Guardey

Guardey Competitive Intelligence & Landscape

guardey.com ·

Overview

Guardey Overview

Guardey is a cybersecurity company that specializes in making security awareness training engaging and accessible for businesses. Their core offering is a gamified security awareness training platform designed to transform cybersecurity from a compliance chore into a fun challenge, aiming to build lasting security habits among employees [https://guardey.com/]. The company's mission is to provide an easy and accessible solution for every organization, believing that cybersecurity does not have to be expensive or complex [https://www.guardey.com/vacancies/].

Guardey provides microlearning challenges, phishing simulations (including spear phishing and randomized campaigns), and comprehensive reporting features. These features help organizations track participation, identify knowledge gaps, and prove compliance with regulations like NIS2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, SOC2, PCI DSS, and the EU AI Act [https://guardey.com/]. The training is delivered through short, three-minute challenges available on desktop or mobile, fostering engagement through a leaderboard, achievements, and hot streaks [https://guardey.com/].

Founded by the team behind GOOSE VPN, a consumer VPN solution, Guardey was established to address the business market with their cybersecurity expertise, with Guardey B.V. registered in the trade register under number 76634876 [https://www.guardey.com/about-us/, https://www.guardey.com/founding-story/, https://www.guardey.com/terms-and-conditions/]. The company is headquartered in Rijswijk, The Netherlands, at Treubstraat 31 [https://www.guardey.com/terms-and-conditions/].

Guardey is part of the Gizmo Cyber Group [https://www.guardey.com/vacancies/].

Guardey targets a broad range of industries, including healthcare, education, municipalities, industry and logistics, developers, hospitality, and regional safety authorities [https://guardey.com/]. They aim to help organizations, particularly those affected by NIS2 regulations, avoid significant fines by offering continuous awareness training and audit-ready reporting [https://guardey.com/].

Guardey is trusted by over 500 organizations, and their platform facilitates a plug-and-play cybersecurity solution that encrypts internet connections via a VPN to scan for online threats [https://www.guardey.com/product/, https://www.guardey.com/become-partner/].

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Competitors

Guardey Competitors

Guardey, a gamified security awareness training platform, operates in a competitive landscape with several key players offering various approaches to cybersecurity education. One notable competitor is Pistachio, which, like Guardey, focuses on cybersecurity awareness training to strengthen human defenses against cyber threats. Both companies aim to increase employee engagement in security education, though their specific gamification strategies and content delivery may vary.

AXS Guard is another significant competitor to Guardey. While Guardey specializes in engaging security awareness training through microlearning and gamified challenges, AXS Guard provides a broader range of cybersecurity services. This indicates a difference in market positioning, with Guardey focusing on the human element through interactive training and AXS Guard potentially offering more comprehensive network and perimeter security solutions.

Brightside AI also competes with Guardey, as both are listed among Guardey's top competitors. Given Guardey's emphasis on "security awareness made fun" and its use of gamification, Brightside AI likely offers similar or alternative solutions in the security awareness training space, possibly leveraging artificial intelligence for personalized learning or threat simulations.

Indirect competitors include companies offering general cybersecurity solutions that may encompass security awareness as part of a larger suite of services, such as Adaptive Security and Guardz. While these companies might offer some form of security training, their primary focus could be on broader security infrastructure, threat detection, or incident response, making Guardey's dedicated and gamified approach to human error reduction a distinct offering.

Alternatives

Guardey Alternatives

Product & Pricing

Guardey Product and Pricing Intelligence

Guardey offers a comprehensive cybersecurity solution with a strong focus on gamified security awareness training. While the company emphasizes its security awareness platform, it also provides a Business VPN service, leveraging its founders' experience from GOOSE VPN, a consumer-focused VPN solution [https://www.guardey.com/about-us/, https://www.guardey.com/product/, https://www.guardey.com/?page_id=1366]. The platform is designed to make learning engaging and effective, using a leaderboard, achievements, and hot streaks to foster friendly competition among employees [https://www.guardey.com/cyber-awareness-gamification/, https://www.guardey.com/]. This approach aims to build lasting security habits through microlearning challenges that take just 2-3 minutes weekly, available on both desktop and mobile devices [https://www.guardey.com/cyber-awareness-gamification/].

Guardey offers a 14-day free trial for its gamified security awareness training, which can be set up in five minutes without requiring credit card information [https://www.guardey.com/, https://www.guardey.com/start-your-free-trial/]. For its main offering, the company features a

Hiring & Layoffs

Guardey Hiring and Layoffs

Guardey, an innovative SaaS platform for security awareness training, is actively expanding its team, signaling a period of growth rather than layoffs. The company frequently highlights its mission to make cybersecurity accessible and engaging through gamification, framing open positions as more than just jobs but as opportunities to contribute to this mission [guardey.com/vacancies/].

Recent hiring trends at Guardey indicate a focus on key areas crucial for a growing startup. The company consistently lists full-time openings for roles such as Sales Executive, Support Agent (with Dutch language skills required for some positions), and Customer Success Manager [guardey.com/vacancy/sales-executive/, guardey.com/vacancy/support-agent/, guardey.com/vacancy/customer-success-manager/]. These positions are advertised across various international versions of their vacancies page, including English, Dutch, French, and Portuguese, suggesting an international growth strategy [guardey.com/vacancies/, guardey.com/nl/vacancies/, guardey.com/fr/vacancies/, guardey.com/pt/vacancies/].

As of recent observations, Guardey consistently shows between three and four open positions at any given time across its various regional careers pages [guardey.com/vacancies/, guardey.com/nl/vacancies/, guardey.com/fr/vacancies/, guardey.com/pt/vacancies/]. The emphasis on sales and customer support roles underscores Guardey's strategy of acquiring new clients and ensuring their success, which is vital for a B2B SaaS platform in a competitive market. The Dutch-speaking requirement for some roles, like the Support Agent, also points to a strong base or significant market in Dutch-speaking regions.

These hiring patterns signal Guardey's strategic focus on market penetration and customer retention. The company's consistent need for sales and customer success personnel indicates an ongoing effort to scale its operations, acquire new users for its gamified security awareness training, and provide robust support to its growing customer base. There is no indication of layoffs; instead, the recurring job postings reflect a company in an active growth phase within the cybersecurity awareness sector.

Leadership

Guardey Management and Leadership Team

Guardey was co-founded by Joeri van de Watering, who also serves as its CEO [guardey.com/about-us/]. Van de Watering, alongside co-founder Anouk, previously worked together for over five years on GOOSE VPN, a cybersecurity solution aimed at the consumer market [guardey.com/founding-story/]. This prior experience in the cybersecurity sector, dating back to 2016, laid the foundation for Guardey's focus on business customers [guardey.com/about-us/].

The leadership team at Guardey transitioned their expertise from consumer-focused cybersecurity to developing a solution for businesses, recognizing a gap in the market for accessible and affordable cybersecurity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) [guardey.com/press-release-dutch-cybersecurity-company-guardey-raises-2-2-million-euros-to-protect-smes-from-cybercrime/]. The company was established in Rotterdam, Netherlands, in 2022, following over seven years of experience in the cybersecurity industry through GOOSE VPN [guardey.com/de/press-info/].

Under Van de Watering's leadership, Guardey has emphasized the importance of gamification in security awareness training. This strategic direction stems from his earlier experience co-founding a company that offered training solutions in the maritime and offshore sectors, where he observed the critical need for engaging and frequent training [guardey.com/founding-story/]. This insight influenced Guardey's approach to making cybersecurity awareness fun and effective for employees.

In October 2022, Guardey successfully raised 2.2 million euros in investment, a significant milestone that underscores confidence in its management and strategic vision to protect SMEs from cybercrime [guardey.com/press-release-dutch-cybersecurity-company-guardey-raises-2-2-million-euros-to-protect-smes-from-cybercrime/]. While specific details about other C-suite executives, board members, or recent notable hires are not explicitly detailed in the provided sources, the co-founding team's extensive background in cybersecurity is a core strength of Guardey's leadership.

Financials

Guardey Financial Performance, Fundraising, M&A

Guardey, a Dutch cybersecurity company, successfully raised 2.2 million euros in a funding round on October 18, 2022, aimed at bolstering its efforts to protect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from cybercrime [https://www.guardey.com/press-release-dutch-cybersecurity-company-guardey-raises-2-2-million-euros-to-protect-smes-from-cybercrime/]. This investment underscores the market's demand for accessible and affordable cybersecurity solutions tailored for SMEs. The company, founded by the team behind GOOSE VPN, leverages its cybersecurity experience to focus on business customers [https://www.guardey.com/about-us/].

Guardey operates by offering cyber security software that ensures online security and privacy for its clients [https://www.guardey.com/press-release-dutch-cybersecurity-company-guardey-raises-2-2-million-euros-to-protect-smes-from-cybercrime/]. The company's pricing model is designed to be flexible and scalable, utilizing a tiered structure to accommodate a range of organizations from growing mid-market players to global enterprises [https://www.guardey.com/pricing/]. They emphasize affordability, stating their solution can train an employee for €3.33 (10 cents a day), making cyber awareness more accessible for all businesses [https://www.guardey.com/founding-story/].

While specific revenue figures are not publicly disclosed, Guardey charges a fee for the use of its software and services, with rates published on its website or provided through formal quotes [https://www.guardey.com/terms-and-conditions/]. The company's value proposition is further highlighted by the significant cost of cyberattacks on SMEs, which averages €270,000, positioning Guardey as a critical solution to mitigate such financial risks [https://www.guardey.com/pitch-bnr-guardey-plug-play-cybersecurity-solution-for-smes/].

Guardey's financial health is also supported by its growing customer base, serving over 500 organizations, including the European Parliament [https://www.guardey.com/pricing/]. The company provides a plug-and-play cybersecurity solution that scans encrypted internet connections for threats, offering affordable and user-friendly protection without the need for complex and costly programs [https://www.guardey.com/product/]. This broad adoption and clear value proposition contribute to its financial stability and growth prospects.

There is no public information available regarding Guardey's acquisition activities or further specific valuations beyond the 2.2 million euros raised in its funding round. The company's focus remains on expanding its reach and protecting SMEs through its innovative, gamified security awareness training and comprehensive cybersecurity offerings [https://guardey.com/].

Partnerships

Guardey Partnerships, Clients and Vendors

Guardey cultivates an expansive network of partnerships to enhance its cybersecurity awareness platform. Notably, Xerox has partnered with Guardey to bolster cybersecurity awareness for its clients, integrating Guardey's solutions into Xerox's growing IT and cybersecurity offerings. Additionally, Zurich Resilience Solutions and Guardey have joined forces to aid organizations in strengthening their security awareness and demonstrate compliance with cyber insurance requirements. International Security Partners, a risk management organization, also works with Guardey to provide gamified awareness training to its high-profile clients in The Netherlands, while SecureMe2, a company specializing in advanced corporate network protection, co-founded with Guardey to offer complementary cybersecurity solutions.

Guardey is designed with several key technology integrations to streamline user management and communication. The platform integrates with Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) for automated user on- and offboarding, simplifying administrative tasks. Furthermore, Guardey can connect with Microsoft Teams, enabling the delivery of training notifications directly within employees' primary communication channels.

For enhanced user access and security, Guardey supports Single Sign-On (SSO) with both Microsoft and Google accounts, reducing password dependency and simplifying access management for IT teams. These SSO capabilities require no technical setup within the Guardey platform itself, though administrator approval may be needed within Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace.

Beyond its strategic partnerships and integrations, Guardey serves a diverse client base of over 500 organizations. These include companies such as Montae & Partners, a Dutch consultancy firm that leveraged Guardey to foster a strong culture of awareness among its employees and clients in sectors valuing high information security.

Events

Guardey Event Participations

Guardey actively engages in various events and offerings to promote cybersecurity awareness. The company hosts webinars, such as the "NIS2 and the role of the accountant" event, which focuses on informing accountants about NIS2 guidelines and how to communicate them to clients [https://www.guardey.com/nis2-richtlijn-voor-accountants/].

Beyond webinars, Guardey provides additional awareness services that can be integrated into an organization's security culture. These include inviting a cyber security speaker to make cyber risks tangible through real stories and firsthand experiences [https://www.guardey.com/cyber-security-speaker/].

Guardey also offers an interactive Cyber Security Escape Room experience, designed to challenge teams to prevent a hacker attack in 60 minutes while learning to recognize threats like phishing and ransomware in a fun and engaging way [https://www.guardey.com/escape-room/].

The company participates in broader initiatives, having launched in October during the European Cyber Security Month (ECSM) in 2022, a month dedicated to raising cybersecurity awareness across Europe [https://www.guardey.com/cybersecurity-month-2022/]. This aligns with their commitment to making cybersecurity accessible and engaging through their platform [https://www.guardey.com/].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Guardey's primary strategic focus in the cybersecurity market?

Guardey's primary strategic focus is on making security awareness training engaging and accessible for businesses, particularly SMEs. This is evident through their gamified security awareness training platform, emphasis on microlearning, and offerings like a Cyber Security Escape Room and speaker services, all designed to transform cybersecurity into a fun and challenging activity.

What does Guardey's consistent hiring for sales and customer success roles indicate about its business strategy?

Guardey's consistent hiring for Sales Executive, Support Agent, and Customer Success Manager roles indicates a strong strategic focus on market penetration and customer retention. These roles are crucial for acquiring new clients and ensuring their satisfaction, signaling that Guardey is in an active growth phase aiming to scale its operations and expand its user base for its security awareness platform.

How does Guardey leverage gamification in its product offering?

Guardey leverages gamification through a platform featuring a leaderboard, achievements, and hot streaks to make security awareness training engaging. Employees participate in short, 2-3 minute weekly microlearning challenges on desktop or mobile, fostering friendly competition and aiming to build lasting security habits.

What is the significance of Guardey's 2.2 million euro funding round in October 2022?

The 2.2 million euro funding round in October 2022 signifies market confidence in Guardey's mission to protect SMEs from cybercrime and its strategic vision. This investment is aimed at bolstering efforts to provide accessible and affordable cybersecurity solutions, underscoring the demand for such offerings in the market.

How does Guardey position itself to meet regulatory compliance needs for its customers?

Guardey positions itself to meet regulatory compliance needs by offering continuous awareness training and audit-ready reporting features. Their platform helps organizations track participation and identify knowledge gaps, proving compliance with regulations such as NIS2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, SOC2, PCI DSS, and the EU AI Act.

What specific integrations does Guardey offer to streamline user management and communication?

Guardey offers integrations with Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) for automated user on- and offboarding, and with Microsoft Teams for delivering training notifications directly. Additionally, it supports Single Sign-On (SSO) with both Microsoft and Google accounts to simplify access management and reduce password dependency.

What does Guardey's participation in European Cyber Security Month (ECSM) indicate about its market approach?

Guardey's launch during European Cyber Security Month (ECSM) in October 2022 indicates a strategic alignment with broader cybersecurity awareness initiatives. This reflects their commitment to raising awareness across Europe and making cybersecurity accessible and engaging through their platform.

How does Guardey's founding team's previous experience with GOOSE VPN influence its current business model?

Guardey's founding team, including CEO Joeri van de Watering, leveraged their over five years of experience with GOOSE VPN, a consumer VPN solution, to address the business market. This background informed Guardey's focus on business customers and their offering of a Business VPN service in addition to their core security awareness platform.

What does the Dutch-speaking requirement for some of Guardey's support roles suggest about its market presence?

The Dutch-speaking requirement for some support roles, such as Support Agent, suggests that Guardey has a strong existing customer base or significant market presence in Dutch-speaking regions. This indicates a focus on providing tailored support to a key segment of its clientele.

What kind of partnerships does Guardey prioritize to enhance its market reach and solution offering?

Guardey prioritizes partnerships that enhance its cybersecurity awareness platform and market reach, such as with Xerox for client cybersecurity awareness, Zurich Resilience Solutions for compliance aid, and International Security Partners for gamified training to high-profile clients. These partnerships expand its client base and integrate its solutions into broader IT and risk management offerings.

How does Guardey differentiate itself in the competitive security awareness training market?

Guardey differentiates itself by offering a gamified, plug-and-play security awareness training platform with microlearning challenges that take 2-3 minutes weekly. It focuses on making cybersecurity engaging and affordable, with features like leaderboards and achievements, suitable for startups and SMBs, and also offers a 14-day free trial for easy adoption.

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