Heka

High-Level Overview

Heka refers to at least two distinct technology companies: one in fintech focused on AI-powered identity intelligence (hekaglobal.com), and another in aerospace engineering (heka.works). The fintech Heka builds tools that analyze publicly available online data to create real-time digital profiles, helping financial institutions detect synthetic fraud, alias usage, behavioral anomalies, and reputational risks missed by traditional credit files.[1][4] It serves banks, payment processors, pensions, insurance, and fintech firms, solving the problem of static internal data in an era of dynamic online identities; a pilot detected 65% of account takeover losses while preserving user experience.[1] Recently raising $14M in Series A funding led by Windare Ventures (with Barclays and others), it plans US expansion, UK/Europe deepening, and AI engine enhancements.[1][4]

The aerospace Heka provides engineering services and products like dual tilt-rotor tech, inertial measurement units (IMUs), battery management systems (BMS), and RF systems for aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors.[2][3] It serves customers needing rapid prototyping, software, electronics, mechanical engineering, and project management in safety-critical environments, addressing complex challenges with agile innovation and AI automation.[2][3]

Origin Story

The fintech Heka was co-founded by Rafael Berber (former global head of equity trading at Merrill Lynch), Ishay Horowitz (senior Israeli intelligence figure), and Idan Bar-Dov (FinTech/high-tech lawyer, current CEO).[1][4] Operating from Tel Aviv and New York, the team draws from intelligence, data science, fraud, compliance, and finance expertise; the idea emerged to leverage web data streams for real-time identity insights beyond outdated credit files.[1][4]

The aerospace Heka was founded in 2017 by Chris Marot (CEO with a BS in Applied Mathematics and Computer Engineering from Florida Tech, experienced in UAM, UAS, A&D, and electrification).[2] It started with unmanned aerospace systems, leading to proprietary dual tilt-rotor technology that built brand recognition, evolving into broad engineering services across aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors with a focus on automation and machine learning.[2][3]

Core Differentiators

Fintech Heka

• AI Agent for Web Data: Structures vast, noisy online data into actionable fraud indicators, updated contacts, and behavioral signals in real-time, unlike static credit bureaus or model-trained vendors.[1][4]
• Seamless Integration: API-first with no install, traceable evidence, and workflow compatibility; outperforms legacy tools in global coverage and explainability.[1][4]
• Proven Impact: Detects 65% of account takeovers in pilots; flags alias switching and shifts traditional tools miss.[1]
• Expert Team: Intelligence and finance backgrounds enable "analyst-grade" AI that works in production environments.[1]

Aerospace Heka

• End-to-End Engineering: Covers software, systems, electrical, mechanical, and avionics with rapid prototyping, turnkey products (e.g., DEAD RECKONING IMU, BMS, RF Lamprey), and agile/waterfall management.[2][3]
• Specialized Verticals: Safety-critical solutions for aerospace (avionics), defense (warfighter comms with meta-antenna tech), and industrial needs.[3]
• Speed and Innovation: Nimble delivery of complex hardware/software in record time using AI/ML automation.[2]
• Client Focus: Values-driven (client satisfaction, team-centric, continuous improvement) with trusted partners in A&D sectors.[2]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Fintech Heka rides the rising tide of synthetic identity fraud and digital-first risk assessment, where consumer behavior lives online amid static legacy systems like credit bureaus.[1][4] Timing aligns with AI advancements in real-time data structuring and regulatory demands for explainable decisions (e.g., in fintech/insurance); market forces like global payment growth and cross-border fraud favor its web intelligence, influencing ecosystems by enabling banks to integrate dynamic profiles seamlessly.[1] It positions as the "default source of truth" for digital identities, bridging intelligence tech to finance.

Aerospace Heka taps electrification, unmanned systems (UAS/UAM), and defense modernization trends, accelerated by geopolitical needs and commercial space booms.[2][3] Its timing leverages AI for faster engineering cycles amid supply chain pressures; it influences the ecosystem by providing nimble support to primes, advancing national security tech like robust comms and reliable hardware in high-stakes environments.[3]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Fintech Heka's $14M fuels US scaling and AI upgrades, poised to dominate as fraud evolves with deepfakes and aliasing; trends like open banking and AI regulation will amplify its edge, potentially expanding to AML/compliance.[1][4] Aerospace Heka eyes leadership in A&D markets via products like IMUs/BMS, shaped by drone autonomy and hypersonic demands; its influence grows through partnerships, pushing boundaries in electrification and ML-driven design.[2][3]

Both Hekas exemplify niche AI applications humanizing tech—fintech from intelligence roots combating invisible threats, aerospace from engineering grit accelerating missions—primed to redefine their domains amid data explosion and geopolitical shifts.