Lennart Poettering, the creator of systemd, has left Microsoft to co-found Amutable, a Berlin-based startup focused on enhancing Linux security. The company aims to introduce determinism and verifiable integrity to Linux systems amid rising threats to the operating system. Amutable's team includes open source veterans and plans to present at FOSDEM next week.
Lennart Poettering, known for developing systemd, has quit his role at Microsoft to start Amutable, a new company dedicated to bolstering Linux security. Based in Berlin, Germany, Amutable was announced on January 30, 2026, via Mastodon by CEO Chris Kühl. The startup seeks to address the growing attacks on Linux, which underpins cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, and critical global operations. Threats range from AI-generated malware to cryptocurrency scams, though most are typically detected and mitigated.
Amutable's mission is to "bring determinism and verifiable integrity to Linux systems," emphasizing proactive security measures integrated from the outset rather than reactive detection. The leadership team comprises CEO Chris Kühl, CTO Christian Brauner, and Chief Engineer Lennart Poettering. Supporting them are developers with experience on projects including the Linux kernel, Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu, SUSE, Kubernetes, LXC, and Incus.
Over the coming months, the team plans to build verification foundations, adding further capabilities later. This approach contrasts with traditional methods by embedding security inherently. Amutable will present its work at the FOSDEM conference on January 31 and February 1, 2026, in Brussels, where attendees can join for free alongside other open source talks.
Organizations interested in collaboration can contact Amutable or subscribe to its newsletter for updates. The startup's formation highlights ongoing efforts to secure Linux against escalating hacking threats.
