In a world where cyber threats evolve by the second, South Korean cybersecurity startup AI SPERA is emerging as a global front-runner in cyber threat intelligence (CTI) and attack surface management. Founded in 2017 as a spin-off from Korea University’s renowned hacking and countermeasure research center, AI SPERA is now setting new benchmarks with its flagship platform, Criminal IP.
With the recent completion of Series B funding in 2024, the company is poised to expand its global footprint and strengthen its AI-powered cybersecurity offerings for businesses across sectors.
AI SPERA’s Flagship Platform Criminal IP
Criminal IP is a global cybersecurity platform that leverages AI-driven threat intelligence to detect, analyze, and mitigate cyber risks in real time. Launched in 2019 and expanded globally in 2022, it functions as:
- A real-time search engine for malicious IP addresses, domains, and URLs.
- An API-based platform that integrates seamlessly with enterprise security tools like SIEM, SOAR, and TIP systems.
- A complete Attack Surface Management (ASM) and Digital Risk Protection (DRP) solution for enterprises.
The platform offers unmatched capabilities in automation, scalability, and data accuracy—making it a go-to solution for IT teams, cybersecurity professionals, MSSPs, and financial institutions around the world.
CEO Byungtak Kang, elaborates on the company’s intelligence-first approach,“AI SPERA utilizes AI-based Cyber Threat Intelligence, our key business, to derive high-value information with all threat datasets collectible in cyberspace. We process data such as security threats, attackers or attack methods, malicious code, and vulnerabilities to counteract and prevent security breach and cybercrime that targets IT assets.”
Rapid Global Growth and Series B Success
AI SPERA completed a significant Series B investment round in 2024, raising approximately $8.5–9 million, bringing their total funding to nearly $17.5 million. The round was led by KB Investment, with participation from JB Investment, Kyobo Life Insurance, and Smilegate Investment.
With over 90% of customers outside Korea, AI SPERA now serves clients in more than 150 countries, including major banks, manufacturing giants, public institutions, and universities. The company has also formed global partnerships with major players like VirusTotal, Tenable, and Cisco.
The platform processes over 300 billion data points monthly using an independent global data collection system, allowing real-time insights into malware, phishing, command & control (C2) servers, and zero-day vulnerabilities.
Strategic Collaborations and Certifications
AI SPERA’s influence continues to grow through collaborations with platforms like IPLocation.io, enhancing IP threat scoring and geolocation accuracy for global users.
It is also one of the first Korean cybersecurity startups to achieve PCI DSS v4.0 Level 1 certification—the highest standard in payment security.
Additionally, the team has presented at leading industry forums such as ISDP 2025, demonstrating the platform’s advanced use cases in ASM and threat intelligence.
Co-founder Huy Kang Kim, a respected academic and cybersecurity expert, articulates the mission succinctly: “Our corporate mission is to free the business from ever-evolving cyber threats and fraud. At the forefront, our innovative up-to-date data-driven security will protect your business from exposure to threats.”
The Road Ahead: IPO and Global Dominance
AI SPERA’s roadmap includes aggressive expansion across North America, Europe, and Asia, as well as an IPO within the next 2–3 years. With its innovative tech, deep Korean R&D roots, and growing international clientele, the startup is cementing its place among the top global players in AI-powered cybersecurity.
As South Korea’s deep-tech ecosystem gains momentum, AI SPERA is proof that Korean innovation is not only leading in consumer tech but also securing the digital future on a global scale.
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