Labrys: Pioneering Trust in Humanitarian Operations with $20M Funding

June 4, 2025, 3:37 pm
Labrys
Labrys
DefenseEnterpriseHumanInformationManagementPlatformPublicSaaSSoftwareTechnology
Location: United Kingdom, England, London
Employees: 11-50
Founded date: 2019
Total raised: $31M
In a world fraught with chaos, trust is a rare commodity. Enter Labrys, a UK-based startup on a mission to transform how humanitarian and security operations are managed. With a recent $20 million Series A funding round, Labrys is poised to redefine the landscape of workforce management in high-risk environments. The company’s flagship product, Axiom, is not just another software tool; it’s a lifeline for organizations navigating the treacherous waters of crisis response.

Founded in 2023 by Royal Marine veteran August Lersten and former British Army officer Luke Wattam, Labrys is tackling a fundamental problem: how to coordinate, track, and compensate teams operating in chaotic settings. The duo knows the stakes. They’ve been on the front lines, witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations and military units. Their experience has shaped Labrys into a solution that combines military-grade technology with humanitarian needs.

Axiom is described as the first end-to-end command and control system tailored for humanitarian, defense, and logistics users. It integrates biometric identity verification, encrypted communications, geo-tagged task tracking, and built-in audit trails. This isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about safety and accountability. In regions where conventional banking systems are either non-existent or compromised, Axiom’s stablecoin-based payment system allows teams to compensate workers seamlessly.

The funding round was led by Plural, with notable participation from AlbionVC, Superangel, and previous investors like Project A and MDOne. This influx of capital brings Labrys’ total funding to $25.5 million, enabling the company to expand its engineering and operations teams and enhance its AI-driven capabilities. The goal? To build a robust infrastructure that can withstand the pressures of modern humanitarian crises.

The market Labrys is addressing is vast. Large NGOs, defense contractors, peacekeeping agencies, and crisis response units are all potential beneficiaries of Axiom. Historically, these organizations have relied on fragmented tools—emails, spreadsheets, and unsecured messaging apps—to manage dispersed personnel. This ad hoc approach is fraught with risks. As geopolitical tensions rise and funding shortfalls hit humanitarian efforts, the need for accountability and operational efficiency has never been more critical.

Labrys aims to fill this gap. The operational risks associated with current systems are significant. Miscommunication can lead to catastrophic failures, from lost aid to mismanaged security forces. Axiom promises to change that narrative. By providing a secure, reliable platform for human coordination, Labrys is addressing a crucial need in the humanitarian sector.

The technology behind Axiom is impressive. It combines HR and task management tools with encrypted communications and global payment capabilities. Biometric identity checks ensure that personnel are who they claim to be, while geo-tagged tasks and built-in audits track missions and teams effectively. This level of oversight is essential in environments where trust is scarce.

Moreover, the integrated stablecoin disbursement feature allows payments to be made globally, even in regions with little to no banking infrastructure. This is a game-changer. It removes middlemen, reduces lag, and mitigates compliance risks—all while maintaining control over operations. The result? Teams can operate more efficiently, saving time and money while maximizing compliance.

The impact of Axiom is already being felt. Labrys reports that its platform is saving teams up to €2.6 million in costs while unlocking new revenue opportunities. This is especially critical as geopolitical tensions rise and funding cuts pose severe challenges to international humanitarian work. The need for reliable, programmable payments in fragile environments has never been more pressing.

Since its inception, Labrys has secured seven-figure annual revenues, including contracts with government clients and organizations involved in humanitarian disaster response, such as those operating in Ukraine. The new funding will enable Labrys to enhance its identity infrastructure, multi-party access controls, and audit tooling, further solidifying its position in the market.

As Labrys continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to build a future of trusted infrastructure for humanitarian operations. The company is not just developing software; it’s creating a lifeline for those who need it most. In a world where chaos reigns, Labrys is a beacon of hope, proving that with the right tools, trust can be restored, and lives can be saved.

In conclusion, Labrys is more than a startup; it’s a revolutionary force in the humanitarian sector. With its innovative approach to workforce management, the company is setting a new standard for how organizations operate in high-risk environments. The recent funding is a testament to the belief in Labrys’ mission and the potential impact of its technology. As the world faces increasing challenges, Labrys stands ready to lead the charge, ensuring that trust and accountability are at the forefront of humanitarian efforts.