Axis Security
AcquiredZero trust access, simplified
Cloud-native Security Service Edge platform providing zero-trust secure access for distributed workforces.
About
Axis Security built a cloud-native Security Service Edge (SSE) platform called Atmos that enabled enterprises to provide secure, zero-trust access to applications without the complexity of traditional VPNs. Founded in 2018 by Dor Knafo and Gil Azrielant — both veterans of the elite Unit 8200 of the Israeli Army Intelligence Corps — the company developed a comprehensive platform combining Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and Digital Experience Monitoring (DEM). Axis Security raised $100 million in total across three rounds in a single year, with the Series C led by Spark Capital. The platform served Fortune 500 companies and was purpose-built for the 'work from anywhere' era. In March 2023, Hewlett Packard Enterprise acquired Axis Security for approximately $500 million, integrating its SSE capabilities into HPE's Aruba Networking division to deliver a unified SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) solution.
DailyDropout Take
Axis Security caught our attention as a cybersecurity company solving one of the most pressing enterprise problems: secure remote access without the pain of legacy VPNs. With two Unit 8200 veterans at the helm and $100M raised in a single year from top-tier investors, Axis was clearly on an exceptional trajectory. The $500M acquisition by HPE in 2023 confirmed the thesis — turning a Series C cybersecurity startup into a cornerstone of HPE's Aruba SASE strategy.
Discovery signal: Unit 8200 founders, $100M raised in one year, cloud-native SSE platform displacing legacy VPNs, Fortune 500 customer base at Series C stage
What Makes Them Unique
Axis Security's Atmos platform was one of the first purpose-built SSE solutions combining ZTNA, SWG, CASB, and DEM in a single cloud-native architecture. Unlike legacy VPN-based approaches, Atmos provided application-level access without ever placing users on the network, dramatically reducing the attack surface while improving user experience.
$100M
Total Raised
~$500M
Acquisition Price
~1 year
Time to $100M Raised
HPE (Aruba)
Acquirer
Target Markets
Founders
Dor Knafo
Co-Founder & CEO
Five-year veteran of Unit 8200 in the Israeli Army Intelligence Corps as a senior software engineer for advanced cybersecurity. BSc in Computer Science from IDC Herzliya (cum laude). Now General Partner at Cyberstarts.
Gil Azrielant
Co-Founder & CTO
Five-year veteran of Unit 8200 as a researcher and team leader in advanced cybersecurity and code decryption. Previously Co-Founder & CTO of Cool Cousin. Graduated from Reichman University (IDC Herzliya).
Key People
Funding History
Lead: Cyberstarts
Lead: Canaan Partners
Lead: Spark Capital