Our journey with FTAPI

Cyberattacks are increasing, and with regulations such as NIS-2 and the Cyber Resilience Act, the demands on businesses to manage their data securely and compliantly are rising. This is where FTAPI steps in: since its founding, we have pursued the mission of equipping organisations in Europe with a platform that protects sensitive data while easing their daily operations.

2024 marked a pivotal year in advancing this vision. With new investors who share our values and goals, we are taking the next step: safeguarding Europe by giving organisations full control over their sensitive data exchange and thereby strengthening Europe’s digital infrastructure for the long term.

This moment invites us to reflect on what Daniel and Ari, the driving forces behind FTAPI, have achieved, the challenges they have overcome, and the vision that has guided them since the company's founding. At the same time, it offers the opportunity to look ahead – to a future where we, together with our partners, shape Europe's digital landscape for the better.

Our journey with FTAPI: looking back and moving forward

The decision to acquire FTAPI was the first major milestone of our shared journey. In 2017, together with Michael Krinninger, FTAPI’s CTO, and our business angels, we decided to take on a company with a bold vision. The management buyout was a courageous step, deliberately embracing a challenge. We knew that FTAPI was not just another IT company, but an opportunity to make a difference.

That conviction is as strong today as it was then – perhaps even stronger.

Why FTAPI?

For a sovereign digital world

Europe must become independent. The digital space is just as real as the physical world, and security and compliance are the foundations of a functioning society. In 2017, we recognised that these topics would grow in importance – and they have. FTAPI aims to help organisations master this complexity and protect their digital sovereignty.

For digital connectivity

Whether in healthcare, public administration, or business, secure digital collaboration is the key to progress. From the beginning, our goal was to create a platform that simplifies and secures data exchange. FTAPI was designed not just as a solution but as a cornerstone for digital connectivity across Europe.

For transformation

The pace of change has accelerated exponentially in recent years. Digitalisation is no longer optional – it is a necessity. Companies must continuously adapt and evolve to remain resilient and competitive. FTAPI seeks to be a partner in this transformation, offering solutions that combine efficiency and security to strengthen organisational resilience.

Early challenges and breakthroughs

Our early days were far from easy. Our vision for secure data exchange initially met with little interest. Only in 2018, with the introduction of the GDPR, did awareness of data protection grow – along with the demand for our solutions.

The years 2019 and 2020 brought significant growth. We broke records, expanded independently, and secured our position in the market. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic – a time of uncertainty. Suddenly, remote work and digitalisation became the norm. This new reality underscored the importance of secure, simple data exchange solutions – a need that FTAPI could meet.

Growth with a strong partner

2021 marked a turning point. Demand soared, and we needed support to keep up with it. We partnered with Yttrium, whose expertise in the cybersecurity market and alignment with our vision proved invaluable. A Series-A funding round of €14.5 million enabled us to expand our team to over 120 employees, serve more than 2,000 customers, and secure millions of data transactions.

In 2022, Kornelius Brunner took on the role of Chief Product Officer to strategically and operationally advance the FTAPI platform. With experience at companies like TeamViewer, Kornelius has set global standards for remote maintenance. With FTAPI, he aims to establish a new standard for secure data exchange.

Throughout our journey, we have consistently relied on strong support – both then and now. We are especially proud of the growth of Sebastian Borchi and Thomas Händl, who began as working students at FTAPI and have risen to become vice presidents, shaping the company's strategic direction and growth as key members of the management team.

FTAPI today: why our mission is more important than ever

Recent years have highlighted the critical role of security, connectivity, and digital transformation in our society. Geopolitical tensions (such as the war in Ukraine), economic uncertainty (inflation, recession), and democratic instability demonstrate the vulnerability of our digital infrastructure and the importance of independence. Europe needs solutions that are not only secure but also sustainable and sovereign – which is exactly what we provide.

At the same time, the market is shifting. Many competitors have sought exits and been acquired by strategic partners, often from the United States, sacrificing elements of their vision for a sovereign Europe. We, however, remain steadfast in our mission: to strengthen and secure Europe through FTAPI.

The next step: protecting europe

At the start of 2024, as we did in 2017, we took a step back and asked ourselves, “What is our response to today’s challenges?”

Our answer: we accelerate further. With an additional €65 million in funding and partners who share our vision, we are taking FTAPI to the next level. Our goal is to protect Europe and make every organisation compliant and efficient by giving them full control over their sensitive data exchange. To achieve this, we plan to expand from three countries to the entire EU and secure billions of data transactions.

A personal reflection

The past years have been filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable moments. Together, we have built a company that delivers not only technically excellent solutions but also a strong team united by a clear vision.

Daniel will continue to be closely involved with FTAPI in his new role as board member, supporting the management team and Ari in their next major steps. This change marks the beginning of a new chapter – for us as founders, for our team, and for our mission. We look back on our achievements with pride and look forward to the future with optimism.

A shared mission

FTAPI stands for security, connectivity, and transformation. Every innovation, partnership, and team member contributes to driving this mission forward. Together, we are laying the foundation for a digital future that we can all be proud of.

FTAPI will continue to grow, protect Europe, and advance digital transformation.