dope.security puts a new spin on secure web gateways

dope.security intends to improve cloud security and performance by rethinking legacy secure web gateway (SWG) design, removing a stop between enterprise resources and end users. The startup uses airline terminology to drive home the point, calling its architecture “fly direct.” dope.security’s SWG architecture eliminates stopovers at cloud data centers, which the startup says improves performance up to fourfold.

Instead, dope.security’s SWG performs security directly on the endpoint, including URL filtering, SSL inspection, and cloud app control.  Dope.security also provides AI-powered Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) services, including Data Loss Prevention (DLP), SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM), and contextual analysis of an organization’s publicly exposed data.

The startup has raised a total of $20 million in VC funding. Its most recent round closed in March 2023, a $16 million Series A round led by Google Ventures (GV), with participation from existing investors boldstart ventures and Preface.