Paladin Capital Group’s Chief Investment Chris Steed spoke with The Wall Street Journal about how cyberpsychology is informing innovation in the private sector, especially among the growing sector of online safety technology—or “Safety Tech”—companies.

From the story:

A small but growing number of technology companies offer tools that reflect some findings from cyber psychology, said Chris Steed, chief investment officer at Paladin Capital Group, a venture-capital firm that invests in cybersecurity providers.

Companies that Paladin has invested in use research from the field in different ways, such as helping corporate customers assess risks, based on psychological findings on how misinformation spreads online and could be used to hurt a company, he said. One firm created software that identifies misinformation and disinformation about companies, helping them prepare and refute false claims that could damage their reputation and business. 

Last year, Paladin Capital Group released the first-ever report and analysis of America’s emerging online safety technology sector. Based on research undertaken by world-renowned cyberpsychologist Professor Mary Aiken, the report found that over $1 billion in capital has been raised by firms seeking to invest in innovative Safety Tech solutions, which aim to deliver safer online experiences by protecting users from harmful content, contact, and conduct on the Internet. Innovation in Safety Tech has the potential to protect people from online harm facilitated through technology—from harassment and targeted abuse to misinformation and hate speech.

Read the full story from The Wall Street Journal online HERE.

ABOUT PALADIN CAPITAL GROUP

Paladin Capital Group was founded in 2001 and has offices in Washington DC, New York, London, Luxembourg, and Silicon Valley. As a multi-stage investor, Paladin’s core strength is identifying, supporting and investing in innovative companies that develop promising, early-stage technologies to address the critical cyber and advanced technological needs of both commercial and government customers. Combining proven investment experience with deep expertise in global security, cyber technology and cutting-edge research, Paladin has invested in more than 60 companies since 2008 and has been a trusted partner to investors, entrepreneurs and governments for over two decades.

For more on Paladin Capital Group, follow us on Twitter at @Paladincap and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/paladin-capital-group or visit us at www.PaladinCapGroup.com.