Refute, a London-based company specializing in countering disinformation through AI-powered solutions, has announced a £5 million seed funding round. The round was led by Amadeus Capital Partners, with participation from Playfair, Episode 1, Osney Capital, and the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF).

Evolving Threats

The funding comes amid an evolving threat environment in which malicious actors are increasingly combining automated networks, influencer activity, and AI-driven tools to conduct coordinated disinformation campaigns. These efforts are no longer limited to governments and public institutions, but are increasingly directed at commercial organisations.

Technology and Applications

Refute has developed AI-based capabilities that are now used by both commercial and public-sector clients. Its platform is designed to identify early indicators of online manipulation and to provide near real-time intelligence and response recommendations. During recent European elections, Refute identified more than 32,500 inauthentic TikTok videos linked to coordinated influence operations.

Future Goals

Refute plans to use the new funding to further develop its technology and support its efforts to help organisations and democratic institutions address the growing challenges posed by hybrid warfare and disinformation threats. Tom Garnett, CEO and co-founder of Refute, stated that Europe is facing an unprecedented level of hybrid warfare and that disinformation has become a strategic weapon targeting nations, institutions and corporations alike.