Top Cybersecurity Private Equity Firms

The intersection of cybersecurity and private equity has become one of the most dynamic and strategically important areas of global investment. As cyberattacks, ransomware, and phishing attacks continue to rise, private equity firms are no longer viewing cybersecurity merely as a technical safeguard, but as a central pillar of value protection and growth.

In recent years, cyber incidents targeting both PE firms and their portfolio companies have highlighted the need for robust cybersecurity programs, security protocols, and a strong cybersecurity posture.

Investors now recognize that effective risk assessment, incident response, and information security management can directly influence valuation, operational stability, and regulatory compliance.

In this article, we highlight ten of the most active and influential cybersecurity private equity firms worldwide, their investment strategies, and how they help companies strengthen their defenses, reduce risks, and scale successfully in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

1. Thoma Bravo

Founded in 2008, Thoma Bravo is widely regarded as the global leader in cybersecurity investments. The private equity firm’s portfolio includes some of the most recognizable names in the sector, such as Proofpoint, SailPoint, Sophos, and Barracuda Networks, each playing a major role in defending enterprises against ransomware attacks, phishing, and evolving cyber threats.

The firm has built a reputation for helping portfolio companies’ cybersecurity operations mature through structured cybersecurity programs, risk assessment, and performance-focused transformation.

By combining capital with strategic oversight, Thoma Bravo ensures its companies maintain strong cybersecurity foundations, comply with regulatory requirements, and develop long-term resilience against data breaches and cyberattacks.

2. Silver Lake

Silver Lake is one of the most established equity firms globally, known for technology and information security investments. With past stakes in Symantec and McAfee, Silver Lake has consistently helped global enterprises manage cybersecurity risks through innovation and scale.

The firm’s approach to cybersecurity emphasizes operational modernization, advanced incident response planning, and improved cyber risk management across its holdings.

As private equity firms often rely on digital transformation to boost value, Silver Lake integrates cybersecurity strategy as part of every company’s broader transformation roadmap, ensuring they can reduce risks from potential vulnerabilities or cyberattack.

3. Option3

Option3 is a specialized private equity and venture platform focused exclusively on cybersecurity and national-security technology. Led by cyber-defense veterans, the firm invests in companies that align with U.S. and allied security priorities, including Zero Trust architecture, cyber-insurance, and threat analytics.

The firm’s investment philosophy centers on helping companies build a cybersecurity program that meets the highest government and enterprise standards.

Option3’s cybersecurity team works closely with founders to enhance security measures, strengthen incident response capabilities, and develop cyber insurance strategies to mitigate exposure to financial loss from cyber incidents.

4. Crosspoint Capital Partners

Crosspoint Capital Partners combines deep technical expertise with investment experience to back companies driving innovation in cybersecurity, privacy, and infrastructure protection. Its portfolio includes leading security firms such as ForgeRock and Forescout, which develop enterprise identity management and network security platforms.

The firm invests heavily in improving each portfolio company’s cybersecurity status and security protocols, helping them comply with regulatory compliance standards across multiple jurisdictions.

Crosspoint also assists in developing incident response frameworks, enhancing information security operations, and embedding cyber risk management into board-level strategy.

5. Vista Equity Partners

Vista Equity Partners is a global software-focused private equity firm with a strong presence in cybersecurity. Its portfolio includes companies such as Sonatype and Ping Identity, both leaders in software supply-chain and identity security.

Vista invests in enterprise and infrastructure software companies that can scale through technology modernization and operational excellence. Its approach blends capital investment with analytics-driven improvement across sales, engineering, and go-to-market strategies.

6. Insight Partners

Insight Partners is one of the world’s most active growth equity firms investing in cybersecurity. With notable stakes in Darktrace, Armis Security, and Wiz, the firm supports innovative companies developing AI-driven threat detection and incident response platforms.

Insight Partners recognizes that cybersecurity for private equity firms is both a governance requirement and a value driver.

It helps its portfolio companies design cybersecurity programs, recruit experienced cybersecurity teams, and adopt enterprise-grade security measures that improve their overall cybersecurity posture. This ensures long-term scalability while maintaining a proactive defense against cyberattacks.

7. Apax Partners

Apax Partners has invested in numerous technology and information security companies globally. The firm takes a hands-on approach to improving its portfolio companies’ cybersecurity infrastructure, emphasizing risk assessment, incident response, and cyber insurance as core operational priorities.

Recognizing that cybersecurity challenges can directly affect enterprise valuation, Apax collaborates with management teams to implement cybersecurity protocols, strengthen security measures, and improve organizational cyber resilience.

Its expertise helps mid-market companies adopt robust cybersecurity frameworks that align with both regulatory compliance and investor expectations.

8. KKR

KKR is among the largest global private equity firms, with extensive experience in technology and cybersecurity investments. The firm has backed companies such as Optiv and NetSPI, leaders in penetration testing, vulnerability management, and cyber risk consulting.

KKR works closely with its portfolio companies to assess their cybersecurity status, develop incident response plans, and embed cybersecurity protocols across the organization.

By integrating cyber risk management into governance structures, the firm ensures its holdings can identify and neutralize threats before they result in data breaches or operational disruption.

9. CVC Capital Partners

CVC Capital Partners operates globally and has an increasing focus on cybersecurity and information security technology. Through its investment in Acronis, a global data-protection leader, CVC has reinforced its commitment to strengthening companies’ cybersecurity capabilities.

CVC helps firms and their portfolio companies enhance cybersecurity programs, conduct regular risk assessments, and address vulnerabilities in infrastructure that hackers might exploit. The firm’s approach to cybersecurity combines investment discipline with proactive incident response and long-term risk mitigation strategies.

10. Harvest Partners

Harvest Partners is a mid-market private equity firm known for its investment in Fortra (formerly HelpSystems), a global leader in data protection, ransomware defense, and information security software.

The firm partners with management to manage cybersecurity across its holdings through continuous cyber risk evaluation, incident response planning, and employee training against social engineering and phishing attacks.

Its emphasis on robust cybersecurity measures helps both the firm and its portfolio companies maintain high resilience, regulatory readiness, and investor confidence.

Let’s Recap: Cybersecurity for Private Equity

Cybersecurity has become a defining investment theme for private equity and venture capital worldwide. As cyber attacks become more sophisticated and digital ecosystems grow more complex, firms must adopt a proactive approach that strengthens every stage of the security lifecycle, from prevention and detection to remediation and resilience.

Investors are increasingly focusing on scalable, resilient, and data-driven security platforms that enhance the capabilities of the companies they back. Through targeted acquisition strategies, outsourcing of specialized functions, and hands-on operational support, equity firms and their portfolio companies are working together to fortify their security posture and minimize exposure to systems that are vulnerable to attacks.

From large-cap players like Thoma Bravo and KKR to growth-oriented specialists like Option3 Ventures and Crosspoint Capital, these firms are shaping the future of digital protection through capital, expertise, and global partnerships that improve operational defenses and accelerate innovation.

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