Irish AI firm Chirp launches funding round to scale child protection tech that blocks cyberbullying and grooming on smartphones, even in encrypted apps.
Irish deep-tech company Chirp has confirmed a new funding round to support the commercial rollout and international expansion of its AI-powered child protection software for smartphones.
The announcement coincides with Anti-Bullying Week, underscoring the company’s mission to combat online harms affecting children.
“We’re proud that an Irish company can lead the world in child safety technology – something that directly impacts families everywhere”
The raise follows Chirp’s €4.4m seed round in 2023, which was backed by a mix of international investors and Irish innovation funds. The latest round combines strategic investment with public crowdfunding, enabling both institutional and retail investors in Ireland to participate in the company’s next phase of growth.
Chirp’s embedded software is designed to detect and block cyberbullying, grooming and self-harm content in real time, including within encrypted messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Snapchat and Instagram. The technology operates beneath the operating system layer, making it resistant to deletion or circumvention, and does not compromise user privacy.
Made in Ireland
“This is an Irish innovation with global potential,” said Rena Maycock, founder and CEO of Chirp. “We want every smartphone to come with built-in protection for children, just like every car comes with airbags.”
The software was developed in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair for the Prevention of Bullying at Dublin City University and ADAPT/Science Foundation Ireland. Chirp aims to establish its platform as the international machine standard for child protection on connected devices.
The company has already attracted global attention, including an invitation to present at the United Nations’ AI for Good Summit in Geneva earlier this year. Chirp’s technology is currently integrated with Android smartphones and is under evaluation by major European telecommunications providers. The company has secured commitments for over 500,000 Chirp-enabled devices and letters of intent from partners in Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Hong Kong, the Philippines and the United States.
Chirp’s advisory board includes Ronan Dunne, chair of Six Nations Rugby and former CEO of Verizon and O2, alongside prominent technology investors such as Evan Sharp, co-founder of Pinterest.
“Ireland has become a global hub for technology development,” said Maycock. “We’re proud that an Irish company can lead the world in child safety technology – something that directly impacts families everywhere.”
The company is now inviting Irish investors and the public to participate in its crowdfunding campaign ahead of its planned commercial rollout in 2026.
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