What's Happening?
Cybersecurity company Torq has successfully raised $140 million in a Series D funding round, elevating its valuation to $1.2 billion. The funding round was led by Merlin Ventures, a fund with a focus on U.S. federal markets, and included participation from existing investors such as Insight Partners and Bessemer Venture Partners. Torq, founded in 2020, specializes in developing platforms for managing security operations centers using autonomous AI agents. The company has experienced rapid growth, reporting a 300% increase in revenue in 2025, and now employs over 350 people globally. With this new funding, Torq plans to expand its workforce by 200 employees in 2026 and enhance its presence in the U.S. federal and public-sector markets.
Why It's Important?
The significant
investment in Torq underscores the growing demand for advanced cybersecurity solutions, particularly those leveraging AI to automate and enhance security operations. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, organizations are increasingly turning to AI-driven platforms to manage and protect their digital assets. Torq's expansion into the U.S. federal market is particularly noteworthy, as it suggests a strategic move to address the complex regulatory and compliance needs of critical infrastructure protection. This development could have substantial implications for the cybersecurity landscape, potentially setting new standards for AI integration in security operations.
What's Next?
Following the funding round, Torq is poised to accelerate its global expansion and deepen its penetration into the U.S. federal market. The partnership with Merlin Ventures is expected to facilitate this growth, leveraging Merlin's expertise in navigating the regulatory environment of federal cybersecurity procurement. As Torq scales its operations, it will likely focus on adapting its AI-driven platform to meet the specific needs of public-sector clients, potentially influencing future cybersecurity policies and practices.
