Manchester cybersecurity firm Cytix secures £5m Series A to manage AI software risks

Cytix, a Manchester-based cybersecurity startup, has secured a Series A funding round valued at $7m (£5.1m). The investment is designated to expand the company’s change risk management platform, which is designed to mitigate security vulnerabilities arising from artificial intelligence-driven software development processes.

The firm’s technology integrates directly into an enterprise’s software development lifecycle. It continuously monitors, validates, and logs evidence of code changes produced by AI coding assistants and automated workflows. This capability enables security and compliance teams to govern rapid software releases without impeding deployment speeds. The new capital will support the scaling of this platform following its general release, with a focus on serving enterprise customers and regulated organisations that are subject to strict compliance standards.

Cytix distributes its solutions through direct sales channels and via managed service partnerships with cybersecurity specialist NCC Group and professional services firm KPMG. Ben Armstrong, chief executive of Cytix, stated that software development is evolving rapidly due to AI assistance, resulting in changes occurring at machine speed. He noted that few security leaders currently possess control or understanding of these changes from a risk perspective. While existing tools can identify vulnerabilities, they often fail to assess the associated risk, prompting the launch of Cytix’s platform to address this gap.

The funding round was led by Northern Gritstone. Returning investors included Auriga Cyber Ventures and NPIF II, which is managed by PXN Ventures through the British Business Bank’s Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. Duncan Johnson, chief executive of Northern Gritstone, commented that the surge in AI-assisted development has created a race to ensure software implementation remains secure. He added that Cytix’s platform allows enterprises to adopt a realistic approach by recognising high-risk areas while continuing to innovate. Northern Gritstone expressed pride in supporting another ambitious Manchester-based business during this growth phase.