In a groundbreaking move that addresses critical vulnerabilities in AI infrastructure, Runlayer has emerged from stealth with $11 million in seed funding from Khosla Ventures’ Keith Rabois and Felicis. This MCP AI security startup is tackling one of the most pressing challenges in artificial intelligence deployment today.
Runlayer’s Revolutionary MCP AI Security Approach
The Runlayer startup was founded by third-time entrepreneur Andrew Berman, who previously built and sold companies to major tech players. In just four months of stealth operation, Runlayer has already secured an impressive roster of clients including eight unicorns and public companies: Gusto, Rippling, dbt Labs, Instacart, Opendoor, and Ramp.
The Critical Need for AI Agents Security
The Model Context Protocol (MCP), created by Anthropic and launched as open source in November 2024, has become the standard for enabling AI agents security and connectivity. However, the protocol’s rapid adoption has exposed significant security gaps that Runlayer addresses head-on.
Keith Rabois Funding Validates the MCP Security Market
The substantial Keith Rabois funding commitment through Khosla Ventures signals strong confidence in Runlayer’s approach to securing the Model Context Protocol. Rabois, known for his strategic investments in transformative technologies, recognizes the urgent need for enterprise-grade security in AI agent deployments.
Real-World Security Breaches Highlighting the Problem
| Company | Security Incident | Date |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub | Prompt injection vulnerability exposing private repositories | May 2025 |
| Asana | MCP server vulnerability risking customer data exposure | June 2025 |
Runlayer’s Comprehensive Security Solution
Unlike competitors focusing on single aspects of security, Runlayer offers an all-in-one platform featuring:
- •Advanced threat detection analyzing every MCP request
- •Comprehensive observability across all permitted MCP servers
- •Enterprise development tools for custom AI automations
- •Detailed permissions integration with identity providers like Okta and Entra
The Team Behind the MCP Security Innovation
Runlayer’s founding team brings unique credibility to the Model Context Protocol security space. CEO Andrew Berman previously built one of the first MCP servers while serving as Zapier’s AI director. The startup has also secured David Soria Parra, the lead creator of MCP, as an angel investor and advisor.
FAQs About Runlayer and MCP Security
What companies are using Runlayer’s MCP AI security?
Runlayer serves eight unicorns including Gusto, Rippling, dbt Labs, Instacart, Opendoor, and Ramp.
Who are the key investors in Runlayer?
The $11 million seed round was led by Khosla Ventures’ Keith Rabois and Felicis.
What is the Model Context Protocol?
MCP was created by Anthropic as an open source standard for AI agents to connect with data and systems independently.
Conclusion: The Future of Secure AI Deployment
Runlayer’s rapid customer acquisition and substantial funding demonstrate the critical importance of securing AI infrastructure. As enterprises increasingly rely on AI agents for business operations, comprehensive security solutions like Runlayer’s become essential for safe, scalable AI deployment. The company’s unique combination of technical expertise, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive product offering positions it as a leader in the emerging MCP security market.