Security Startup Torq Raises Cash at $1.2 Billion Valuation

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Tel Aviv, Israel — January 12, 2026 — Israeli cybersecurity innovator Torq has successfully closed a $140 million Series D funding round, pushing its valuation to $1.2 billion and cementing its status as a high-growth unicorn in the global security technology sector.

The round was led by Merlin Ventures, a prominent investor with deep ties to U.S. federal markets, and included continued support from existing backers such as Evolution Equity Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners, Notable Capital, Insight Venture Partners, and Greenfield Partners.

AI-Driven Security Operations at the Forefront

Torq’s rise reflects the escalating corporate demand for advanced cybersecurity solutions that harness artificial intelligence and automation. The company’s AI-powered Security Operations Center (SOC) platform uses autonomous AI agents to streamline workflows, reduce manual workloads, and accelerate threat detection and response across diverse enterprise environments.

Unlike traditional security tools that rely on manual analysis and static playbooks, Torq’s platform integrates automation, AI reasoning, and hyperautomation to adapt dynamically to evolving threats. This approach enables enterprises to automate millions of security actions daily, freeing human analysts to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine tasks.

Strategic Expansion and Market Momentum

Since its founding in 2020, Torq has raised $332 million in total funding, demonstrating robust investor confidence in its technology and growth trajectory. The latest investment will support expansion into the U.S. market, deepen enterprise adoption, and accelerate development of next-generation security solutions.

In 2025 alone, Torq saw significant adoption of its platform among major multinational corporations — including Marriott, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Siemens, Uber, and Virgin Atlantic — highlighting broad enterprise trust in its AI capabilities. Torq Raises Cash at $1.2 Billion Valuation

Leadership Vision and Industry Impact

Torq’s CEO and co-founder, Ofer Smadari, described the funding milestone not only as a capital achievement but as a strategic leap toward redefining how corporate security operations are built and managed. By prioritizing agentic AI workflows, Torq aims to shift security teams from reactive responders to proactive strategists.

Merlin Ventures managing partner Shay Michel echoed this view, noting that Torq’s combination of automation and intelligent decision-making positions the company to tackle “asymmetric threats at scale” — a critical priority for global enterprises and public sector organizations alike.

The Broader Cybersecurity Landscape

The funding round underscores a wider trend in the cybersecurity industry: enterprises are increasingly investing in AI-first, automated defense systems as threats grow in complexity and volume. With legacy SOC tools often overburdened and resource-intensive, platforms that provide autonomous threat triage and response are rapidly becoming strategic priorities.

As the cybersecurity market continues to expand, Torq’s success signals strong investor belief in AI-driven security operations as a defining frontier for corporate defense strategies.