ZeroRISC Secures $10M to Fortify Silicon Security
June 12, 2025, 9:33 am
Location: United States, Massachusetts, Boston
Employees: 11-50
Founded date: 2023
Total raised: $15M
In a world where digital threats loom large, ZeroRISC emerges as a beacon of hope. This Boston-based startup has just raised $10 million in seed funding to enhance its open-source silicon security platform. The funding round, led by Fontinalis Partners, attracted a constellation of investors, including industry veterans and angel investors.
Founded in 2023 by Dominic Rizzo, a pioneer behind the OpenTitan project, ZeroRISC is on a mission. Its goal? To revolutionize the silicon supply chain with integrity solutions that empower device owners. The stakes are high. As the digital landscape evolves, so do the threats. Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.
ZeroRISC’s approach is as innovative as it is essential. The company offers a full-stack security solution that begins at the silicon level. At its core is a commercial-grade chip based on the OpenTitan root of trust. This chip is not just a piece of hardware; it’s a guardian. It verifies device boot integrity and prevents unauthorized code from running. In an age where trust is often misplaced, this technology provides a solid foundation.
The Integrity Management Platform (IMP) is another feather in ZeroRISC’s cap. This platform is a unified solution that combines silicon hardware, embedded software, and cloud-based management tools. It operates below the operating system, ensuring that security policies are enforced without interference. The Rust-based embedded OS is a fortress, maintaining strict isolation and secure ownership transfer. Device owners gain control over security rules, liberating them from reliance on manufacturers.
Imagine a world where device integrity is monitored in real-time. ZeroRISC makes this a reality. The IMP tracks device integrity throughout the supply chain and in-field lifecycle. This capability allows for transparent policy management at scale. Whether it’s system-on-chips, chiplets, or various devices, ZeroRISC’s technology integrates seamlessly.
The timing of this funding couldn’t be better. Regulatory scrutiny is intensifying, and cybersecurity insurance demands are rising. Companies are under pressure to prove their security measures. ZeroRISC’s solutions offer a way to meet these challenges head-on. The integration of post-quantum cryptography into its platform, particularly the SPHINCS+ algorithm for firmware signing, ensures that ZeroRISC is not just keeping pace but is ahead of the curve. In a post-quantum world, this future-proof security is invaluable.
Investors see the potential. Fontinalis Partners, along with Fundomo, Analog Devices co-founder Ray Stata, SemiAnalysis founder Dylan Patel, SBXi, Chelpis Ventures, and Bond Street Capital, have all placed their bets on ZeroRISC. This diverse group recognizes the classic Silicon Valley playbook at play. An open-source project evolves into a startup, ready to deliver technology to a broader audience.
ZeroRISC is not just about technology; it’s about empowerment. It aims to give device owners and operators in critical sectors—like IoT and infrastructure—the tools they need to secure their devices. In a landscape where security breaches can lead to catastrophic consequences, this empowerment is crucial.
The company’s vision is clear. It seeks to forge immutable trust in hardware through software. This separation of device security from the place of manufacture is revolutionary. It allows for a level of transparency and control that has been sorely lacking in the industry.
As ZeroRISC gears up to expand its operations and development efforts, the implications are profound. The startup is poised to become a key player in the silicon supply chain integrity arena. With its innovative solutions, it can help reshape the landscape of device security.
The road ahead is filled with challenges. The cybersecurity landscape is ever-evolving, and threats are becoming more sophisticated. However, ZeroRISC’s commitment to innovation and integrity positions it well for the future. The company is not just reacting to the current state of affairs; it’s anticipating what lies ahead.
In conclusion, ZeroRISC’s recent funding round is more than just a financial boost. It’s a signal that the industry is ready for change. As the company expands its reach and enhances its offerings, it stands at the forefront of a critical movement. The need for robust, transparent, and secure silicon solutions has never been greater. ZeroRISC is ready to meet that need head-on, forging a path toward a more secure digital future. The stakes are high, but so are the rewards. The journey has just begun.
Founded in 2023 by Dominic Rizzo, a pioneer behind the OpenTitan project, ZeroRISC is on a mission. Its goal? To revolutionize the silicon supply chain with integrity solutions that empower device owners. The stakes are high. As the digital landscape evolves, so do the threats. Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.
ZeroRISC’s approach is as innovative as it is essential. The company offers a full-stack security solution that begins at the silicon level. At its core is a commercial-grade chip based on the OpenTitan root of trust. This chip is not just a piece of hardware; it’s a guardian. It verifies device boot integrity and prevents unauthorized code from running. In an age where trust is often misplaced, this technology provides a solid foundation.
The Integrity Management Platform (IMP) is another feather in ZeroRISC’s cap. This platform is a unified solution that combines silicon hardware, embedded software, and cloud-based management tools. It operates below the operating system, ensuring that security policies are enforced without interference. The Rust-based embedded OS is a fortress, maintaining strict isolation and secure ownership transfer. Device owners gain control over security rules, liberating them from reliance on manufacturers.
Imagine a world where device integrity is monitored in real-time. ZeroRISC makes this a reality. The IMP tracks device integrity throughout the supply chain and in-field lifecycle. This capability allows for transparent policy management at scale. Whether it’s system-on-chips, chiplets, or various devices, ZeroRISC’s technology integrates seamlessly.
The timing of this funding couldn’t be better. Regulatory scrutiny is intensifying, and cybersecurity insurance demands are rising. Companies are under pressure to prove their security measures. ZeroRISC’s solutions offer a way to meet these challenges head-on. The integration of post-quantum cryptography into its platform, particularly the SPHINCS+ algorithm for firmware signing, ensures that ZeroRISC is not just keeping pace but is ahead of the curve. In a post-quantum world, this future-proof security is invaluable.
Investors see the potential. Fontinalis Partners, along with Fundomo, Analog Devices co-founder Ray Stata, SemiAnalysis founder Dylan Patel, SBXi, Chelpis Ventures, and Bond Street Capital, have all placed their bets on ZeroRISC. This diverse group recognizes the classic Silicon Valley playbook at play. An open-source project evolves into a startup, ready to deliver technology to a broader audience.
ZeroRISC is not just about technology; it’s about empowerment. It aims to give device owners and operators in critical sectors—like IoT and infrastructure—the tools they need to secure their devices. In a landscape where security breaches can lead to catastrophic consequences, this empowerment is crucial.
The company’s vision is clear. It seeks to forge immutable trust in hardware through software. This separation of device security from the place of manufacture is revolutionary. It allows for a level of transparency and control that has been sorely lacking in the industry.
As ZeroRISC gears up to expand its operations and development efforts, the implications are profound. The startup is poised to become a key player in the silicon supply chain integrity arena. With its innovative solutions, it can help reshape the landscape of device security.
The road ahead is filled with challenges. The cybersecurity landscape is ever-evolving, and threats are becoming more sophisticated. However, ZeroRISC’s commitment to innovation and integrity positions it well for the future. The company is not just reacting to the current state of affairs; it’s anticipating what lies ahead.
In conclusion, ZeroRISC’s recent funding round is more than just a financial boost. It’s a signal that the industry is ready for change. As the company expands its reach and enhances its offerings, it stands at the forefront of a critical movement. The need for robust, transparent, and secure silicon solutions has never been greater. ZeroRISC is ready to meet that need head-on, forging a path toward a more secure digital future. The stakes are high, but so are the rewards. The journey has just begun.