In October 2024, Relyance, the leading AI-powered data governance platform that provides complete visibility and control over enterprise-wide data, announced its Series B round of funding totaling $32M. This round was led by Thomvest with participation from M12, Cheyenne Ventures, Menlo Ventures, and Unusual Ventures.
Founder and CEO Abhi Sharma explained in a recent conversation with TechCrunch, “Relyance enables organizations to monitor external vendor risks while its data lineage feature tracks data flows across applications to identify potential risks proactively.”
In this edition of Founders Feature, we connected with Abhi to learn more about how Relyance came to be, how he identifies strong partnerships, and what the future looks like for the company. Here’s what he shared with us:
What inspired you to start this company?
Abhi: Relyance AI was born out of years of work at the intersection of domains: data, AI, and governance. It felt like the culmination of my career experiences; writing compilers, building large-scale systems, and innovating in machine learning before it was even called AI. Starting Relyance AI felt inevitable.
After my previous startup was acquired, I had time to reflect and challenge myself. I knew I wanted to create something that benefitted several disciplines, inspired by transformative ideas like those of da Vinci and others who reshaped history. The opportunity to redefine data governance in the age of AI and compliance was both a personal and intellectual challenge, and it checked all the boxes for creating meaningful, scalable change.
What problem were you trying to solve when you founded your company?
Abhi: The core problem was how organizations can navigate the explosion of data in a world where AI and compliance demands are growing exponentially. Many industry players were addressing it with incremental tweaks, but the problem required a modality shift; a fundamental change in how data governance and AI safety are approached. Companies need to reason about every change in data processing, whether it’s for compliance, AI training, or security, and Relyance is designed to be the solution that makes this not just possible, but practical.
What qualities do you look for in your team members?
Abhi: The most important quality is ownership—this belief that “there’s no one behind the curtain.” Each team member must feel empowered to take the baton and move the ball forward without waiting for permission. We also focus on hiring people who are deeply skilled in their fields rather than spreading resources too thin. Sophistication, expertise, and intentionality are key. We aim for a culture where ideas are heard and valued, no matter how unconventional.
How do you foster a positive and productive company culture?
Abhi: We prioritize Unreasonable Hospitality—a philosophy from the fine dining world that emphasizes going above and beyond in ways that elevate the experience for employees, customers, and partners. We celebrate this through storytelling, where every team member is encouraged to share examples of how they delivered extraordinary service. Additionally, we embrace the tension between innovation and intentionality. Our goal isn’t just to move fast but to balance velocity with thoughtfulness, ensuring every outcome is impactful.
How do you decide which investors to bring on board?
Abhi: I have been highly selective and focused on three critical factors. First and foremost, I look for investors who genuinely understand and believe in our long-term vision, not just those chasing quick returns. Strategic alignment is non-negotiable – I need investors who won’t push for premature exits or compromises on our core mission. Second, I prioritize investors with relevant operational experience who can actually add value beyond their checks. Money is a commodity, but battle-tested advice and a powerful network are priceless. I want partners who’ve been in the trenches and can help us navigate critical challenges. Finally, I pay close attention to personality fit and communication style. Since investors are essentially long-term partners, I need to trust my gut about whether we can maintain a healthy working relationship, especially when things get tough. I’d rather pass on a big check than bring in someone who doesn’t feel right culturally.
What do you look for in a strategic partner?
Abhi: We value partners who bring complementary strengths, domain expertise, operational insight, and market access. The best partnerships are those with a clear synergy, and we can multiply each other’s impact.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your work?
Abhi: I hope Relyance AI is remembered not just as a company that solved problems but as one that fundamentally reshaped how organizations think about data, AI, and trust. Beyond that, I want to champion the return of the polymath, encouraging innovation at the intersection of disciplines and fostering a world where creativity and practicality combine to drive human progress.
