Keezel

Keezel is a portable device that lets you access the Internet securely — no matter where you are.

Its device fully encrypts your data, and for increased security, it offers ad-blocking and anti-phishing filters.

In technology-speak, Keezel creates a “Virtual Private Network” for users. Think of its device as a middle man between your laptop and your Internet connection.

With just the push of a button, users can protect themselves against cyber criminals, and browse the Internet securely and privately, even in public places.

About two years ago, in August 2017, Keezel was featured in an issue of Crowdability's premium research service, "Private Market Profits." At the time, the company was raising money at a $4 million valuation.

Since then, Keezel has achieved significant progress:

• It started selling its product in channels including Amazon, Staples, Office Depot, Best Buy, and Sharper Image.

• It sold 7,000 units to users in over 125 countries.

• It started selling to businesses.

Now Keezel is raising additional funds, this time at an $8 million valuation. With funds raised, it's aiming to launch its second generation device, and introduce "Keezel for Business," a security solution designed specifically for companies.

2018 was a busy year for cyber criminals.

According to data from USA Today, in just a three-month period in 2018, 765 million people were victims of a cyber attack.

Last year, in a survey by The Harris Poll, nearly 60 million Americans reported being a victim of identity theft, up from just 15 million in 2017.

Today, according to a Gallup study, Americans are more worried about being a victim of cyber crime than a violent crime.

Cyber criminals don’t discriminate when it comes to potential victims. But often, the ones who fall victim are those who connect their laptops and smartphones to public wireless networks.

According to a study conducted by Kaspersky Lab, a provider of cyber-security solutions, public networks are the No. 1 way people access the Internet.

Think of all the public places you connect online: coffee shops, hotels, libraries, the doctor’s office, the movies, restaurants, train stations, and airports.

Public Wi-Fi is convenient. But it's also very risky. These networks are insecure, and expose users to attacks from cyber criminals.

As CNBC recently reported, “Millions of Americans who use public Wi-Fi do not realize that their personal information is at risk of being stolen.”

Keezel protects this personal information, and enables users to connect to the Internet securely, even when using a public network.

The device offers protection by completing four primary functions:

1. It encrypts all data going in and out of a user’s Internet-connected device, such as a laptop or smartphone.

2. It acts as a digital firewall to prevent unauthorized access onto a user’s device or network.

3. It protects against malicious attacks like “phishing,” a way cyber criminals gather information by using deceptive e-mails.

4. And it blocks unwanted advertisements and pop-ups, a frequent source of malware and other viruses intended to damage a computer system.

In addition, Keezel receives daily threat updates, ensuring users have the best level of security.

The device has three aspects: hardware, firmware, and “cloud” software. This combination enables Keezel to provide superior protection as compared to standard virus software or other firewall devices.

And while its technology is complex, the device is easy to use and operate. Here’s how it works:

Users simply turn on their Keezel by pushing the button on the base of the device.

Then, they connect their phone or laptop to the secure Keezel “hotspot.”

Finally, users connect their Keezel to a nearby Wi-Fi signal and can browse the Internet, watch videos, and send e-mails on a secure, private network.

Keezel sells its devices for $179, and customers can purchase annual subscriptions for “premium service” for $60. This service enables users to browse the Internet at faster speeds and stream HD video content.

Now Keezel is developing a second generation device that's been designed specifically for businesses.

Its goal is to offer what it calls “corporate grade Wi-Fi.” For large companies, the device will provide seamless access to corporate applications, network drives, and printers.

Team Background

Aike Muller - Co-Founder & CEO

Aike is a network security expert specializing in cybersecurity.

He began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers. He then moved to UTZ Certified, a Netherlands-based consulting firm. While at UTZ, Aike held a variety of positions, including Strategy Consultant, Mobile Technology Analyst and Business Architect.

In 2010, Aike founded RMBG, an IT-based consulting firm.

Aike holds a Master’s of Science degree in Information Management.

Friso Schmid - Co-Founder

Prior to co-founding Keezel, Friso was a co-founder of Jobsy, an online career matching website.

He also spent more than 10 years as an IT consultant for various companies, including Thauris and Capgemini.

Steve Warren - Advisor, Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Before joining Keezel, Steve served as Director of the Motorola global accessory supply chain operations.

He also was Founder and Managing Partner of Concentric Consulting in Hong Kong, a product support services company. Steve was responsible for supply chain management of consumer electronics start-ups, brands and retailers.

He also spent time in China as the Chief Operating Officer of PCH International, a top electronics brand. There, he specialized in product design and development, as well as supply chain operations.

Garrett Gilbertson - Advisor, Business Development

In addition to his duties with Keezel, Garrett is currently Managing Director of BLD Capital, a company investing in seed-stage start-ups.

He's also a member of Band of Angels, an angel investment group focusing on Cyber Security and FinTech.

Prior to this, Garrett founded Startup Mavericks, a company providing consulting to early-stage start-ups. He also founded Serenify.com, an online communication start-up that was selected as a Top-10 Los Angeles area start-up.

Garrett is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and received a Master’s degree from Pepperdine University.

Tom Veldkamp - Consulting CFO

Prior to Keezel, Tom co-founded Finance for Startups, a company helping early-stage companies raise capital.

He also spent time as a corporate finance manager with KPMG, one of the leading financial services companies.

Tom received a Doctorate in Strategic Management from Universiteit van Tilburg.

Co-Investors