In a significant boost to the cybersecurity sector, Pentera, a leading provider of automated security validation, has raised $60 million in a Series D funding round. The investment propels the Boston-based, Tel Aviv-founded startup’s valuation beyond $1 billion, marking a major milestone in its rapid expansion.
The newly acquired capital will fuel mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as well as further product innovation, according to CEO Amitai Ratzon.
Pentera specializes in penetration testing, commonly known as “pen testing,” by automating security validation. Its platform enables enterprises and government entities to simulate large-scale cyberattacks at the click of a button, allowing security teams to identify and address vulnerabilities in real-time.
“We provide enterprises and governments with technology that, with a click of a button, can launch a mega attack against themselves, and with another click, the genie goes back into the bottle,” said Ratzon. “The beautiful thing is that it’s all safe by design.”
Unlike traditional cybersecurity training drills, Pentera’s simulated attacks occur discreetly, mirroring real-world breaches without disrupting regular operations.
Pentera’s latest funding follows a period of extraordinary growth, with its customer base surging by 200% to 1,100 organizations and annual recurring revenue (ARR) skyrocketing by 300% over the past four years. This uptick highlights the increasing demand for robust cybersecurity solutions.
Evolution Equity Partners led the Series D round, with participation from Farallon Capital. The company has previously secured $190 million in funding, backed by investors such as Insight Partners, K1, and Blackstone.
AI-Powered CyberSecurity Testing
As artificial intelligence becomes both a tool for cybercriminals and a line of defense against attacks, Pentera integrates AI-driven simulations into its platform. By mimicking real threats, the company identifies exploitable weaknesses within an organization’s network.
These tests can generate as many as 10,000 alerts, a common challenge in cybersecurity. However, Pentera’s system intelligently refines the data, narrowing it down to six or eight critical root causes and offering actionable remediation strategies. Security teams can then focus on addressing the most pressing threats efficiently.
“Pentera has redefined enterprise security testing and validation practices,” said Richard Seewald, managing partner at Evolution Equity Partners. “Pentera’s exceptional growth, strong enterprise adoption, and category-defining innovation make it the clear leader in Automated Security Validation. We are proud to lead this investment and continue our relationship with Pentera as it scales globally, expands its technology, and continues to set the industry standard for security validation.”
Pentera is not alone in the penetration testing space. Other cybersecurity firms, such as Cymulate—which was last valued at approximately $500 million—also offer automated attack simulations. However, Pentera’s ability to refine security alerts and deliver targeted solutions has positioned it as a frontrunner in the field.
With fresh funding and a solid reputation, Pentera is poised to expand its global footprint and further strengthen cybersecurity defenses for enterprises worldwide.
