# Old security model breaks as AI threats rise

> Investors are pouring billions into AI-native cybersecurity startups as traditional periodic security checks fail to keep pace with emerging threats.
- Title: Old security model breaks as AI threats rise · TechCrunch
- Summary: Investors are pouring billions into AI-native cybersecurity startups as traditional periodic security checks fail to keep pace with emerging threats. AI…
- Keywords: cybersecurity, ai safety, venture capital, index ventures, wiz, google, instinct, simile, technology, startups, Old, security
- Source: TechCrunch — https://techcrunch.com/video/the-old-cybersecurity-model-is-breaking
- Published: 2026-09-23T10:44:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cybersecurity, ai safety, venture capital, index ventures, wiz, google, instinct, simile, technology, startups
## AI threats spark security boom
Concerns over AI safety and rogue agents are driving cybersecurity stocks higher and attracting massive venture capital into startups building next-generation defences.
## Startups land nine-figure rounds
Companies like Instinct and Simile are raising nine-figure cheques at valuations that would have seemed impossible just years ago.
## Index Ventures bets on AI security
Shardul Shah, a partner at Index Ventures, has invested in six consecutive rounds of cloud security startup Wiz, which Google acquired for thirty two billion dollars earlier this year.
## Old model cannot keep pace
Shah argues periodic, human-in-the-loop security reviews are now obsolete and cannot keep up with the speed of AI-driven threats.

> periodic, human-in-the-loop security can't keep up anymore
## Index backs earlier-stage AI security
Index Ventures is investing in AI-native security companies at earlier stages than would have been acceptable just a few years ago.
## New security era emerging
The shift signals a fundamental change in how the industry approaches cybersecurity, moving from reactive periodic checks to AI-native continuous defence.
## Key takeaway

AI safety concerns are driving massive investment in next-generation security companies, as the old model of periodic human-led security reviews becomes obsolete.