Summary:
Okta acquires Axiom for an estimated $100 million, boosting its identity management capabilities.
Axiom was founded in 2021 by Itay Mesika and Ilan Dardik, with a $10 million total funding raised.
The startup's IAMOps platform focuses on Permissions and Access Management (PAM) for cloud and SaaS environments.
Key investors include top cybersecurity figures from Netflix, Armis, Demisto, and Torq.
Axiom's technology enables Least Privilege and Just-in-Time access, aligning with Okta's mission for secure, productive identity management.
Okta Acquires Israeli Cyber Startup Axiom in $100 Million Deal
Photo: Yarin Taranos
Cybersecurity giant Okta has acquired Israeli startup Axiom in a deal estimated at around $100 million. While the exact purchase price wasn't disclosed, this acquisition significantly strengthens Okta's Israel-based R&D hub, which was established after its purchase of Spera in December 2023. Okta, currently valued at approximately $16 billion, is expanding its cloud-based identity and permissions management capabilities through this strategic move.
Founders and Funding Journey
Axiom was founded in 2021 by Itay Mesika and Ilan Dardik, who first met during their military service in the Israeli air force in 2013. Both founders brought extensive industry experience from roles in fintech and infrastructure companies. Since its inception, Axiom raised $10 million, including a $7 million Seed round in December 2022 led by S Capital. This round attracted notable cybersecurity investors such as Srinath Kuruvadi (Head of Cloud Security at Netflix), Nadir Izrael and Yevgeny Dibrov (founders of Armis), Slavik Markovich, Rishi Bhargava, Dan Sarel, and Guy Rinat (founders of Demisto), and Ofer Smadari (co-founder and CEO of Torq). An additional $3 million was raised later but not publicly announced.
Technology and Vision
Axiom specializes in an identity-based approach to Permissions and Access Management (PAM), tailored for cloud, SaaS, databases, containers, and other virtual environments. Its platform helps organizations implement Least Privilege principles, replace permanent permissions with Just-in-Time (JIT) access, and protect critical infrastructure without creating operational bottlenecks. The company's vision aligns with Okta's mission to lead the identity management market, emphasizing secure access by default without compromising productivity.
Client Base and Impact
Axiom serves dozens of global clients, including Minute Media, Navan, BPP, Varonis, and Orca Security. Its IAMOps platform automates the management of cloud and SaaS identities, enabling security teams to maintain minimum permissions at scale, reduce operational burdens, and minimize friction for end users. This acquisition not only enhances Okta's offerings but also integrates Axiom's employees into Okta's growing Israel development center, fostering innovation in cybersecurity.
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