSI, and all that came to talk and hear about VA technology and entrepreneurs.

Check the pictures and write-up from TandemNSI here: http://www.tandemnsi.com/governor-terry-mcauliffe-visits-the-tandemnsi-community/

Follow us and all the participants here, with more links and tweets:

https://twitter.com/AxonGS

https://twitter.com/GovernorVA

https://twitter.com/jaberman

https://twitter.com/TandemNSI

https://twitter.com/kareninva

AXON Ghost Sentinel's Carnica™ Mobile Public-Beta Android App Released

AXON Ghost Sentinel, Inc., an AXON Connected company, recently launched its new website this week and released its first consumer application known as the Carnica™ Mobile Security Android application (public-beta version) on the Google Play store. Carnica™ Mobile is the first publicly released mobile application that uses swarm Intelligence to protect devices and provide situational awareness. The public-beta version will help you understand how your device is performing and connect your device to our version of the cloud known as an "Apiary" without jeopardizing your device's performance or compromising your private information.

Simply put, Carnica will protect your device without interfering with how you want to use it. Gone are the days of downloading security apps that promise security but only drain your battery and warn you about threats when it’s too late. The first public-beta release of Carnica™ represents a landmark change in how device and network security is conducted. Subsequent releases in coming weeks will incorporate various new staged security features that leverage our revolutionary technology to deliver complete device security. A Pro version with a complete set of features will come out in late 2014. Come join us in our public-beta and be part of a new era of connected device security. 

Axon Dx signs cancer diagnostics agreement with SRI International

Axon Dx, LLC, an AXON Connected company, and SRI International, an independent, nonprofit research institute, have entered into an agreement that includes an SRI investment in Axon Dx and a non-exclusive license to certain SRI patents related to cancer diagnostics. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

“The present agreement developed from a collaboration with SRI that began in 2012,” said Kent A. Murphy, Ph.D., president and CEO, Axon Dx. “We are excited to have the support of SRI International and its world-class biosciences research group.”

“We are pleased to announce this new phase of our relationship with Axon Dx,” added Walter H. Moos, Ph.D., vice president of SRI Biosciences. “The next generation of health care products will advance the practice of medicine toward more precise personalized care, including diagnostic tools such as those being developed by Axon Dx.”

Click here for the press release.

AXON AI further expands advisory board with former CTO of the CIA, Ira “Gus” Hunt and Retired Rear Admiral Edward “Sonny” Masso

AXON Connected portfolio company AXON AI recently appointed Ira “Gus” Hunt to its advisory board. Mr. Ira A. (Gus) Hunt currently serves as President and CEO of Hunt Technology, LLC, a consulting company focused on strategic IT planning, cyber security, data-centric protection, and the cloud.  He is an Operating Partner with LLR partners and an advisor to Artis Ventures.  Mr. Hunt retired from federal service as senior executive having served 28 years with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), most recently as their Chief Technology Officer.  As CTO, Mr. Hunt set the information technology strategic direction and future technology investment plan for CIA and was the motivating force behind CIA’s decision to acquire a copy of both the Amazon cloud and IBM’s Watson. Gus will help AXON AI maintain technology leadership and ensure the development and commercialization of cutting-edge products for government and commercial markets.

AXON AI also appointed Edward “Sonny” Masso to its board. Sonny is a retired Rear Admiral in the US Navy where he served as a Surface Warfare Officer over a 32-year career culminating with Flag Assignments as Vice Commander, US Naval Surface Forces Command, Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Manpower, Personnel, Training & Education (OPNAV N1B), and Commander Navy Personnel Command/Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel. He presently is President of Flagship Connection, a high technology consulting firm, and serves as a Senior Fellow in Cyber Security at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, and on the Boards of Advisors for Blueridge Networks and Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs. Sonny will help AXON AI expand its network of technology leaders, customers, and investors.

AXON AI created its advisory board to expand its network and increase customer and partnership opportunities in the commercial and government sectors. AXON AI aims to staff its board with leading technology and subject matter experts, former high-level government executives, and business pioneers.

Black Hat and DEFCON conference talks demonstrate need for AXON Ghost Sentinel technology

In preparation of the launch of AXON Connected portfolio company AXON Ghost Sentinel’s first situational awareness and threat detection product known as Carnica™, AGS leadership, Hugh Brooks, Ravi Gupta, and Dr. Sven Brueckner, attended the annual Black Hat USA conference, the co-located Disrupt!on event, and the subsequent DEFCON Hacker’s Conference all held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

AGS CTO Dr. Sven Brueckner pillages through the Black Hat conference.

 “Black Hat 2014 has been the first opportunity for AXON Ghost Sentinel to interact with the cyber security community at large since our launch through Mach37™. We are excited about the positive responses we received from potential customers and collaborators. Our observation of the competitive landscape for AGS’s forthcoming products gives us great confidence in the future of our company. We are looking forward to many future Black Hat events." - Dr. Sven Brueckner

Black Hat is the most technical and relevant global information security event series in the world. Several thousand people attended Black Hat and DEFCON along with many other co-located events, making it the prime opportunity for AGS to interact with potential funders, partners, competitors, and future employees as well as with representatives of various media outlets. At Black hat, AGS members visited the business lobby where they saw first hand how AGS technology can integrate with existing providers to provide much-needed lightweight endpoint security and intelligent threat detection for mobile devices. At DEFCON, AGS members attended talks concerning security for smart cars, hotel rooms, and medical devices, which highlighted the need for AGS technology to secure the Internet-of-Things.

Forbes showcases AXON Ghost Sentinel and Mach37™

Forbes interviewed AXON Connected portfolio company AXON Ghost Sentinel (AGS) President Hugh Brooks, Mach37™ partner Rick Gordon, and other cohort members about their technologies and businesses. Check out the video here to see Hugh use bees to describe AGS technology (AGS section starts at minute 3:39).

AXON Ghost Sentinel completes Mach37™ program

AXON Connected portfolio company AXON Ghost Sentinel Inc. (AGS) completed the 90-day spring 2014 cohort session of the Mach37™ cyber security accelerator this week. The “graduation” from Mach37™ included a product Demo Day in the CIT auditorium filled with investors and industry experts. AGS advisor Matt Devost introduced Hugh Brooks, who gave a brief overview of the company and technology. AGS staff then demonstrated a live working version of the Carnica™ application on several mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. Demo Day visitors were invited to connect to the network and take part in the live demo, which showed how Carnica™ can provide situational and asset awareness by indicating which devices connect to a network when. The live demo also simulated the detection and quarantine of device infections. The graduation from Mach37™ puts AGS on the path to finishing and releasing the Carnica™ app and expanding its investor and distribution network. AGS will continue its productive relationship with Mach37™ and the CIT.

Washington Post highlights AXON Ghost Sentinel and Mach37™

The Washington Post recently wrote an article introducing the Mach37™ cyber security accelerator and highlighting the problems that AXON Connected portfolio company AXON Ghost Sentinel and other cohort members are trying to solve.

AXON Ghost Sentinel is accepted into the Mach37™ Cyber Security Accelerator

AXON Connected portfolio company AXON Ghost Sentinel Inc. (AGS) was recently accepted into the spring 2014 cohort of the Mach37™ is sponsored by the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) in Herndon, VA and operated by Rick Gordon, Dan Woolley, and Bob Stratton. Acceptance to the Mach37™ program includes an initial cash investment to bring the technology to the next readiness level, and weekly classes mentoring the founders on the ins-and-outs of creating and sustaining a successful cyber security technology business. The 90 day program culminates in a “Demo-Day” where the cohort demonstrates their technology to a large group of investors and interested parties. After the 90 days, the Mach37™ team and AGS will continue a relationship of mentoring, networking, and advancing the company’s interests, as well as another round of matched funding from the CIT. AGS is excited to be part of a local initiative to advance cyber security technology in the area.

AXON AI expands advisory board with cyber security expert Matt Devost and financial expert Pack Fancher

AXON Connected portfolio company AXON AI recently appointed Matt Devost to its advisory board. Matt is a technologist, entrepreneur, and international security expert specializing in counterterrorism, critical infrastructure protection, intelligence, risk management and cybersecurity issues. Currently, Matt is President & CEO of FusionX, LLC, a cybersecurity consultancy that helps international corporations identify and manage dynamic threats in complex operational environments. Additionally, Matt has been an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University since 2002 where he teaches a graduate course on Information Warfare and security, and is a Founding Director of the Cyberconflict Studies Association. Matt founded the Terrorism Research Center, Inc. (TRC) in 1996, where he served as President and CEO until November 2008. As founder and President, Matt oversaw all research, analysis, intelligence, assessment, and training programs. Previously, Matt held leadership positions at iSIGHT Partners, Technical Defense, Security Design International, iDEFENSE and SAIC. Matt has been a speaker at hundreds of international conferences and a contributor/author to several books on terrorism and information security. Matt’s in-depth expertise of cyber security and risk management issues as well as his experience running a leading cyber security consultancy will help AXON AI focus its cyber security technology and business development.

AXON AI also appointed Pack Fancher to its advisory board. Pack serves as a Director, Exit Planning Strategy with Pagnato Karp, a fiduciary for more than eighty founders/entrepreneurs and their families. He spent five years at investment banking firm KippsDesanto & Co where he served as a Director. Pack spent thirteen years with Merrill Lynch, where he specialized in providing M&A as well as commercial lending services to middle market companies. He was a featured speaker at over 100 Merrill Lynch internal conferences and was featured in numerous financial publications. Pack’s broad experience and network in the commercial and government sectors will help AXON AI reach more partners and customers.

AXON AI created its advisory board to expand its network and increase customer and partnership opportunities in the commercial and government sectors. AXON AI aims to staff its board with leading technology and subject matter experts, former high-level government executives, and business pioneers.

AXON Connected creates AXON Ghost Sentinel company to develop unique swarm-based cyber security products

Due to increasing interest from potential investors and corporate partners, AXON Connected will spin-off the cyber security work of its portfolio company AXON AI in a separate entity called AXON Ghost Sentinel, Inc. (“AGS”). AGS is led by Kent Murphy, Dr. Sven Brueckner, Ravi Gupta, and Hugh Brooks. AGS will focus specifically on creating cyber security products for mobile devices, tablets, next-generation endpoints, and the emerging Internet of Things. The AGS team is excited about the opportunities in this area, and have received an initial round of seed funding, a lot of initial validation for their unique approach and target markets to justify the company spin-off. AXON Ghost Sentinel, Inc. will be headquartered in Harrisonburg, VA, with employees in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and California. Follow developments about AGS on Twitter @AxonGS and on their website at http://www.axonghostsentinel.com. 

AXON AI creates advisory board with inaugural members: Frmr Sec of the Army John Marsh and frmr FBI cyber security expert Don Codling

AXON Connected portfolio company AXON AI created its advisory board to expand its network and increase customer and partnership opportunities in the commercial and government sectors. AXON AI aims to staff its board with leading technology and subject matter experts, former high-level government executives, and business pioneers.

AXON AI’s first advisory board members include the longest-serving Secretary of the Army – John Marsh. A World War II veteran and practicing attorney, Sec. Marsh represented Virginia’s 7th district as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1963 to 1971. In 1974, he was appointed as Assistant Secretary of Defense by President Ford and then as the U.S. Secretary of the Army by President Reagan in 1981. Following his service at the highest government ranks, Sec. Marsh taught at the Virginia Military Institute and the College of William & Mary. He has also sat on the boards of non-profit and commercial ventures including serving as Co-Chair of the Independent Review Group for Walter Reed Hospital. Sec. Marsh’s understanding of military and government matters will help AXON AI develop and commercialize products that appropriately meet the needs of U.S. warfighters.

The second inaugural member of AXON AI’s advisory board includes Don Codling. Don brings a broad range of experience in the cyber security realm and National Security space with 24 years in the FBI (7 of which in the Cyber Division) and experience as the CISO (chief Information Security officer) and CPO (Chief privacy officer) for a global E-Commerce company.  He currently consults on cyber security and cyber threat analysis metrics for various commercial and government agencies, both foreign and domestic, and is a certified instructor for the U.S. Dept. of State for Cyber matters.  He holds his CISSP and CIPP/US certifications. Don’s deep expertise in cyber security issues and experience working with commercial entities will help guide AXON AI’s cyber security technology and business development.

AXON Connected creates AXON AI to develop artificial intelligence products

AXON Connected created a new company called AXON AI to develop and commercialize products in the fields of big data analysis, cyber security, behavior prediction, and asset coordination. AXON AI will utilize unique swarm intelligence methodologies and other intellectual property to create solutions for some of the toughest problems in the world. Ravi Gupta and Dr. Sven Brueckner will jointly lead AXON AI and are committed to rapidly commercializing products that, for example, provide meaningful security to mobile and other smart devices, change the way we interact with search engines, and reform how unmanned aerial vehicles are deployed and used.