UK cybersecurity startup Sitehop, based in Sheffield, has successfully raised £7.5 million in a new funding round led by Northern Gritstone, bringing its total funding to £13.5 million to further develop its hardware-based encryption technology designed for future quantum-powered cyber threats.

Sitehop’s SAFEseries™ system offers hardware-based encryption that aims to protect networks from emerging quantum computing threats. This technology is noted for its ultra-low latency and significantly reduced energy consumption, reporting up to 90% lower energy use compared to traditional software encryption methods. These characteristics make it suitable for high-demand operational environments, such as telecommunications networks.

The recent funding round saw participation from existing investors, including Amadeus Capital Partners, Manta Ray, Mercia Ventures, and NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance.

Melissa Chambers, CEO of Sitehop, highlighted the market’s demand for future-proof encryption, citing early customer engagement globally. She stated that the investment from Northern Gritstone will support the company’s growth and scaling efforts within the Sheffield region, contributing to the development of sovereign encryption capabilities in the UK and facilitating international expansion while maintaining the UK’s position in cybersecurity innovation.

Ben Harper, CTO of Sitehop, emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering world-class security solutions characterized by ultra-low latency and hardware enforcement, specifically designed to be resilient against future threats like quantum computing. He added that the partnership with Northern Gritstone will accelerate this mission, enhancing the UK’s sovereign capabilities in critical network security and aligning with Northern Gritstone’s “profit with purpose” ethos to foster global growth and generate social and economic value.