NightDragon News
5 articles
growth-positive
"2025 will be remembered not just for record-breaking exits, but for the polarization and maturation of the sector," writes Dorin Baniel, Head of EMEA Office at NightDragon.
The article discusses the significant developments in the Israeli cybersecurity sector in 2025, highlighting record-breaking exits totaling $59 billion in just eight months. Two major acquisitions, Googles $32 billion purchase of Wiz and Palo Alto Networks $25 billion acquisition of CyberArk, dominate the landscape, accounting for nearly all of this years exit value. These mega-deals have redefined success in Israeli cyber, showcasing the sectors maturation and polarization. The report also notes the rise of AI-first startups and unicorns as acquirers, reflecting a shift in the ecosystems structure. Despite challenges like inflation, Israels cyber ecosystem remains resilient, heavily relying on foreign capital, particularly from the U.S. The article emphasizes that 2025 marks a pivotal year for Israeli cyber, setting the stage for future leadership.
Acquired-by
growth-positive
Dorin Baniel, Principal & Head of EMEA Office at NightDragon, joined CTech for its new “VC AI Survey” to share what the investment space may look like following the war with Iran.
The article discusses the resilience of Israels innovation ecosystem, particularly in AI and cybersecurity, even during challenging times like the recent war with Iran. It highlights the acquisition of Base44 for $80 million after just six months, showcasing the high valuation and rapid success of AI-first startups. The article also explores the impact of AI on investment strategies, emphasizing the premium placed on AI-first companies and the transformative role of AI technologies in various sectors. NightDragon, a growth-stage investment fund, is highlighted for its focus on AI and cybersecurity, with insights from Dorin Baniel on the evolving landscape and financial risks associated with AI investments.
Acquired-by
growth-positive
Dorin Baniel, Leading Investments in the Region at NightDragon, spoke to CTech about the relatively new sector and how it needs to play catch-up with veteran ecosystems with reputable exits.
NightDragon, a US-based venture capital firm led by Dave DeWalt, is focusing on the defensetech sector, which is rapidly evolving and expected to grow significantly by 2025. The firm, which typically invests in growth stages, is making exceptions for early growth investments in Israel due to its emerging ecosystem. Dorin Baniel, leading investments in the region, highlights the potential of defensetech to mirror the growth seen in cybersecurity in 2018 and 2019. The firm is exploring the landscape of Israeli cyber exits and anticipates the emergence of major acquirers in the defensetech sector, similar to Check Point and CrowdStrike in cybersecurity.
Investment
growth-positive
DeWalt on defense: "The war is an opportunity to invest in Israel" | CTech
Dave DeWalt, founder of the NightDragon investment fund, has expressed his support for Israel following a terrorist attack and plans to expand his investment in the country. DeWalt, who is considered one of the top cyber and security experts in the U.S., believes the attack presents an opportunity to invest in Israels defense and security sectors. His fund currently manages about a billion dollars and is invested in several Israeli cyber companies. DeWalt also plans to increase his involvement in Israel and create more successful companies in the country.
InvestmentExpand
growth-positive
נייטדרגון של דייב דה וולט מקימה נציגות בישראל; דורין בניאל תעמוד בראשה | כלכליסט
NightDragon, a venture capital firm that manages nearly $1 billion for investments in cybersecurity startups, is establishing a representative office in Israel. The firm has appointed Dorin Baniel as the regional manager for the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Baniel, a former investment accelerator at Microsoft, will lead the new office. NightDragon was founded in 2012 by Dave DeWalt, former CEO of FireEye and McAfee.
ExpandManagement Changes