Darwin Secures $5M to Strengthen AI Oversight in the Public Sector

New York-based tech company Darwin, which focuses on AI security and governance for public institutions, has raised $5 million in seed funding. The investment round was co-led by UpWest and Resolute Ventures, signaling a growing interest in infrastructure that enables safer and more compliant use of artificial intelligence in government operations.

The funding will be allocated toward expanding the company’s operational capacity and further developing its platform. Darwin provides tools that allow public sector agencies to monitor how AI is being used internally, ensure compliance with internal policies, and maintain oversight as AI tools are deployed across departments. According to the company, its system supports agencies in maintaining "compliance while optimizing efficiency" as AI becomes a more integrated part of public sector workflows.

Led by CEO Noam Maital and co-founder Asaf Fadida, Darwin is already working with local governments to support secure and policy-aligned AI usage. Among the agencies currently using the platform are the City of Corona in California and the City of Aurora in Illinois. These municipalities have adopted Darwin’s technology to ensure AI tools are implemented "strategically, securely, and in compliance with agency policies."

As public institutions increasingly adopt AI systems for various services, concerns around governance and oversight have become more pronounced. Darwin’s approach focuses on helping agencies understand where and how AI is used, track policy adherence, and manage risks tied to automation in public administration.