Versive
| File:Versive logo.png | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Machine Learning |
| Founded | Seattle, United States (2012) |
| Founders |
|
| Headquarters | Wells Fargo Center, 999 3rd Ave #2100, Seattle, WA 98104 , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Joe Polverari (CEO) Art Munson Dustin Hillard |
| Products | Versive Security Engine, Versive Machine Learning Platform |
Number of employees | 50 |
| Website | www |
Versive was a Seattle-based startup specializing in machine learning. Established in 2012 by Chris Metcalfe and Stephen Purpura, the firm delivered software solutions both on-premises and via cloud platforms, along with professional services designed to automate expert human decision-making for enterprises.
By September 2014, the company had secured $42 million in funding. Initially known as Context Relevant, the organization underwent a rebranding to Versive in 2017. Later, in October 2018, eSentire acquired Versive, broadening its capabilities within the cybersecurity AI sector.
Product
The Versive platform processes input data to extract critical insights and provides targeted solutions that continuously improve through machine learning. Its unique technology streamlines the creation and deployment of customized applications, reducing complexity for users. Deployment is flexible across public and private cloud environments, conventional server infrastructures, and Hadoop ecosystems.
This software caters to a variety of sectors by enabling clients to forecast trends and identify sophisticated cyber threats, earning the Best Emerging Security Product award at Interop 2017. Additionally, it enhances operational decisions by supporting functions such as pricing strategies, risk assessment, and fraud detection.
Investment history
Versive began with $1.3 million in seed capital from Madrona Venture Group and angel investor Geoff Entress, alongside contributions from Mike McSherry and Mark Illing of Swype/Nuance fame. Madrona followed up with an extra $1.5 million in November 2012. In July 2013, the company secured $7 million through Series A financing involving Madrona, Entress, Vulcan Capital, and Bloomberg Beta.
From May to September 2014, Versive attracted an additional $35 million from a range of investors including Goldman Sachs, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Bloomberg Beta, New York Life, Formation 8, Madrona, Work-Bench, and local Seattle angel investors. These funds fueled the company’s expansion and strengthened its position in predictive analytics markets.
Partners
Versive collaborated with Good Harbor Security Risk Management, an organization founded by former Bush administration cybersecurity advisor and counterterrorism specialist Richard A. Clarke. Clarke contributes on Versive’s advisory board and assists through Good Harbor in managing security incident remediation and regulatory compliance efforts.
Awards and recognition
In 2014, Versive earned accolades for its innovative approach and market influence. It was a finalist at DataBeat's Innovation Showdown (May) and nominated for Pacific Northwest Startup of the Year by GeekWire (April). In November 2013, it was named among the Seattle 10, highlighting top emerging startups in the region. This achievement was celebrated at the GeekWire Gala in December 2013 where Versive presented its business model.