TRUSTe certifies that companies meet online privacy standards and issues a recognizable “trustmark” used by consumers to decide how and when to disclose personal information. The company reports more than 5,000 customers, including major internet companies, and says over 82% of consumers who recognize its privacy seal use it in disclosure decisions. In the past 18 months TRUSTe has nearly tripled in size across sales, employees, and product offerings. It has expanded product lines into online advertising compliance (TRUSted Ads) and mobile app certification. CEO Chris Babel frames the opportunity around rising data-tracking practices and the attendant compliance and trust challenges for companies. The company has shifted from a not-for-profit model in 2008 to a commercial business and is pursuing international expansion and technology development. TRUSTe certifies that companies meet online privacy standards and issues a visible "trustmark" that signals a site is secure. The company says more than 82 percent of consumers who recognize its privacy seal use it to decide how and when to disclose personal information. Certified websites include Yahoo, Microsoft, eBay, Facebook, AOL, Adobe, AT&T, Comcast, Disney, Weather.com, Apple, LinkedIn, WebMD, and Yelp. TRUSTe was a not-for-profit venture until 2008, when it changed its business model. The company plans to use the new funding for sales and marketing to expand its foothold in the enterprise. Its current funding position reflects investor confidence as it pursues broader enterprise adoption.

Total raised

$27M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series C

Latest activity

Jan 2012