Darktrace Plans Acquisition of Cado Security to Boost Cloud Capabilities

Deal News | Jan 09, 2025 | Thoma Bravo

Darktrace, a global leader in AI-driven cybersecurity, has announced its proposed acquisition of Cado Security, a UK-based firm specializing in cloud investigation and response solutions. This acquisition aims to integrate Cado's forensic technology with Darktrace's proprietary AI platform, enhancing its capabilities to protect customers across various cloud environments. The deal follows Darktrace's recent expansion under Thoma Bravo's ownership, emphasizing Darktrace's commitment to advancing AI-powered cyber solutions. Cado Security, co-founded by industry veterans James Campbell and Chris Doman, will bring its expertise in cloud forensic investigation to bolster Darktrace's cloud detection and response capabilities. The acquisition, expected to close in February pending regulatory approvals, reflects the growing importance of cloud security in defending against sophisticated cyber threats as organizations increasingly migrate critical operations to cloud platforms.

Sectors

  • Cybersecurity
  • Cloud Computing
  • Private Equity

Geography

  • United Kingdom – Cado Security and Darktrace have operations in the UK, and the acquisition activity is centered here.
  • United States – Thoma Bravo, the private equity firm owning Darktrace, is based in the United States, influencing strategic decisions and capital flows into the UK-based Darktrace.

Industry

  • Cybersecurity – The article focuses on the cybersecurity industry, particularly advancements in AI-driven solutions and cloud security provided by companies like Darktrace and Cado Security.
  • Cloud Computing – Due to the emphasis on cloud-related technologies and safeguarding multi-cloud environments, the cloud computing sector is central to the discussions in the article.
  • Private Equity – Thoma Bravo’s involvement as the acquiring entity of Darktrace, which is pursuing the acquisition of Cado Security, highlights the role of private equity in shaping the cyber industry.

Financials

    Participants

    NameRoleTypeDescription
    DarktraceAcquiring CompanyCompaniesA global cybersecurity leader utilizing AI to protect organizations from cyber threats.
    Cado SecurityTarget CompanyCompaniesSpecializes in cloud investigation and response solutions to enhance cyber defense capabilities.
    Thoma BravoPrivate Equity FirmCompaniesThe private equity firm that owns Darktrace and drives its strategic growth initiatives.
    James CampbellCo-Founder and CEO of Cado SecurityPeopleResponsible for leading Cado Security with extensive experience in cyber incident response.
    Chris DomanCo-Founder and CTO of Cado SecurityPeopleRenowned for his work in threat intelligence and cyber attack research.
    Jill PopelkaCEO of DarktracePeopleLeading Darktrace, focusing on developing innovative cybersecurity solutions.
    Piper SandlerFinancial AdvisorCompaniesAdvising Darktrace on the financial aspects of the transaction.