COMPLiQ
About this raise
COMPLiQ, with a valuation of $10.8 million, is raising funds on Republic. The company has developed a comprehensive platform that ensures secure and ethical use of AI. COMPLiQ offers multi-layer protection and mitigates risks associated with the opaque nature of AI, including data leakage, bias, model evasion, prompt injection, and other manipulations. The company has partnerships with SOC Integration, Intel, and XO Cyber and projects to reach ten times growth within five years. Chad Justice and Brenton Thai founded COMPLiQ in November 2022. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum target of $75,000 and a maximum target of $1.1 million. The campaign proceeds will be used for product development, technology, and working capital.
Investment Overview
Invested $110,675 :
Deal Terms
Company & Team
Company
- Year Founded
- 2022
- Industry
- Business Services, Software, & Applications
- Tech Sector
- Distribution Model
- B2B
- Margin
- High
- Capital Intensity
- Low
Financials
-
Revenue
-
$2,378,002
as of FY2023
- Monthly Burn
-
$4,451
as of Dec '24
-
Cash on Hand
-
$26,707
as of Dec '24
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Synopsis
COMPLiQ is a company operating in the business services, software, and applications industry, focusing on the secure and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI). The company provides a comprehensive platform that offers multi-layered protections to mitigate risks associated with AI, such as data leakage, bias, and model manipulation. COMPLiQ's model-agnostic architecture is designed to integrate with any AI system, supporting major platforms from providers like OpenAI, Microsoft, Anthropic, and Google.
The primary customers of COMPLiQ are businesses and organizations that utilize AI technologies and require robust security and ethical frameworks to safeguard their operations. These customers are likely to include companies across various sectors that rely on AI for data processing, decision-making, and other critical functions.
COMPLiQ addresses the problem of the opaque and potentially harmful nature of AI systems. AI technologies can be vulnerable to various issues, including data breaches, biases in decision-making, and unauthorized manipulations. These vulnerabilities can lead to significant ethical and security concerns for companies that rely on AI to drive their operations.
The company's solution is a platform that implements multi-layer protections to safeguard AI systems. By integrating with existing AI infrastructures, COMPLiQ provides a framework that helps prevent data leakage, reduce bias, and protect against manipulations such as model evasion and prompt injection. This approach allows businesses to use AI more responsibly and securely.
For many organizations, dealing with AI-related risks is akin to managing cybersecurity threats. Just as companies need to protect their networks from hackers, they also need to ensure their AI systems are secure from internal and external threats. COMPLiQ's platform provides the tools necessary to address these challenges, offering a layer of security that is crucial for companies that depend on AI-driven insights and decisions.
Price
COMPLiQ is currently raising capital through a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) with a valuation cap of approximately $10.8 million. The SAFE does not include a discount rate, which means that investors will convert their investment into equity at the valuation cap or at a future priced round, whichever is lower.
Investing through a SAFE provides a straightforward mechanism for investors to gain equity in the company at a future date. This method defers the need to set a valuation at the time of investment, which can be advantageous for both the company and investors if the company experiences significant growth. However, the lack of a discount means that investors will not receive additional equity benefits upon conversion unless the company raises at a higher valuation.
For COMPLiQ to provide a 10X return to investors, the company would need to achieve an exit valuation of around $108 million. This calculation does not account for potential dilution from future funding rounds. To reach such a valuation, COMPLiQ would likely need to significantly increase its revenue and market presence, potentially expanding its customer base and enhancing its platform capabilities.
COMPLiQ's current revenue multiple stands at 4.6x, based on its annual revenue of approximately $2.4 million. This multiple suggests that the company is not currently overvalued, considering its growth stage and market potential. However, achieving a 10X return would require substantial growth in both revenue and market share, aligning with the broader trends in the AI and regtech sectors.
Market
The U.S. AI in regtech market, where COMPLiQ operates, is valued at approximately $2.4 billion with a robust growth rate of 36.7%. This substantial growth is driven by increasing regulatory scrutiny and the demand for compliance solutions across various industries. Organizations are seeking advanced technologies to ensure compliance, manage risks, and streamline operations, thereby fueling the demand for AI-powered regtech solutions.
Key market drivers include the rising complexity of regulatory requirements and the need for efficient risk management tools. The integration of AI into regulatory processes is becoming essential for companies to navigate the evolving landscape, leading to increased adoption of solutions like those offered by COMPLiQ. These trends suggest a positive growth trajectory for companies in this space, provided they can continually adapt to regulatory changes and technological advancements.
COMPLiQ's platform is designed to appeal to a broad segment of this market, targeting organizations that require robust security and ethical frameworks for their AI systems. While the platform's comprehensive protections can attract a wide range of industries, its specialized focus on mitigating AI risks may particularly resonate with sectors heavily reliant on AI technologies, such as financial services and healthcare. This positions COMPLiQ to leverage the expanding market opportunities effectively.
Team
COMPLiQ is led by key team members Chad Justice and Brenton Thai. Chad Justice serves as the CEO, bringing over two years of relevant industry experience. His leadership is crucial for steering the company's strategic direction and ensuring alignment with its goals of securing and ethically managing AI technologies. Brenton Thai, the COO, offers three years of industry experience and plays a vital role in overseeing the company's operations and product development initiatives.
Both founders have backgrounds that complement COMPLiQ's mission, focusing on the secure integration of AI systems. Their combined expertise in AI and business services is integral to the company's ability to navigate the complexities of the AI and regtech markets. However, the part-time involvement of the founders may present challenges in terms of strategic decision-making and day-to-day management.
To achieve its future milestones, COMPLiQ may benefit from expanding its leadership team to include full-time executives dedicated to business development and operational management. This could enhance the company's ability to respond swiftly to market changes and operational demands, supporting its growth objectives and competitive positioning in the industry.
Differentiation
COMPLiQ operates in a competitive landscape with several notable players in the AI and regtech sectors. Competitors such as Darktrace, a cybersecurity firm using AI to detect and respond to threats, and Behavox, which focuses on compliance and risk management solutions, provide similar offerings. These companies are generally larger in size, with more established market positions and broader product portfolios.
In terms of product quality, COMPLiQ offers a comprehensive platform designed to ensure secure and ethical AI use. While Darktrace and Behavox provide robust solutions, COMPLiQ's emphasis on multi-layered protections specifically targeting AI risks sets it apart. This focus on AI-specific vulnerabilities, such as data leakage and model evasion, may appeal to organizations heavily reliant on AI technologies.
Pricing strategies among competitors can vary, with larger firms often able to offer competitive pricing due to economies of scale. COMPLiQ's pricing will need to reflect its unique value proposition, focusing on the specific needs of its target customers while remaining competitive within the market.
COMPLiQ targets a diverse customer demographic that includes businesses and organizations across industries that utilize AI technologies. These customers are likely to be medium to large enterprises seeking to enhance their AI security and compliance frameworks. Industries such as financial services, healthcare, and technology, which rely heavily on AI for data processing and decision-making, represent key segments for COMPLiQ's offerings.
Overall, COMPLiQ's differentiation lies in its targeted approach to addressing AI-specific risks, which may resonate with organizations looking for specialized solutions. This focus, combined with strategic pricing and continued product development, can help COMPLiQ carve out a niche in the expanding AI and regtech markets.
Performance
COMPLiQ has demonstrated financial performance characterized by its profitability, with a reported annual revenue of approximately $2.4 million. This revenue level reflects the company's ability to generate significant income from its operations, marking its first year of profitability. The company has a high margin level, which indicates efficient cost management and the potential for sustainable financial health.
Despite its profitability, COMPLiQ maintains a cautious financial position with a monthly burn rate of approximately $4.5k. This burn rate, coupled with cash reserves of around $27k, suggests a limited runway. The company will need to manage its cash flow carefully to ensure continued operations without disruption, especially if revenue growth does not accelerate.
COMPLiQ's financial metrics highlight its need for strategic financial planning to support its growth ambitions. The company has a revenue multiple of 4.6x, which is not indicative of overvaluation but emphasizes the necessity for increased market penetration and revenue expansion to enhance its valuation further.
Risk
COMPLiQ faces several specific risks that potential investors should consider. Notably, the company operates with part-time founders, which could impact strategic decision-making and operational efficiency. Founders who are not fully dedicated may have limited time to focus on the company's growth and challenges, potentially affecting its ability to respond to market dynamics promptly.
The company's financial position also presents a risk due to its low cash reserves. With only $27k on hand and a monthly burn rate of approximately $4.5k, COMPLiQ has a limited runway. This could lead to liquidity challenges if the company does not secure additional funding or significantly increase its cash flow through revenue growth.
COMPLiQ's market environment is moderately competitive, with numerous players in the AI and regtech sectors. This competitive landscape requires continuous innovation and effective differentiation to capture market share. The company's need to distinguish itself from established competitors could strain resources and necessitate substantial investment in product development and marketing.
Additionally, the company has a long sales cycle, which may delay revenue recognition and cash inflows. The extended time required to close deals could impact the company's cash flow and necessitate careful financial planning to maintain operations while pursuing growth opportunities.
Bullish Outlook
COMPLiQ's bullish outlook is supported by several positive factors, including robust market opportunities within the rapidly growing AI in regtech sector. With the market valued at approximately $2.4 billion and a growth rate of 36.7%, COMPLiQ is well-positioned to capitalize on increasing demand for AI compliance solutions. This growth potential aligns with trends such as heightened regulatory scrutiny and the need for advanced risk management tools, which are driving adoption of AI technologies in compliance.
The company’s unique strength lies in its comprehensive platform that focuses on AI-specific security and ethical risks. This approach provides a competitive advantage by addressing concerns that are increasingly critical for organizations relying on AI. COMPLiQ's partnerships with major industry players such as SOC Integration, Intel, and XO Cyber further enhance its market credibility and support its growth trajectory.
Growth drivers for COMPLiQ include leveraging emerging AI technologies to expand its platform capabilities and target new markets. The company’s projections to achieve tenfold growth within five years indicate a strategic focus on scaling its operations and broadening its customer base. This expansion is likely to be supported by continuous product innovations that meet the evolving needs of its target industries.
Financially, COMPLiQ's achievement of profitability with an annual revenue of $2.4 million underlines its operational success. Although cash reserves are limited, the company’s high margin level and revenue multiple of 4.6x suggest it is not overvalued compared to industry benchmarks. This financial position, combined with a clear market demand for its solutions, provides a solid foundation for future growth.
Overall, COMPLiQ's strong market position, unique value proposition, strategic partnerships, and financial health contribute to a positive outlook. The company is well-placed to harness market opportunities and drive substantial growth, provided it continues to innovate and expand its market reach.
Bearish Outlook
COMPLiQ faces several challenges that contribute to a bearish outlook. Market competition is intense, with established players like Darktrace and Behavox having a stronger foothold and broader offerings, potentially overshadowing COMPLiQ's niche focus on AI-specific risks. This competitive pressure requires COMPLiQ to continuously innovate and differentiate its offerings, which may strain resources.
The part-time involvement of key leaders, Chad Justice and Brenton Thai, raises concerns about effective strategic execution and responsiveness to market dynamics. Leadership gaps could hinder COMPLiQ's ability to capitalize on market opportunities and manage operational challenges effectively.
Financially, COMPLiQ's limited cash reserves and a monthly burn rate of $4.5k highlight liquidity concerns. With only $27k in cash, the company faces a short runway, necessitating immediate revenue growth or additional funding to sustain operations. This financial constraint may impede its ability to invest in necessary product development or marketing efforts to compete effectively.
Growth inhibitors include a potentially limited customer base and market adoption. While the platform targets industries reliant on AI, broadening its appeal beyond these sectors could be challenging. The company must overcome technological and regulatory hurdles to expand its market presence, further complicating its growth trajectory.
Overall, COMPLiQ's bearish outlook is influenced by competitive pressures, leadership challenges, and financial constraints. These factors could limit its ability to achieve sustainable growth and market penetration without significant strategic adjustments and financial support.
Executive Summary
COMPLiQ is a company focused on providing secure and ethical AI solutions, primarily serving businesses that utilize AI technologies. Its platform addresses AI-related risks such as data leakage and model manipulation. The core customers are organizations seeking to enhance their AI security and compliance frameworks, particularly in sectors like financial services and healthcare.
The company is raising capital through a SAFE with a valuation cap of $10.8 million. COMPLiQ has achieved profitability with an annual revenue of $2.4 million and maintains a revenue multiple of 4.6x. Despite a limited runway with cash reserves of $27k and a monthly burn rate of $4.5k, the company has demonstrated financial stability and growth potential.
The U.S. AI in regtech market, valued at $2.4 billion with a growth rate of 36.7%, presents significant opportunities for COMPLiQ. The company's focus on AI-specific risks provides a unique value proposition in a competitive landscape with players like Darktrace and Behavox. By targeting industries heavily reliant on AI, COMPLiQ positions itself effectively to capture market share.
Led by Chad Justice and Brenton Thai, the team brings relevant experience, although their part-time involvement may impact strategic execution. Key risks include limited cash reserves and the need for full-time leadership to support growth. However, the team's expertise is well-aligned with company goals, mitigating some operational risks.
Bullish factors include the company's profitability, market growth potential, and strong demand for AI compliance solutions. Conversely, bearish factors focus on financial constraints, competitive pressures, and the need for strategic leadership to navigate market dynamics. These factors present both opportunities and challenges for COMPLiQ as it seeks to expand its market presence.
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Company Funding & Growth
Funding history
- Total Prior Capital Raised
- $0
- VC Backed?
- No
Close Date | Platform | Valuation | Total Raised | Security Type | Status | Reg Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04/30/2025 | Republic | $10,833,020 | $110,675 | SAFE | Funded | RegCF |