Cisco in talks to acquire Israeli AI security startup Astrix for up to $350 million

Cisco is in advanced talks to acquire Astrix Security, an Israeli cybersecurity startup focused on protecting AI agents and other non-human identities, according to a report that values the potential deal at between $250 million and $350 million.

The possible acquisition reflects rising demand for security tools built for a new generation of automated software actors operating inside enterprise systems. As companies adopt AI more aggressively, large technology firms are moving to address the risks created by machine identities with broad internal access.

Built around AI and non-human identity security

Founded in 2021 by Alon Jackson and Idan Gour, both veterans of Israel’s Unit 8200, Astrix has focused on what it describes as a major blind spot in enterprise cybersecurity.

Its platform is designed to help organizations identify, monitor, and control non-human identities, including software agents, automated processes, and AI-driven tools. The system is intended to prevent excessive permissions, malicious access, supply-chain attacks, and data leaks before they turn into full breaches.

The company’s positioning has gained relevance as enterprises give AI agents growing authority to interact with internal systems and third-party services, often beyond the limits of traditional identity and access management tools.

Rapid growth and major backing

In December 2024, Astrix announced a $45 million Series B round, bringing total funding to $85 million. The round was led by Menlo Ventures through its Anthology Fund, in partnership with Anthropic, and included Workday Ventures, Bessemer Venture Partners, CRV, and F2 Venture Capital.

At the time, Astrix said revenue had grown fivefold over the previous year and that its workforce had tripled to around 80 employees. The company also said it was serving Fortune 500 customers, including Workday, NetApp, Priceline, and Figma.

Strategic fit for Cisco

For Cisco, the acquisition would strengthen its position in one of cybersecurity’s fastest-evolving segments. The growing use of autonomous AI agents across enterprise environments is creating new attack surfaces, pushing major players to expand beyond traditional identity, endpoint, and network security.

Astrix’s technology is aimed directly at that emerging gap, offering companies more visibility and control over machine identities and AI-driven access inside corporate systems.

The reported talks also underscore the continued appeal of Israeli cybersecurity companies to major global buyers, particularly in areas tied to AI infrastructure and enterprise security.

Shift from independence to possible exit

The reported negotiations stand in contrast to Astrix’s earlier messaging around long-term independence. At the time of its Series B financing, the company said it was building to lead what it viewed as a winner-takes-all market rather than positioning itself for a near-term sale.

If completed, the deal would mark a significant exit in Israel’s cyber sector and another sign that AI-related security capabilities are becoming a core acquisition target for global technology firms.