C1.ai has launched C1 LLM Gateway, a tool designed to govern enterprise AI model routing by sensitivity and cost, attributing each call to its source and preventing overspending. The product is the final launch of C1 Launch Week and aims to give companies control over their AI traffic.
TL;DR
- C1.ai introduces LLM Gateway to manage and route AI model calls based on sensitivity and cost.
- The tool attributes each call and its cost to the user, agent, or application, preventing overspending and data leaks.
- LLM Gateway is part of C1 Run, the runtime layer for secure agents, and is available today.
What happened
C1.ai has launched C1 LLM Gateway, a solution aimed at governing enterprise AI model routing. The tool routes every model call by sensitivity and cost, attributing each call and its cost to the user, agent, or application that made it. This allows companies to control what data leaves their boundary, under what circumstances, and how much that costs.
Without a governing policy, AI model traffic often follows defaults instead of explicit rules, leading to potential data leaks and overspending. C1 LLM Gateway addresses these issues by making routing decisions a policy that the security team owns. Sensitive work is routed to infrastructure the customer controls, while everything else runs wherever it is fastest or cheapest.
The tool also provides visibility into model usage and costs, with alerts firing before an overage instead of after the invoice. Model budgets are governed like access rights, with users able to request increases and application owners able to approve them. Revoking model access takes effect immediately, with the next call failing.
Why it matters
For AI/ML developers, C1 LLM Gateway provides a way to manage and route model calls based on sensitivity and cost, ensuring that sensitive data does not reach unintended providers. This can help prevent data leaks and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
For startup founders, the tool offers a way to control AI traffic and prevent overspending, which can be crucial for startups with limited budgets. It also provides visibility into model usage and costs, helping startups make informed decisions about their AI investments.
For tech investors, C1.ai's LLM Gateway represents a strategic move to provide enterprises with more control over their AI traffic. This can help C1.ai differentiate itself in the competitive AI market and attract more enterprise customers, potentially increasing its valuation and growth prospects.
Key facts
- C1 LLM Gateway is part of C1 Run, the runtime layer for secure agents.
- The tool is available today and is the final launch of C1 Launch Week.
- C1.ai is the identity platform for the AI era, connecting humans and agents to enterprise systems with scoped access, enforced policies, and a record of every action.
- Companies such as Ramp, Zscaler, Qualtrics, and DoorDash trust C1.ai to govern identity, secure agents, and empower their teams to put AI to work.
- C1 LLM Gateway will be showcased at C1 Transform in San Francisco on October 6, 2026.
Context
The launch of C1 LLM Gateway comes at a time when enterprises are increasingly adopting AI models to power their operations. However, this adoption has also raised concerns about data security, privacy, and cost management. C1.ai's solution aims to address these concerns by providing enterprises with more control over their AI traffic.
The AI market is highly competitive, with numerous players offering solutions for AI model management and governance. C1.ai's LLM Gateway represents a strategic move to differentiate itself in this market and attract more enterprise customers.
The launch of C1 LLM Gateway is part of C1 Launch Week, a series of product launches aimed at showcasing C1.ai's latest innovations in AI governance and security. The week culminates with the C1 Transform event in San Francisco, where the company will showcase its latest products and solutions.
