Darktrace's worth reaches $1.65 billion

Darktrace is a British cyber security start-up founded in 2013. It is a global artificial intelligence company for cyber defense. Recognized for its Enterprise Immune System technology, Darktrace uses self-learning AI to identify and respond to in-progress cyber-threats.It uses a computer algorithm to monitor patterns and adapt to understand what constitutes normal and suspicious cyber behavior. The company was established in 2013 and maintains main offices in Cambridge and San Francisco, with over 30 offices around the world. Investors in the firm include Michael Richard Lynch's Invoke Capital, Talis Capital, Hoxton Ventures, KKR, Insight Venture Partners, and Summit Partners. The funding comes at a time of rapid growth for both the cybersecurity and AI industries.

The core technology Darktrace uses is autonomous response technology to respond to any threats automatically, either slowing or shutting down a device or connection that has been compromised. The firm recently released the second version of its autonomous response system, called Antigena, which is aimed at targeting malicious emails.

Darktrace deploys this technology in a number of environments, including cloud, internet of things and industrial control systems through it’s 33 global offices. The firm disclosed that its technology is now being used across 7,000 networks around the world. Darktrace first passed the $1 billion valuation mark in May, when it reached a market value of $1.25 billion. The firm's most recent valuation of $1.65 billion marks a 32 percent increase in the last four months.

Darktrace has seen a 60 percent increase in its overall staff headcount over the last 12 months, with more than 750 employees worldwide. Darktrace has built a unique combination of world-class AI capabilities, deep cyber domain expertise, and a highly effective business model.

If your organization is feeling anxious about cybersecurity, it may be some comfort to know that you are not alone; most organizations feel they are more at risk today than 12 months ago. No wonder; not only are cyber attackers becoming more sophisticated, but also organizations themselves are increasingly hyper-connected with wave upon wave of new technology creating opportunities and risks across the value chain. This explosion of connectivity fueled by the growth of Internet of Things (IoT) and the ever-larger digital footprint of many organizations have all introduced new vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit. This is why businesses need to explore digital from every angle to help them grow and protect their organizations today, tomorrow and far into the future.

However, despite the risks, there is good news too. Organizations that confront cybersecurity challenge will regain a sense of order; it is not possible to repel every threat, but resilient organizations know how to protect themselves, how to detect a problem when it occurs, and how to react quickly and effectively when trouble strikes.