DefensX, Uniti AI raise $24.7M in NYC startup funding

Key Takeaways

• DefensX raised $12.7M from 16 investors to turn browsers into secure enterprise workspaces
• Uniti AI closed $12M Series A led by Pathlight Ventures for agentic AI in real estate
• Both rounds signal continued investor appetite for enterprise security and PropTech AI

Two NYC-based startups pulled in a combined $24.7M this week. DefensX, a browser security company, closed $12.7M according to SEC filings. Uniti AI, building agentic AI for real estate operations, landed a $12M Series A. The rounds highlight two trends that aren't slowing down: enterprises want security that doesn't require ripping out existing infrastructure, and property managers want AI that actually does the work, not just assists.

DefensX: $12.7M to make any browser a secure workspace

DefensX's pitch is straightforward. Instead of forcing employees onto VPNs or virtual desktop infrastructure, the company transforms standard browsers into secure enterprise workspaces. The SEC filing shows 16 investors participated in this close, with a total offering size of $13.5M.

Halis Osman Erkan and Murat Demirten founded the company in 2018. That's six years of building before this raise, a timeline that suggests either deliberate bootstrapping or a long path to product-market fit. Either way, the funding arrives at a moment when browser-based work has become the default for most knowledge workers.

The browser security market has grown crowded. Island, Talon Cyber Security (acquired by Palo Alto Networks in 2023 for $625M), and Seraphic Security all compete for the same enterprise budgets. DefensX's differentiation appears to be in the 'workspace' framing, treating the browser not just as something to secure but as the primary work surface.

Uniti AI raises $12M for real estate automation

Uniti AI's Series A was led by Pathlight Ventures. MetaProp, Prudence, Flex Capital, Alate Partners, and RE VC also participated. The company has now raised $16M total in reported equity funding.

Francesco Decamilli and Emre Altinok founded Uniti AI in 2024. Two years from founding to Series A is fast, especially for a company targeting real estate operators, a notoriously slow-moving customer base. The company describes itself as an 'agentic AI platform' that manages sales, leasing, and operational workflows. That word, 'agentic,' matters. It signals AI that executes tasks autonomously rather than waiting for human approval at each step.

MetaProp's participation adds credibility. They've been investing in real estate technology since 2015 and have a portfolio that includes companies across property management, construction tech, and tenant experience. When MetaProp backs a company, it usually signals that the founders understand how real estate actually operates, not just how it should operate.

What these raises tell us about the market

Both companies are selling to enterprises, but the sales motions differ. DefensX likely faces long procurement cycles with IT security teams, compliance reviews, and pilot programs. Uniti AI can potentially move faster because property managers feel immediate pain from leasing inquiries going unanswered or operational tasks falling through cracks.

The investor composition also tells a story. DefensX's 16 investors in a $12.7M round suggests a syndicate of smaller checks rather than one or two large leads. That can be useful for building a broad network of supporters, but it also means more people to manage on the cap table. Uniti AI's raise looks more traditional: one lead, several followers, clean structure.

For founders watching these deals, the takeaway isn't about sector. It's about timing. DefensX spent six years building before raising this round. Uniti AI moved in two. Both are valid paths, but they require different kinds of patience and different expectations from early employees and angel investors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does DefensX do?

DefensX converts standard web browsers into secure enterprise workspaces, offering an alternative to VPNs and virtual desktop infrastructure for remote work security.

Who invested in Uniti AI's Series A?

Pathlight Ventures led the $12M round, with participation from MetaProp, Prudence, Flex Capital, Alate Partners, and RE VC.

What is agentic AI in real estate?

Agentic AI refers to systems that autonomously execute tasks like responding to leasing inquiries, scheduling tours, and handling operational workflows without requiring human approval at each step.

How much total funding has Uniti AI raised?

Uniti AI has raised $16M in total reported equity funding, including the $12M Series A announced in July 2026.

Source: AlleyWatch