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Elevate Magazine
July 16, 2024

Google Reportedly Eyes Cloud Security Company Wiz

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The parent company of Google, Alphabet Inc., is reportedly in the works to purchase cloud security company Wiz for $23 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. Should the deal become successful, it would be Alphabet’s and Google’s largest acquisition ever, surpassing the $12.5 billion purchase of Motorola Mobility in 2011.

This potential acquisition aims to enhance Alphabet’s cloud computing business. Meanwhile, Google, through Google Cloud, has consistently ranked third, trailing behind Amazon Web Services Inc. and Microsoft Corp.’s Azure. Integrating Wiz’s services is expected to strengthen Google’s position against AWS and Azure.

Neither Google nor Wiz have commented on this matter.

Wiz is an Israeli startup founded in January 2020 by Assaf Rappaport, Yinon Costica, Roy Reznik, and Ami Luttwak. The four co-founders previously worked together at Microsoft, where Rappaport, Costica, Reznik, and Luttwak led the Cloud Security Group. They are also the founding team behind Adallom, a cybersecurity startup that was acquired by Microsoft for $320 million in 2015. 

Wiz provides a comprehensive cloud security platform that helps companies detect and address vulnerabilities, risks, and malicious activity across their cloud environments. 

The company went in the news in May after it raised $1 billion in a funding round that valued the company at $12 billion. The round was led by Andreessen Horowitz, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Thrive Capital Management LLC. 

If the deal between Google and Wiz proceeds, this will underscore Google’s commitment to enhancing its cybersecurity efforts amidst growing concerns over cyber threats targeting governments and corporations. Before Wiz, Google has made significant cybersecurity investments and acquisitions in the past, acquiring cybersecurity firm Mandiant for $5.4 billion two years ago.