Mobile security startup V-Key secures $4m in Series A funding from IPV Capital

Mobile security is fast becoming an issue for many — particularly those using Android phones and in China — and V-Key, a startup that aims to provide protection to enterprise users and applications, has just closed a Series A round of $4 million from Chinese investment firm IPV Capital.

US/Singapore-based V-Key was started by serial entrepreneur Eddie Chau, he who founded Media Monitors-owned digital agency Brandtology, and it researches and develops solutions and applications to keep mobile devices virus-free and secure.

The startup says that the investment from early-stage specialist IPV Capital — which has offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Silicon Valley — will be used to increase its R&D focus on application security and intelligence technologies, in addition to growing its sales and support teams in Asia and the US.

Commenting on the round, Benjamin Mah, V-Key CEO and a fellow co-founder, explains that security protection is entirely necessary for mobile programs, systems and devices.

“Traditional methods of managing mobile device security policies via trusting the native mobile operating system offers a basic level start. However, the world needs an advanced security protection and mobile threat analytics to address advanced persistence threats in the mobile apps landscape,” Mah says.

Chau adds: “Our goal is to deliver a simple, yet powerful and intelligent security solution that improves users’ confidence and experience in today’s mobile apps-driven world.”

V-Key offers a range of products that include secure mobile middleware and application protection. Its enterprise-focused services extend to include a mobile secure token authentication service — V-Tap, which the firm says is the first of its kind — and a secure channel communication suite that lets businesses broadcast email, SMS and instant messages to employees and customers.

Outside of its products, the startup’s V-Track service is a threat intelligence gatherer which locates viruses and other risks that threatening devices and mobile programs.

V-Key’s third co-founder, CTO Joseph Gan, has a strong background in security and counts the Centre for Strategic Infocomm Technologies (CIT) and D’Crypt among his former employers.

➤ V-Key

Image via Shutterstock / Mike Rogal