TENEX.AI Company Profile

Background

TENEX.AI is an AI-native cybersecurity company that integrates artificial intelligence, automation, and human expertise to redefine enterprise security. Founded by leaders with extensive experience in building and scaling security operations, TENEX.AI aims to deliver security outcomes that are ten times more effective, faster, and cost-efficient than traditional providers.

Key Strategic Focus

TENEX.AI's strategic focus centers on:

AI-Driven Detection and Response: Utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance threat detection and response capabilities.

Automation-First Approach: Implementing automation to eliminate blind spots and reduce operational overhead.

Scalability: Offering solutions adaptable to organizations of various sizes and complexities.

Cloud Security Integration: Leveraging platforms like Google Cloud and Microsoft Security to optimize security investments.

Financials and Funding

In January 2025, TENEX.AI secured seed funding from Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Shield Capital, and leading cybersecurity angels. This investment is intended to accelerate growth, expand the team, enhance the AI-driven platform, and scale services to meet the increasing demand for advanced cybersecurity solutions.

Pipeline Development

TENEX.AI's flagship offering is a next-generation Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service, designed to transform how organizations detect and respond to threats. The company plans to expand into other critical service areas such as vulnerability management, identity management, compliance, threat intelligence, and incident response.

Technological Platform and Innovation

TENEX.AI distinguishes itself through:

Proprietary AI Technologies: Developing AI-native solutions that automate routine tasks and enhance threat detection.

Autonomic Security Operations (ASO): Implementing frameworks that integrate adaptive practices and tools for highly automated threat management.

Cloud-Native Architecture: Building solutions from the ground up in the age of AI, ensuring continuous learning and adaptation to emerging threats.

Leadership Team

Eric Foster, Founder and CEO: Former President of CYDERES, with a cybersecurity career spanning three decades, including roles as a three-time CISO and early executive at RiskIQ and Stairwell.

Ryan Shreve, Co-founder and COO: Former founding executive at Fishtech Group, serving as CFO and later COO of CYDERES, with prior experience as CFO at Firemon and Controller at Garmin.

Edwin Solis, Co-founder and CRO: Former head of Security Sales for Google Cloud Security and Director of Sales for ProtectWise.

Elias "Lou" Manousos, Chairman: General Partner at Manousos Investments, Venture Partner at Shield Capital, former CEO of RiskIQ, and Corporate Vice President of Security Products at Microsoft.

Leadership Changes

Jan Grzymala-Busse joined as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in March 2025 to scale AI-powered MDR services amid surging demand.

Jason Zann was appointed as Strategic Advisor in February 2025, bringing expertise in threat intelligence and attack surface management.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global cybersecurity market is projected to reach $212 billion by 2025, driven by the increasing complexity of threats and the need for advanced security solutions.

Competitor Analysis

Arctic Wolf: Focuses on security operations as a concierge service, offering managed detection and response with a human-centric approach.

Expel: Provides transparent managed security services, emphasizing customer experience and rapid response times.

Red Canary: Specializes in MDR services with a focus on endpoint detection and response, leveraging a combination of technology and human expertise.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

TENEX.AI is backed by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and Shield Capital, reflecting strong investor confidence. The company also collaborates with leading cloud security platforms like Google and Microsoft to enhance its service offerings.

Operational Insights

TENEX.AI's AI-first, cloud-native approach positions it to deliver automated, scalable solutions that modern enterprises require. By integrating AI and automation from inception, TENEX.AI offers a significant advantage over competitors adapting existing technologies to incorporate AI.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

TENEX.AI plans to expand its services into areas such as vulnerability management, identity management, compliance, threat intelligence, and incident response. The company aims to establish centers of excellence in multiple states and is considering additional capital to support growth.