It started with gunfire.

Michael Green, now CEO of Athena Security, wasn’t planning to step into the weapons detection industry. But fate had other ideas. During what should have been a routine property renovation, he found himself in the middle of a violent incident.

“I was literally caught in gunfire. That was the moment I realized I don’t feel safe. And it made me appreciate those who protect, in a way I never had before.”

That raw, visceral moment ignited a mission: to make people feel safe and protected.

Fast forward to today, and Athena Security isn’t just another startup. It’s a rising force in the physical security space, blending AI-powered innovation with real-world urgency. Backed by $18.6 million in funding, Athena is building systems designed to prevent weapons from entering hospitals, schools, casinos, warehouses, and more.

Building from Fear to Purpose

Before Athena, Michael led a background screening company focused on financial services. It was valuable work, but it didn’t light the same fire as physical security.

“That fear gave me a level of empathy I didn’t have before. It helped me understand why physical security matters at a gut level. It’s not theoretical, it’s deeply human.”

Athena itself had already been started by Lisa Falzone and Chris Ciabarra, experienced second-time founders who previously exited their company, Revel Systems. Their initial idea centered around applying AI to video surveillance for physical security to find brandished firearms. Then COVID hit, and like many startups, they had to pivot hard.

“During the pandemic, we shifted to a very real, more proactive method of keeping weapons out of everyday places like healthcare facilities, casinos, and schools.”

That pivot laid the groundwork for Athena’s signature technology: ID-Based Visitor Management paired with a comprehensive Concealed Weapons Detection System (CWDS) that uses AI to flag potential threats in real time.

Out-Innovating in a Skeptical Industry

Security is one of the toughest industries to sell into. Trust is everything, and Michael knows it.

“Our buyers – security officers – are some of the most skeptical people on the planet. They don’t believe what they hear over the phone. Even online demos can feel too abstract. You have to prove it in the field.”

Athena has responded with a product that’s both powerful and transparent. Features like evasion detection (flagging people who try to walk around the system), real-time photo alerts, and a focus on compliance with Homeland Security best practices help customers see the product’s impact firsthand.

And to build trust, Athena doesn’t just rely on flashy demos. They back it up with standards, testing protocols, and real-world proof.

“We know our industry has a trust problem. One of our competitors has even been called out by federal agencies for overpromising. That’s not who we are. We’re in it for the long game.”

Meet the Telepresence Officer

One of Athena’s newest product innovations might sound like something out of science fiction, but it’s already here.

“We just launched what we call a Telepresence Officer. It’s a 3D hologram powered by generative AI that can greet people, give directions, answer questions, even use sign language, or foreign language translation.”

The tech isn’t just impressive, it’s practical. By combining AI with real-time language translation, organizations can offer warm, multilingual reception experiences that support frontline staff, not replace them.

“And if needed, a real officer can take over the feed remotely. We’re building technology to assist the workforce, not compete with it.”

Lessons from the Trenches

When asked what advice he’d give to other aspiring founders, Michael’s answer is simple and striking:

“Be ready to be humbled.”

“I’ve been incredibly humbled by this experience that has tested every skill and forced growth, even when I didn’t want to grow more. Startups will break you down in unexpected ways. That’s part of the self-growth path.”

Athena’s leadership structure, a “triumvirate” of three co-founders, helps them manage the stress and complexity of growth. They don’t always agree, but they are always quick to find a way forward.

“I’ve seen other startups implode from internal conflict. The world’s hard enough. You need to be aligned with your team, and we message and talk all day, every day.”

And perhaps most refreshingly, Michael calls out a problem many founders overlook: volume doesn’t equal value.

“Sometimes the person who knows the most stays quiet while others just talk louder or faster. I hate seeing that or worse, being that. Building something meaningful takes more than opinion; it takes listening, humility, and investing in it for the long haul.”

What’s Next for Athena

With $10 million in new funding and a total of $18.6 million raised to date, Athena is focused on expanding its sales reach while also rolling out new AI-powered features in Telepresence and Virtual Reality Glasses, and becoming the leading brand in the security space.

But through it all, Michael remains grounded in why they started this work.

“We’re here to improve the methodology and systems used by security operators, build with our customers, and deliver high service.”