Cybord raises $8.7m for electronics authenticity platform

US startup Cybord has raised $8.7m in first-round financing to develop its artificial intelligence-powered platform for testing the quality, traceability, and authenticity of electronic components.

The system applies visual AI and big data to images of the top and bottom of all components used in the assembly process for circuit boards, in real-time, comparing the images to a database of over 4bn components, checking for defects, homogeneity, and potential counterfeiting incidents.  

According to the company, its system can address material issues that result in most electronic malfunctions, reducing the need for costly rework or – even worse – a reputation-damaging recall. It is aimed at "a wide range of industries, from automotive to aerospace, where the integrity of electronic circuit boards is paramount," according the Wilmington, Delaware-based company.

It claims that during placement on the assembly line, its system prevents defective, damaged, and counterfeit components from being assembled onto printed circuit board assemblies (PBCAs) with 99.9 per cent accuracy.

Cybord's technologies are already being used in more than 60 manufacturing lines worldwide, inspecting millions of electronic components daily, but the new financing will help the company accelerate its growth and expand into new global markets.

"Until now, electronic component quality and security have largely been overlooked, leading to increased occurrences of defects and costly recalls, which hit a seven-year high in 2023," said the company.

"This unreliable state of electronic component quality results in time-consuming and costly reworking and scrapping of electronic boards and products, the allocation of valuable capital in anticipation of warranty claims, and costly recalls worth millions to billions of dollars in lost profits."

The round was led by Capri Ventures, with participation from Ocean Azul Partners, IL Ventures, NextLeap Ventures, and other new and existing investors.

"These funds will allow us to scale faster and bring our comprehensive AI-powered solution to more companies worldwide, delivering on our mission to ensure only the best electronic products," said Cybord's chief executive Oshri Cohen (pictured top).