Kolkata: Treacle, a startup focused on cybersecurity, has secured INR 4 Crores in a pre-seed funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures. The investment will be allocated towards various aspects such as advancing technical and business development, bolstering marketing efforts, covering office expenses, forging partnerships, and expanding operations within the Indian market.

Originating from the IHub program at FIRST, IIT Kanpur, Treacle specializes in Defensive Security. It is guided by Co-founders Subhasis Mukhopadhyay (CEO), Subhajit Manna (CTO), and Partha Das (COO), who bring together extensive expertise in cybersecurity and software development. Subhasis, possessing 8 years of experience in Defensive Cyber Security and notable research skills, leads the charge in innovation. Subhajit, equipped with a B.Tech in ECE and 7 years’ proficiency in OT systems security and DevOps, ensures technical excellence. Partha, holding a BCA degree and certified as an Ethical Hacker, leverages over 11 years of IT and cybersecurity experience to enhance operational efficiency and drive product development. Together, their diverse skill sets underpin Treacle’s commitment to pioneering cybersecurity solutions.

Vikram Ramasubramanian, Partner, Inflection Point Ventures says, “Treacle’s core strengths lie in our AI-Based Deception Technology, a cornerstone of our Defensive Cyber Security solutions. By analyzing attacker behavior and diverting them into simulated networks, Treacle provides advanced protection. Additionally, the AI-Based Early Warning System enhances the ability to identify threats swiftly and proactively, issuing early alerts to SOC analysts.”

The integration of an AI-driven Early Warning System significantly boosts its capacity to swiftly and proactively detect potential dangers. These unique selling points enable Treacle to provide unmatched security, giving organizations the ability to stay ahead of ever-changing cyber threats. Committed to bolstering national cybersecurity, Treacle caters to both private and government sectors with state-of-the-art solutions crafted through thorough research.

Subhasis Mukhopadhyay, Co-Founder & CEO, said, “Our mission centers on safeguarding network infrastructures through early detection, containment, and deception of threats. We’re committed to delivering unparalleled value in the market, ensuring our clients have access to premium security solutions in an affordable manner. Our goal is to establish ourselves as a market leader and create sufficient value to make the cyber world a safer place within the next five to six years.”

Treacle has marked significant milestones since its inception. Notably, they secured grants like the C3iHub Grant and the SISFS Grant, totaling INR 26 lakhs, in 2021 and 2022, respectively. In addition, Treacle represented India through DPIIT and participated in a sponsored delegation journey to Dubai in 2022. Moreover, they obtained the DCIS 2023 Grant worth INR 25 lakhs from the Department of Telecommunications, GoI, and emerged victorious in the AWS Campus Fund Grand Challenge 2023, earning the title of Best Student-Led Startup. These achievements highlight Treacle’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the cybersecurity sector.

The global cybersecurity market is anticipated to reach $424.97 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.8%. In the SAM, revenue is poised to hit US$2.53 billion by 2023, with Cyber Solutions leading at US$1.26 billion. Additionally, the TAM for cybersecurity is predicted to reach US$166.20 billion by 2023.