Israeli Cloud Security Firm Upwind Acquires AI Startup Aegis in Multi-Million Deal
Israeli cloud security unicorn Upwind has acquired startup Aegis for tens of millions of dollars, launching a dedicated AI security laboratory following a massive $300 million funding round.
Israeli cloud security firm Upwind has acquired local cybersecurity startup Aegis in a stock deal valued at tens of millions of dollars. Following the acquisition, Upwind is establishing Upwind AI Security Labs, a new R&D facility focused on emerging cyber threats surrounding artificial intelligence systems and developing defense capabilities for organizations adopting AI agents.
The move comes shortly after Upwind announced a massive $300 million funding round earlier this month, pushing its valuation to roughly $4 billion. Just at the beginning of 2026, Upwind had raised $250 million at a valuation of $1.5 billion.
Leadership and Integration
Aegis was founded by Omri Limor and Saar Ankonina, alumni of the IDF's Unit 8200 who previously served in offensive cyber roles. Upon their release, the two established Aegis to tackle security challenges associated with AI infrastructure, particularly AI agents. Following a strategic partnership, Upwind decided to acquire the company to integrate its personnel and technology.
Limor and Ankonina will lead Upwind AI Security Labs, combining Aegis's research with Upwind's cloud security capabilities. The lab currently employs 12 developers and researchers, with plans to scale to 25 employees within three months and up to 35 thereafter.
"The acquisition allows us to accelerate our roadmap in securing enterprise AI workloads and cloud environments simultaneously," noted industry insiders.
Company Background and Investors
Upwind was founded in 2022 by CEO Amiram Shachar alongside his partners from Spot.io, which was previously acquired by NetApp for $450 million. Upwind's technology focuses on real-time threat analysis within cloud environments rather than relying on static post-facto scans, significantly reducing false positives.
The company has raised approximately $700 million since inception. Backers include Bessemer, TCV, Cyberstarts, Greylock, Craft Ventures, Salesforce Ventures, and Penny Jar Capital, owned by NBA star Steph Curry.
