Emily Joins Expedition as Operating Advisor
Investor - People | Jul 21, 2025 | Expedition Growth Capital
Emily Orton, co-founder and former CMO of Darktrace, joins Expedition Growth Capital as an Operating Advisor. Emily was crucial in elevating Darktrace, a leading AI cybersecurity firm, to global prominence with over $600M in annual recurring revenue and participation in a successful IPO. She will leverage her experience to support the scaling of Trust Software brands at Expedition, known for working with rapidly growing software companies. Her new role includes joining the Board of Directors at ThreatSpike, expanding Expedition's strategic foothold in cybersecurity advisory. Emily's journey signifies a blend of impactful narratives and brand positioning, bringing a unique perspective to high-growth software firms as they navigate international expansion.
Sectors
- Cybersecurity
- Private Equity
- Software
Geography
- United Kingdom – Emily Orton co-founded and scaled Darktrace from Cambridge, UK.
- United States – Expedition Growth Capital has offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and is involved in global software investments.
Industry
- Cybersecurity – The article discusses Emily Orton's background in building Darktrace into a leading AI-driven cybersecurity company.
- Private Equity – The article focuses on Expedition Growth Capital, a growth equity firm involved in software investments.
- Software – Expedition Growth Capital partners with software companies aiming for high-growth, a key aspect discussed in the article.
Financials
- 5.3 billion – The acquisition price of Darktrace by Thoma Bravo.
- 600 million – The annual recurring revenue achieved by Darktrace.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emily Orton | Operating Advisor | Person | Co-founder and former CMO of Darktrace, now serving as an Operating Advisor at Expedition Growth Capital. |
| Expedition Growth Capital | Private Equity Firm | Company | A growth equity firm specializing in software investments, with offices in London and Boston. |
| Darktrace | Target Company | Company | An AI cybersecurity leader co-founded by Emily Orton, which achieved significant growth and a successful IPO. |
| ThreatSpike | Portfolio Company | Company | An all-in-one cybersecurity solution provider for mid-sized companies and a portfolio company of Expedition Growth Capital. |
| Thoma Bravo | Bidding/Buyer Company | Company | Private equity firm that acquired Darktrace for $5.3 billion in 2024. |
| Will Sheldon | Partner | Person | Partner at Expedition Growth Capital who praised Emily Orton's contributions to the firm. |