TruthEngine, a London-founded AI and forensic analysis company, announced today it has raised a seven-figure Series A round led by automotive and technology entrepreneur Tom Wood. Co-investors include internet pioneer Nick Hynes, former Air Miles, Yahoo! and SearchWorks executive; Andrew Thornton KC, a company law barrister and technology entrepreneur; Julian Persaud, former Managing Director at Google South East Asia; and Graham Hann, partner at law firm Winston Taylor.
The company uses proprietary AI to analyse reviews across more than 30 major review platforms, identifying patterns of suspicious or misleading content that platform moderation systems typically miss. Recent analysis by TruthEngine found that in some sectors more than 50% of reviews show suspicious characteristics. The company was cited by The Times in an investigation into Vodafone's review practices and referenced by the CMA in its ongoing work into review manipulation.
Under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, responsibility for review authenticity sits with brands, not just the platforms hosting them. The CMA can impose fines of up to 10% of global turnover for non-compliance. Regulation, which has moved from guidance to active enforcement this year, is central to TruthEngine's positioning — the company offers forensic audits, ongoing monitoring, and independent accreditation via its TruthMark® certification.
Tom Wood, the lead investor, said: "Online reviews influence hundreds of billions of pounds of consumer spending, and review manipulation is now illegal in more than 30 markets worldwide. TruthEngine has spent years building proprietary technology and expertise in an area most businesses are only just beginning to understand."
Funds will be used to expand AI and forensic analytics capabilities, extend coverage across financial services, telecoms, and consumer marketplace sectors, and grow the company's compliance and advisory partnerships.
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