Investors back Zurich-based Qala with €1.7 million to strengthen enterprise data governance in the AI era

Zurich-based startup Qala AG has secured €1.7 million in pre-Seed funding, marking a significant investment in European enterprise data governance for the AI era. The funding round, led by QBIT Capital and Haatch, highlights the growing need for robust data observability and compliance solutions within the European tech landscape. This investment underscores the increasing importance of secure data practices amidst the rise of artificial intelligence. Qala's platform focuses on providing real-time data visibility and governance at the source, a critical capability for modern enterprises. The funding will accelerate product development. The company’s founders, David Scott Turner, Carl Strempel, and Bruno Soares, bring extensive experience in building secure, compliant systems, emphasizing the shift toward continuous, source-level data control. This investment trend is evident across Europe, with other startups also receiving significant funding. Other startups include Rerun, nexos.ai, Tanso, and Cloudsmith, all focusing on data infrastructure, AI security, environmental compliance, and software supply chains. These ventures emphasize the need for continuous visibility and automated control of data flows to address the challenges of increased data volumes, complex cloud architectures, and the need to comply with regulations. As enterprises integrate AI and scale their operations, the need for real-time clarity and automated compliance becomes even more crucial. Qala’s "shift-left" approach aims to embed compliance into the software development process, helping companies meet regulations like GDPR and the EU AI Act. This proactive approach to data governance is essential for maintaining security and fostering trust in the digital age.