Sam Altman-backed Apex Security in advanced talks to be acquired by Varonis for up to $40M
Sam Altman-backed Apex Security in advanced talks to be acquired by Varonis for up to $40M
The acquisition would strengthen Varonis' AI security capabilities. Apex denies the negotiations.
Israeli-founded cyber giant Varonis Systems is in advanced negotiations to acquire the Israeli cyber startup Apex Security, Calcalist has learned. The value of the deal is estimated at $30–40 million.
Apex was founded by Matan Derman, the company's CEO, and Tomer Avni, who serves as CPO. Both founders are veterans of Unit 8200, and during their service, they each received the prestigious Israel Security Award.
Apex, which employs around 20 people, has built a security platform that provides organizations with comprehensive visibility of their AI activity. This allows them to define how AI is used across the company and enforce security policies accordingly. Its platform can detect violations of the security standards of the company or industry, and detect and respond to AI attacks so that companies can leverage AI technologies to avoid data leaks, malicious data injection, privacy and legal violations, or cyberattacks.
To date, the company has raised $7 million in Seed funding. Its investors include Sam Altman, founder and CEO of OpenAI, as well as the venture capital funds Sequoia and Index.
Varonis, traded on Nasdaq with a market value of approximately $5 billion, was founded in Herzliya in 2004 by Yaki Faitelson and Ohad Korkus. The company employs about 2,200 people, of which roughly 750 are based in Israel. Varonis specializes in protecting data from internal and external threats. Its technology detects suspicious activities, such as unauthorized access to sensitive information, transferring large amounts of data, or making unauthorized changes to critical files. The platform helps prevent data leaks and provides tools for organizations to comply with regulatory requirements for personal information protection.
Apex Security said in response: "No negotiations are taking place with Varonis."
There was no comment from Varonis.
