Google is in talks to acquire Wiz, a cybersecurity start-up, according to several major news outlets including the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, CNN, and the New York Times. The Google acquisition would be their largest ever, at about $23 billion. Wiz is now valued at $12 billion.
The reports were based on information from three unidentified sources who are familiar with the proposed Google acquisition but aren’t authorized to speak publicly.
According to the New York Times, the appeal of Wiz to Google is likely for its ability to bolster Google’s cloud computing division, which their report described as lagging behind Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. The story also pointed out that any potential deal could run afoul of government regulators.
Wiz’s website states that more than 40% of the Fortune 100 companies are Wiz customers. Its client list includes Priceline, Chipotle, REI, BMW, Fox, Slack, Siemens, Shell, Colgate-Palmolive and Experian.
The company offers agentless scanning, foundational risk assessment, graph visualization, proactive focus on toxic combinations, cloud detection and response, advanced controls and advanced workflow. It provides a threat center and automation and developer tools.
Wiz was founded in Israel in 2020 and now is headquartered in New York City. It reported $350 million in annual recurring revenue.
The need for higher security in cloud environments — as evidenced by the proposed Google acquisition of Wiz — continues to grow. Late last month, for instance, Motorola and Google Cloud announced an agreement under which they will bring generative AI technology to a new generation of razr smartphones. It will start with the razr+ and the razr 50 ultra.
In February 2023, Google Cloud introduced the Telecom Network Automation, Telecom Data Fabric and Telecom Subscriber Insights products. The goal is to help communications service providers digitize their networks.
