1 The EIC Accelerator Project
The EIC Accelerator Program: An Overview
The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in the European Union that are developing innovative technologies and solutions. This program aims to strengthen the European DeepTech ecosystem by providing substantial financial support, strategic guidance, and networking opportunities.
Funding Structure of the EIC Accelerator
The EIC Accelerator offers a unique funding structure that combines grants and equity investments.
Purpose of the EIC Accelerator
The EIC Accelerator serves multiple purposes within the European startup ecosystem:
- Promoting Innovation: By funding cutting-edge technologies, the program encourages innovation and competitiveness within the EU.
- Bridging Gaps in Funding: The program addresses the funding gap that often exists for deep-tech startups, particularly in their early stages when traditional investors may be hesitant to invest.
- Market Entry Support: Through mentorship and resources, the EIC Accelerator aids companies in navigating the challenges of entering new markets, thereby increasing their chances of success.
Role in Scaling Companies
The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in helping startups scale and secure additional funding from private sectors. The combination of grant funding and equity investment enables companies to leverage their EIC backing when courting additional investment, thereby enhancing their credibility in the eyes of potential private investors. Furthermore, the strategic guidance and networking opportunities available through the EIC Accelerator can lead to partnerships that facilitate growth and market entry.
Case Study: OutThink Ltd and the OUTTHINK Project
Company Overview: OutThink Ltd, based in the United Kingdom, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator program with their project titled OUTTHINK. Their initiative, which focuses on Cybersecurity Human Risk Management (CHRM), represents a significant advancement in the domain of cybersecurity.
Project Overview: The OUTTHINK project aims to develop the first comprehensive Cybersecurity Human Risk Management platform. This innovative solution is designed to help organizations identify, assess, and mitigate human-related cybersecurity risks, which are often the weakest link in an organization's security posture.
Technology Background: The OUTTHINK platform leverages advanced analytics and behavioral science to address the vulnerabilities that arise from human behavior in cybersecurity contexts. Traditional cybersecurity measures often focus on technological defenses, overlooking the critical aspect of human behavior that can lead to security breaches. By integrating behavioral insights with cybersecurity practices, the OUTTHINK platform provides organizations with a robust framework to enhance their security culture and reduce risks associated with human error.
Significance of the Technology: The platform’s development reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive approaches to cybersecurity that encompass technological, organizational, and human factors. Through the EIC Accelerator funding, OutThink Ltd is positioned to refine and scale its innovative solution, ultimately contributing to a safer digital environment for organizations across various sectors.
The OUTTHINK project not only embodies the goals of the EIC Accelerator but also illustrates the potential of innovative startups to transform the cybersecurity landscape, thereby enhancing the overall resilience of organizations against emerging threats. The funding acquired through the EIC Accelerator program plays a crucial role in enabling OutThink Ltd to advance its mission and achieve widespread impact in the cybersecurity domain.
2 The Funding Rounds
OutThink Ltd: Cybersecurity Human Risk Management Platform
OutThink Ltd, based in the United Kingdom, is a pioneering company in the field of cybersecurity human risk management. It has gained significant recognition for its innovative approach to reducing human-initiated security incidents.
Financing and Funding Rounds
OutThink has raised a total of approximately $20 million across two major funding rounds. The most recent and notable funding round was a $10 million seed investment in October 2022, led by AlbionVC, with participation from GapMinder VC, Triple Point, Forward Partners, and Innovate UK.
In addition to these investments, OutThink received a €2 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) in December 2021. This grant was awarded as part of the EIC Accelerator program to support innovative technologies.
Timing and Amount of Funding Rounds
- October 2022: $10 million seed funding round led by AlbionVC.
- December 2021: €2 million grant from the European Innovation Council.
- Early 2020: Initial funding round involving Forward Partners and Tech Nation.
Investor Information
Key investors in OutThink include: - AlbionVC: Led the $10 million seed funding round.
- Forward Partners: Participated in both early funding and the $10 million seed round.
- GapMinder VC and Triple Point: Contributed to the seed funding.
- Innovate UK: Participated in the seed funding round.
- European Innovation Council (EIC): Provided a €2 million grant.
Funding or Exit Events
As of now, there are no reported exit events for OutThink. The focus remains on expanding its technology and scaling its operations globally using the funds raised.
Company Valuations
While specific valuation figures for OutThink are not publicly disclosed, the company's growth trajectory and the prestigious funding rounds indicate a strong potential for future valuation increases. The EIC grant and seed funding reflect confidence in its innovative cybersecurity solutions.
Additional Information
OutThink's platform is recognized for its unique approach to managing human risk in cybersecurity. It uses AI and machine learning to identify and mitigate risks associated with human behavior, offering a significant advancement over traditional security awareness training.
Sources:
- OutThink Raises $10m to Tackle Cybersecurity Human Risk Management
- OutThink Funding Information
- OutThink Wins €2M Grant from European Innovation Council
- OutThink Company Information
- EIC-Funded OutThink Raised $10 Million
- OutThink Company Information, Funding & Investors
3 The Press Releases
OutThink Ltd, a UK-based company and winner of the EIC Accelerator funding with its successful Step 2 proposal submission on October 6, 2021, has been actively advancing its cybersecurity human risk management platform through multiple notable developments since receiving this support.Key Press Releases and Announcements
1. Leadership and Brand Ambassador Updates:
- Jane Frankland MBE joined OutThink as its first Brand Ambassador in January 2025, highlighting the company's focus on industry-leading voices to promote their vision in cybersecurity human risk management.
- Shawn M. Bowen was appointed as the first US member of OutThink’s new Advisory Board in June 2024, reinforcing OutThink’s transatlantic expansion efforts and advisory expertise.
2. Technological Innovations:
- In November 2023, OutThink introduced the world’s first conversational AI-powered adaptive Security Awareness Training (SAT). This breakthrough integrates a “choose your own adventure” style learning experience using a natural language interface powered by AI technology also used by Dreamworks and Disney for major film productions. It delivers engaging roleplay simulations that adapt dynamically to each learner's responses to improve security knowledge retention effectively.
- The company emphasizes immersive engagement-driven training that builds psychographic behavioral security profiles for employees while tailoring content to individual knowledge levels.
3. Strategic Partnerships:
- In July 2023, OutThink announced a partnership with ZIVVER focused on driving human-centric cybersecurity approaches.
- A significant strategic partnership with QA was publicized around mid-2024 (date not specified), where QA integrated OutThink's pioneering Human Risk Management solution into their cyber portfolio for UK customers. This collaboration enables organizations in the UK to access targeted gamified micro-learning experiences combined with attack simulation exercises designed to reduce risks from human error-induced breaches.
4. Funding Milestones:
Patents or Proprietary Technologies
While specific patents were not mentioned explicitly in press releases or blogs available publicly, the launching of proprietary AI-powered conversational SAT modules represents an innovative technological advancement that likely involves protected intellectual property given its uniqueness and use of advanced AI tech.
Recent Blog Posts & Thought Leadership
OutThink maintains an active blog featuring thought leadership articles focusing on:
- The psychology behind cybersecurity flaws using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (April 2025).
- Science-backed benefits of adaptive security awareness training (February-March 2025).
- Privacy compliance training such as CCPA and GDPR frameworks.
- Insights into emerging threats like AI phishing attacks emphasizing how their adaptive resilience training prepares organizations against evolving cyber deception tactics leveraging artificial intelligence.
The blog also promotes community involvement inviting experts passionate about cybersecurity topics to co-author content.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Location | United Kingdom |
| EIC Accelerator Winning Date | Proposal Step 2 submitted Oct 6, 2021; won after Step3 interview |
| Key Technology | AI-powered conversational Security Awareness Training modules |
| Notable Partnerships | ZIVVER (Cybersecurity), QA (Cybersecurity training deployment partner) |
| Recent Leadership | Jane Frankland MBE - Brand Ambassador; Shawn M Bowen - US Advisory Board member |
| Funding | Raised $10M+ before/around EIC funding; ongoing investment supports growth |
| Focus Areas | Human-centric cybersecurity risk management; Adaptive learning; Behavior profiling |
In conclusion, since securing EIC Accelerator funding in late 2021, OutThink Ltd has significantly expanded its footprint both technologically and commercially by launching groundbreaking conversational AI tools for security awareness education while forging partnerships that extend market reach especially within Europe and North America. Their ongoing efforts include continuous innovation against emergent threats such as intelligent phishing scams powered by artificial intelligence.
Sources:
- OutThink News & Press
- OutThink Blog
- World's First Conversational AI into Cybersecurity
- AI Phishing Threat Blog Post
- QA Partnership Announcement
4 The Technology Advancements
OutThink Ltd, a UK-based company, is a pioneering cybersecurity firm specializing in human risk management. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding (€2 million) on October 6, 2021, OutThink has made significant advancements in its technology and market presence.Current Capabilities
OutThink offers the world's first AI-native cybersecurity human risk management platform designed to prevent human-initiated security incidents by focusing on user behavior and attitudes. The platform combines adaptive security awareness training with automated conditional access controls to reduce organizational cyber vulnerabilities. Key features include:
- AI-powered adaptive training that increases users' resilience to cyberattacks.
- Interactive phishing simulations for real-time threat defense.
- Human Risk Intelligence that provides actionable insights for CISOs.
- Automation of security controls based on individual human risk profiles.
The platform integrates machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and applied psychology to measure employee attitudes and behaviors toward security threats continuously.
Advancements Since EIC Funding (October 2021)
Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in late 2021, OutThink has introduced groundbreaking innovations:
Conversational AI Security Awareness Training
In June 2023, OutThink launched the world’s first conversational AI-powered Security Awareness Training (SAT) modules. These modules use a graphics-enabled natural language interface allowing employees to engage in “choose your own adventure” style role-play scenarios tailored dynamically by an embedded AI engine. This immersive experience adapts content based on each learner's responses to optimize engagement and retention while building detailed behavioral security profiles.
This conversational AI leverages technology used by major Hollywood studios such as Dreamworks and Disney but repurposed here for highly interactive cybersecurity education.
Market Traction & Customer Engagement
OutThink’s platform is trusted by prominent global organizations including Whirlpool, Danske Bank, VINCI Group, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Rothschild & Co., NatWest Group among others. The company serves these clients through live deployments featuring phishing simulations and adaptive training integrated into corporate communication tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams—a world first approach.
Their solution has been recognized consistently by Gartner Peer Insights as the highest-rated product in its category for three consecutive years up to 2025.
Technology Improvements & Features
The advancements post-EIC funding reflect significant improvements over traditional static awareness programs:
- Introduction of fully immersive interactive learning via conversational AI.
- Continuous psychographic profiling of user behavior feeding into customized training paths.
- Integration with enterprise workflows automating conditional access control based on real-time human risk intelligence data.
These developments elevate OutThink’s offering from mere awareness training toward an adaptive cybersecurity ecosystem that actively adjusts organizational defenses according to evolving user risks.
Demonstrations & Pilots
While specific clinical trials or scientific publications are not mentioned publicly—typical given this is primarily an enterprise SaaS product—OutThink has demonstrated its technology extensively through customer pilots at leading multinational corporations across financial services and industrial sectors.
They have showcased measurable improvements in phishing resilience among employees via real-time simulated attacks combined with targeted interventions generated from behavioral analytics collected within their platform.
Intellectual Property & Publications
There are no public records or announcements specifically indicating new patent filings or scientific papers published since receiving the EIC grant; however,
the company emphasizes continuous R&D reflected through proprietary AI engines integrating machine learning with NLP applied uniquely in cybersecurity education contexts. Their approach represents innovative intellectual property protected as trade secrets alongside standard software protections typical for SaaS firms.
Summary:
Since winning €2M from the European Innovation Council's Accelerator program in October 2021, OutThink Ltd from the UK has advanced its position as a leader in cybersecurity human risk management by developing cutting-edge conversational AI-driven security awareness solutions integrated within enterprise systems. They have successfully moved beyond traditional static models towards dynamic personalized defense mechanisms proven effective through high-profile customer engagements globally. Although no new patents or academic publications are publicly noted recently, their technological evolution reflects substantial innovation enabled partially due to this funding support.
Sources:
- OutThink Official Website
- Gartner Peer Insights - OutThink Reviews
- About OutThink - Company Info
- Companies House - OUTTHINK LTD
- Careers at OutThink
- AI Conversational Cybersecurity Announcement June 21
- EIC Grant Announcement Dec 21
- Seed Funding Round Oct19 Report
5 The Partnerships and Customers
OutThink Ltd's Strategic Growth Through Partnerships and Customer Expansion Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, OutThink Ltd has accelerated its market presence through strategic partnerships and enterprise customer acquisitions. Below is a detailed breakdown of its collaborations, client base, and market positioning.Key Partnerships
- Nature: QA integrates OutThink’s human risk management platform into its cybersecurity training ecosystem, offering clients dynamic, behavior-based learning modules.
- Purpose: Enhances QA’s ability to deliver targeted training that reduces human-related security breaches while expanding OutThink’s reach in the UK market.
- OutThink’s tiered partnership program includes:
- Authorized Referral Partners: Generate leads for commissions.
- Strategic Partners: Collaborate on joint sales/marketing initiatives with access to NFR licenses and co-branded resources.
Customer Base
OutThink serves major global enterprises, including:New Relationships and Market Positioning
- Cybersecurity Specialization: Partnerships with LMS providers (e.g., Kudelski Security) enable tailored integrations for sector-specific needs, reinforcing OutThink’s role as a predictive human risk management leader.
- Global Expansion: The 2022 $10M seed round (led by AlbionVC) facilitated technological advancements in NLP and applied psychology models to quantify employee risk behaviors more accurately.
Technology Advancements & Scaling Impact
- AI-Driven Insights: Combines Microsoft Defender/Sentinel data with behavioral analytics to provide real-time organizational risk dashboards for CISOs.
- Gamified Training: Micro-learning simulations reduce phishing susceptibility by dynamically adapting content to user roles and knowledge gaps.
Sources Used in This Analysis:
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
OutThink Ltd, a UK-based AI-native cybersecurity human risk management platform, has shown considerable team growth and development since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021.Current Headcount and Team Size
As of recent reports, OutThink’s team size is over 50 employees distributed across its global offices including London, New York, Barcelona, and Bangalore. This marks significant growth from earlier financial data around December 2022 showing about 12 employees. The increase from a small team to more than 50 staff members indicates rapid scaling aligned with their business expansion.
Hiring Activity and Key Recent Hires
OutThink is actively hiring as reflected by open positions such as the Engineering Team Lead role in Bangalore. The company specifically looks to build out its local engineering squad there for developing scalable cloud-native solutions. This suggests ongoing recruitment efforts especially in technical leadership roles crucial for product development.
There have also been notable hires at the senior finance level such as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) appointed recently along with other strategic marketing and new-business roles (though these hires appear related to a different Outthink marketing firm per available data). While this needs clarification due to name similarity, the engineering lead hire at OutThink Ltd’s tech arm confirms investment in key positions driving future growth.
Growth Trajectory
From having just one employee recorded around mid-2017 to reaching approximately a dozen by late 2022 and now surpassing fifty employees within four years post-EIC funding demonstrates impressive growth momentum. This reflects successful scaling enabled by innovation funding alongside venture capital backing mentioned on their website.
Impact of New Team Members for Future Growth
The addition of experienced engineering leaders and expanding R&D teams helps OutThink enhance its AI-powered cybersecurity platform’s scalability, robustness, and cloud infrastructure. Expanding technical capabilities supports delivering innovative adaptive security solutions globally. These hires enable faster product development cycles which are critical for maintaining competitive advantage in cybersecurity human risk management. Building local teams like the Bangalore hub also facilitates global operational expansion while retaining agility.
Management or Founding Team Changes
No publicly available evidence points to major changes in founding or executive management at OutThink Ltd since winning EIC Accelerator support. Their website continues highlighting consistent leadership focus on AI-driven innovation led by founders passionate about redefining cybersecurity human engagement.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Current headcount | Over 50 employees worldwide (London/New York/Barcelona/Bangalore) |
| Past headcount | ~12 employees (December 2022), rapid growth from single digits pre-2018 |
| Hiring status | Actively hiring; key role - Engineering Team Lead in Bangalore |
| Key recent hires | Engineering leadership; CFO reported but may refer to different firm |
| Growth since EIC Funding | From ~10-12 staff pre-2021 to over 50 currently |
| Impact of new team members | Scale platform architecture; accelerate product & market expansion globally |
| Management changes | No major known changes reported |
This evidence shows that after securing EIC Accelerator funding on October 6th, 2021, OutThink Ltd has grown substantially both financially and operationally through strategic hiring focused on technology leadership aimed at scaling their innovative AI-native cybersecurity solutions effectively across markets.
Sources:
- Companies House overview
- Pomanda company profile
- OutThink official site careers page
- Hartford Business Journal article re: unrelated 'Outthink' hires
7 The Media Features and Publications
OutThink Ltd Overview and Media Presence
OutThink Ltd, a UK-based company, has been actively involved in the cybersecurity sector with a focus on human risk management. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, the company has continued to innovate and expand its presence in the industry.
Media Features and Publications
OutThink Ltd has been featured in various news and press releases on its official website, highlighting key milestones and innovations. For instance, the company has introduced conversational AI into cybersecurity, which marks a significant advancement in human-centric security solutions. However, specific media publications that have named OutThink Ltd beyond its press releases are not readily available in the current search results.
Content from Publications
Content about OutThink typically emphasizes its AI-native approach to managing cybersecurity risks. The company's strategy involves leveraging AI to create more engaging and personalized security awareness training, which aligns with its mission to reduce human error in cybersecurity breaches.
Podcasts and Interviews
While there isn't direct evidence of OutThink Ltd participating in specific podcasts or interviews, the company's involvement in cybersecurity discussions is evident through its focus on security awareness and human risk management. There are mentions of live podcasts and discussions related to cybersecurity, but these do not directly involve OutThink Ltd team members as speakers.
Conference and Fair Visits
Information about OutThink Ltd's participation in conferences or fairs is not readily available. However, the company's focus on innovation and industry insights suggests potential involvement in cybersecurity events to promote its solutions.
Event Involvement
OutThink Ltd has not been explicitly mentioned as participating in specific events or conferences in the available search results. However, given its role in cybersecurity, it likely engages with industry events to showcase its AI-driven security solutions.
Sources:
- OutThink | Cybersecurity Human Risk Management Platform
- News - OutThink | Cybersecurity Human Risk Management Platform
- OutThink | From Security Awareness to Human - YouTube
- OutThink | Cracking Security Awareness - The little known secrets
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