Kasada, a Sydney-Based AI Start-up, Reaches $300 Million as It Helps Businesses Combat AI Bots
Australian Financial Review
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Details
- Date Published
- 10 Dec 2025
- Priority Score
- 2
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 11 Dec 2025, 01:35 am
Description
Kasada has pulled off a fresh funding round, led by a private equity giant, as it is increasingly used by organisations keen to avoid data scraping.
Summary
Kasada, a cybersecurity AI start-up based in Sydney, has achieved a valuation exceeding $300 million after securing a new round of funding led by a major private equity firm. The company specializes in detecting and preventing malicious bots, particularly those using AI for data scraping, from accessing websites without relying on cumbersome Captchas. This advancement highlights the growing importance of AI-driven cybersecurity measures as organizations face increasing threats from automated data extraction bots. While the article relates to AI use in cyber threats, its focus is more on business growth and investment rather than significant existential or catastrophic AI safety risks.
Body
TechnologyFundingPrint articlePaul SmithTechnology editorDec 10, 2025 – 9.00amSaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginSydney-based cybersecurity start-up Kasada, used increasingly by customers to repel artificial intelligence data-scraping bots from their websites, is worth more than $300 million following a fresh funding round led by one of the world’s largest private equity firms.Kasada, founded by then 19-year-old Sam Crowther in 2015, detects and prevents malicious bots from accessing websites and apps without needing users to complete irritating Captcha tests. Loading...Paul Smith edits the technology coverage and has been a leading writer on the sector for 20 years. He covers big tech, business use of tech, the fast-growing Australian tech industry and start-ups, telecommunications and national innovation policy. Connect with Paul on Twitter. Email Paul at psmith@afr.comSaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreFundingCybersecurityAIVenture capitalPrivate equityMalcolm TurnbullStart-upsFetching latest articlesThe untold story of the most lethal Sydney to Hobart race in 26 yearsTony Davis24 new watches to ring out the year (from $170 to $218k)‘YIMBY is a misnomer. They haven’t got backyards’Why BP Australia’s head tells execs to have their kids by 35Patrick DurkinAI talent war spreads to banking with $250k+ rolesWant to be better at public speaking? NIDA’s CEO shares her tipsAn arty Dior bag and a retro chronograph to freshen up your lookEugenie Kelly‘Your guests should talk with their bodies, not their mouths’The $80k Honda Civic that those in the know go nuts forBillionaire Rinehart loses bid for helipad at pink-themed HQJesinta BurtonImmutable late accounts reveal $72m loss despite big revenue growthAirwallex shrugs off controversy with huge funding round