Foundation Raises $6.4M in Fulgur-led Round to Launch Passport Prime, a ‘Human Authority’ Device to Keep AI Agents in Check

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Foundation has raised $6.4 million in a funding round led by Fulgur Ventures as it launches Passport Prime, a new hardware device designed to secure digital actions in an era of AI-driven automation. The Boston-based company said the round included participation from Arche Capital and brings its total funding to $16.5 million, according to a note shared with Bitcoin Magazine. The capital will support expansion beyond Bitcoin self-custody into identity management, multi-factor authentication, and authorization systems for AI agents. Passport Prime, which began shipping to pre-order customers in March 2026, is now available for general purchase. Foundation describes the product as the first example of “Human Authority Hardware,” a category of devices intended to ensure that critical digital actions require direct human approval through isolated, secure hardware. The launch reflects a shift in security concerns as AI agents gain the ability to execute tasks across financial accounts, cloud systems, and enterprise tools. Foundation argues that existing approval methods — such as browser prompts or mobile notifications — cannot serve as trusted checkpoints when the same environment may host autonomous software. Chief executive Zach Herbert said the rise of AI agents creates a new form of key management challenge. He argued that authorization must move to independent hardware with a verifiable display and operating system, rather than remain within software environments that can be compromised. Passport Prime details Passport Prime combines several functions into a single device, including a Bitcoin hardware wallet, FIDO authentication keys, two-factor authentication storage, a secrets vault, and 50GB of encrypted storage. The device is designed to act as a central approval layer for transactions, credential use, and data access. The product runs on KeyOS, a Rust-based microkernel operating system developed by Foundation over three years. KeyOS is open source and includes a communication system called QuantumLink, which uses post-quantum cryptographic standards such as ML-KEM alongside ChaCha20-Poly1305 encryption on a dedicated Bluetooth chip. Foundation is also opening its KeyOS developer platform to external builders. The platform includes a software development kit, documentation, command-line tools, and a simulator that allows developers to test applications without physical hardware. A developer unit can be requested for real-device testing. The company plans to introduce a KeyOS app store by the end of the second quarter, aiming to create a distribution channel for security-focused applications built on the platform. Use cases include Bitcoin transaction policies, identity verification tools, enterprise signing systems, and approval workflows for AI agents. Chief technology officer Ken Carpenter said the platform shifts hardware from a static key storage tool into a programmable security layer. He framed KeyOS as a foundation for applications that execute policy within trusted hardware rather than relying on external software controls. Cake Wallet is the first external partner building on KeyOS, offering a cold storage application to its user base of more than one million. Foundation expects further integrations across financial services, identity systems, and AI workflows through 2026. Passport Prime is priced from $349 and is available through Foundation’s website. The company positions the device as a control point for human decision-making as software systems gain greater autonomy.

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