# Ex-detective's AI startup hits $400M valuation

> Ex-detective Steven Richardson's stealth AI startup 22one reaches $400M valuation with Sequoia and Lux backing.
- Title: Ex-detective's AI startup hits $400M valuation · Dealroom
- Summary: Ex-detective Steven Richardson's stealth AI startup 22one reaches $400M valuation with Sequoia and Lux backing. London startup 22one, founded by ex-detective…
- Keywords: 22one, stealth startup, ai police tools, steven richardson, sequoia, lux capital, uk police ai, policeai programme, startups, business, Ex-detective's, startup
- Source: Dealroom — https://dealroom.co/news/167125-ex-detectives-stealth-startup-22one-hits-400m-valuation-backed-by-sequoi
- Published: 2026-10-27T10:37:40+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: 22one, stealth startup, ai police tools, steven richardson, sequoia, lux capital, uk police ai, policeai programme, startups, business
## What's the deal?
London startup 22one has reached a valuation of around $400 million, according to the Financial Times.
## Who's behind it?
Founder Steven Richardson was a detective chief superintendent at Merseyside Police until 2021 and co-founded Riven, an AI software company for police data.
## What's the endgame?
22one aims to build AI tools for police efficiency while remaining in stealth mode with only the word 'investigate' on its website.
## Key takeaway

London startup 22one, founded by ex-detective Steven Richardson, achieved a $400 million valuation after securing investment from Sequoia and Lux Capital.