Wiz: Google’s Boldest Bet Yet

Wiz-Google acquisition deepdive

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Rohit Malhotra
April 10, 2025

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Housekeeping

Today’s post is a little different.

Instead of our usual S1 deep dive, we’re spotlighting a massive merger: Wiz, the cybersecurity rocketship once headed toward an IPO, is being acquired by Alphabet in a jaw-dropping $32 billion deal.

Yes, you read that right—Wiz went from 0 to $32B in just five years.

In today’s breakdown, we’re unpacking:

  • Why Wiz ditched the IPO path

  • What this means for Google

  • How much early employees and investors are walking away with

Let’s dive into one of the biggest tech M&A stories in years.

M&A Deep Dive: Wiz

Introduction

The Wiz acquisition isn’t just another deal—it’s a monumental event in the tech world. At $32 billion, this all-cash transaction is Google’s largest acquisition ever, surpassing its $12.5 billion purchase of Motorola Mobility in 2012. To put it into perspective, this single acquisition is worth more than all of Google’s previous acquisitions combined. While the price tag represents only 1.6% of Google’s market cap, it signals an audacious bet on the future of cloud security and multi-cloud compatibility.

For Google, this isn’t merely about acquiring a cybersecurity platform—it’s about redefining its approach to cloud computing. The tech giant is doubling down on multicloud security as businesses increasingly adopt hybrid environments. Wiz’s ability to secure data across platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Oracle Cloud makes it an invaluable asset for Google Cloud as it seeks to close the revenue gap with competitors like AWS and Azure.

Wiz: A Multicloud Cybersecurity Powerhouse

Founded just five years ago, Wiz emerged with a clear mission: to simplify and secure multicloud environments for enterprises navigating increasingly complex digital ecosystems. At its core, Wiz provides visibility into cloud vulnerabilities and threats, empowering organizations to secure their data across multiple platforms seamlessly.

Wiz didn’t just enter the multicloud security market—it created a new standard for how enterprises approach cybersecurity in hybrid environments. Its platform combines cutting-edge technology with unparalleled scalability, enabling businesses to identify risks faster and more efficiently than ever before.

With annual recurring revenue nearing $1 billion and partnerships spanning major cloud providers, Wiz has become synonymous with innovation in cybersecurity. The company’s meteoric rise reflects its ability to address one of the most pressing challenges in tech today: securing data across fragmented cloud infrastructures.

This merger doesn’t just mark a new chapter for Wiz—it redefines what’s possible in cybersecurity innovation. With Google backing its vision, Wiz is poised to help shape the future of multicloud security while creating ripple effects across the tech landscape.

History

It was January 2020 when Assaf Rappaport and his cofounders—Yinon Costica, Roy Reznik, and Ami Luttwak—decided to take a leap. Fresh off their success with Adallom, a cloud security company acquired by Microsoft, they saw a glaring gap in the cybersecurity market: cloud security solutions were fragmented, siloed, and overly complex. Teams were forced to rely on niche products for containers, serverless functions, or virtual machines—none of which provided a unified view of their cloud environments. The four founders envisioned something radically different: a single platform that could secure everything in the cloud with simplicity and speed. That idea became Wiz.

The Early Days: Building the “Switzerland of Cloud Security”

Launching Wiz was no small feat. The team left comfortable roles at Microsoft to start from scratch, driven by the belief that cloud security needed a complete overhaul. They wanted to create what Rappaport called the “Switzerland of cloud security”—a solution that worked seamlessly across all major cloud platforms, including AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. Their vision wasn’t just about solving technical problems; it was about fostering collaboration between development and security teams in a way that hadn’t been done before.

Wiz’s early operations were scrappy but strategic. Operating out of a two-room office, the founders prioritized transparency and teamwork over hierarchy. Engineers sat next to product managers; sales teams worked directly with developers. This setup fostered rapid feedback loops between internal teams and customers, allowing Wiz to refine its product in real time. The result? A revolutionary agentless approach to cloud security that eliminated the need for cumbersome software installations while providing instant visibility into an organization’s entire cloud environment.

The Breakthrough

What set Wiz apart was its groundbreaking technology. Unlike traditional solutions that relied on agents—software pieces installed on individual servers—Wiz’s agentless platform connected directly via APIs to analyze entire cloud infrastructures in minutes. Using techniques like cloud image analysis and log file scanning, Wiz provided organizations with a comprehensive view of vulnerabilities and attack paths across their environments. This wasn’t just faster; it was smarter. Security teams could prioritize high-risk issues and understand how one vulnerability might trigger others.

The simplicity and effectiveness of Wiz’s approach made it an instant hit. Within 15 minutes of deployment, customers could see results—a “Christmas tree” of vulnerabilities lighting up their dashboards. This demoable product became a sales powerhouse, helping Wiz land deals with major enterprises across industries.

By mid-2022, Wiz had achieved what no other startup had done before: scaling from $1 million to $100 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) in just 18 months. By July 2024, ARR had surged past $500 million—a 103% year-over-year growth rate—with projections to hit $1 billion by 2025.

Compatibility Across Major Cloud Providers

Wiz’s compatibility with AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure was another key factor in its success. Organizations operating in multicloud environments found Wiz indispensable for managing security across disparate platforms without disrupting workflows or performance. Its unified console allowed teams to visualize risks across layers of their infrastructure—from code repositories to runtime environments—and address them collaboratively.

Acquisitions

To expand its capabilities further, Wiz made several strategic acquisitions:

  • Raftt: A developer collaboration platform acquired for $50 million in December 2023.

  • Gem Security: A cloud detection and response startup purchased for $350 million in April 2024.

  • Dazz: A risk management startup acquired for $450 million later that year.

These acquisitions helped Wiz evolve from a point solution into a comprehensive Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP), integrating features like vulnerability management, malware scanning, entitlement management, and runtime protection.

In just five years, Wiz transformed from an ambitious idea into one of the fastest-growing cybersecurity companies ever seen. By early 2025, it was used by half of Fortune 500 companies and had captured a 45% market share among these enterprises—a testament to its scalability and effectiveness.

Wiz’s meteoric rise culminated in its acquisition by Google for $32 billion—the largest cybersecurity deal in history. But its story is far from over. As part of Google Cloud, Wiz will continue shaping the future of multicloud security while empowering organizations worldwide to innovate safely in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

From four friends with a bold vision to redefining an entire industry, Wiz’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary—and it’s only just beginning.

Wiz GTM plan

Wiz didn’t just enter the cybersecurity market—it redefined how enterprises secure their multicloud environments. Its go-to-market strategy combines direct sales, online marketing, and industry partnerships to create a scalable, high-impact approach that drives adoption among Fortune 100 companies and beyond. Here’s how Wiz executes—and why it works.

Direct Sales

Wiz’s direct sales team isn’t just selling software—it’s selling solutions tailored to the unique challenges of enterprise customers. By deeply understanding customer pain points—like fragmented cloud infrastructures and visibility gaps—Wiz positions its platform as the answer to securing multicloud environments seamlessly.

This hands-on approach has helped Wiz land contracts with major players like Fox, LVMH, and Morgan Stanley. These deals aren’t just transactions—they’re long-term partnerships built on trust, customization, and measurable outcomes. The result? A growing roster of blue-chip clients that reinforce Wiz’s credibility as a leader in cloud security.

Online Marketing

Wiz leverages its website as a lead-generation powerhouse. Through SEO optimization, case studies, and product demos, the platform attracts high-intent traffic from enterprise security leaders—particularly CISOs (Chief Information Security Officers).

But Wiz doesn’t stop at inbound marketing. Its digital campaigns are laser-focused on large enterprises, using data-driven targeting to reach decision-makers where they spend their time. By combining thought leadership content with actionable insights, Wiz turns its online presence into a conversion engine that scales globally.

Industry Events & Partnerships

Wiz understands that trust is paramount in cybersecurity—and it builds that trust through active participation in industry events. By showcasing its platform at top conferences and forums, Wiz establishes itself as a thought leader while connecting directly with potential customers.

Its partnerships with cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) are equally critical. These integrations ensure Wiz’s platform fits seamlessly into existing enterprise workflows, reducing friction for adoption. For customers navigating hybrid environments, this compatibility is a game-changer—and a key reason why Wiz has become the go-to solution for multicloud security.

Wiz’s go-to-market strategy isn’t just about landing deals—it’s about creating a flywheel that compounds over time. Direct sales drive enterprise adoption. Online marketing scales lead generation globally. Industry partnerships reinforce credibility while expanding integrations. Together, these elements form a self-reinforcing loop that positions Wiz for sustained growth in the $726 billion cybersecurity market.

As Google integrates Wiz into its ecosystem, this strategy will only accelerate—bringing multicloud security to even more enterprises worldwide while setting new standards for how cybersecurity platforms scale effectively. Let’s see how far this flywheel spins!

Google's Strategic Rationale for Acquiring Wiz

Google’s acquisition of Wiz isn’t just a $32 billion transaction—it’s a calculated move to redefine its position in the cloud computing and cybersecurity sectors. This deal represents Google’s largest-ever acquisition, signaling the importance of cybersecurity in its broader strategy to compete with industry giants like AWS and Microsoft Azure, while diversifying beyond its core advertising business.

Strengthening Google Cloud’s Competitive Position

Google didn’t just acquire Wiz to bolster its security offerings—it bought a competitive edge. For years, Google Cloud has trailed AWS and Microsoft Azure in market share, particularly in enterprise adoption. While AWS dominates with its scale and breadth, and Azure benefits from deep integration with Microsoft’s enterprise tools, Google Cloud has struggled to stand out. The Wiz acquisition changes this dynamic.

Wiz is already trusted by over half of Fortune 100 companies for securing multicloud environments. Its agentless security platform scans cloud infrastructures across AWS, Azure, Oracle Cloud, and Google Cloud without requiring cumbersome installations. By integrating Wiz, Google can offer enterprises a seamless security solution that works across multiple cloud providers—a critical differentiator in an era where hybrid and multicloud strategies are becoming the norm.

This move positions Google Cloud as not just a provider of infrastructure but as a leader in multicloud security—an area where enterprises are increasingly investing as cyber threats escalate. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, emphasized this point: “Businesses and governments that run in the cloud are looking for even stronger security solutions and greater choice in cloud computing providers. Together, Google Cloud and Wiz will turbocharge improved cloud security and the ability to use multiple clouds.”

Leveraging Multicloud Capabilities

The heart of Wiz’s value lies in its multicloud compatibility. Unlike traditional acquisitions where products are folded into a single ecosystem, Google plans to keep Wiz operational across AWS, Azure, and Oracle Cloud platforms. This strategy is bold but necessary.

Multicloud environments are no longer optional—they’re essential for businesses seeking resilience, flexibility, and optimized performance. However, securing these fragmented infrastructures remains one of the biggest challenges for IT teams. Wiz solves this problem by providing visibility into vulnerabilities across all major clouds through its agentless scanning technology.

For Google, this isn’t just about capturing market share within its own ecosystem—it’s about expanding into non-Google Cloud environments. By offering Wiz’s solutions to customers using competing platforms, Google can tap into new revenue streams while positioning itself as a trusted partner in cybersecurity across the entire cloud landscape.

Artificial intelligence is transforming industries—but it’s also introducing new risks. AI-powered systems are increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyberattacks that exploit vulnerabilities unique to machine learning models and data pipelines. Wiz’s expertise in cloud-native security positions Google to tackle these emerging threats head-on.

Wiz’s AI-driven threat detection capabilities align perfectly with Google’s broader focus on artificial intelligence innovation. By integrating Wiz into its cloud infrastructure, Google can offer enterprises advanced tools to proactively identify vulnerabilities before they become breaches—a critical need as AI adoption accelerates globally.

This acquisition also enables Google to differentiate itself from competitors by combining AI with cybersecurity—a powerful combination that addresses both current risks and future challenges posed by evolving technologies.

Google’s Diversification Strategy

At its core, this acquisition reflects Alphabet’s long-term strategy to diversify beyond search engine advertising—a business that still accounts for three-quarters of its revenue but faces increasing regulatory scrutiny. Over the years, Alphabet has invested heavily in ventures like Waymo (self-driving technology) and Verily (healthcare), but none have delivered transformative financial returns yet.

Google Cloud represents Alphabet’s most promising avenue for diversification. The division grew 30% year-over-year in 2024, generating $12 billion in revenue—but it still lags behind AWS and Azure. Acquiring Wiz accelerates this growth trajectory by addressing one of the most pressing concerns for enterprises: cybersecurity.

The deal also complements previous acquisitions like Mandiant ($5.4 billion) and Siemplify ($500 million), creating an end-to-end security portfolio that spans threat intelligence, incident response, vulnerability management, and multicloud protection. Together with Wiz, these investments position Google Cloud as a leader not just in infrastructure but in enterprise-grade security solutions.

Google’s acquisition of Wiz marks a pivotal moment—not just for Alphabet but for the entire cloud industry. By doubling down on cybersecurity and multicloud capabilities, Google is signaling that it understands the evolving needs of modern enterprises better than ever before.

Why Wiz Ditched Its IPO Plans

Wiz was widely expected to go public as its next major milestone. With a meteoric rise to nearly $1 billion in annual recurring revenue (ARR) and a dominant position in multicloud cybersecurity, an IPO seemed like the natural next step. But instead, Wiz pivoted to an acquisition by Google—a decision driven by timing, opportunity, and strategic alignment.

Market Volatility

The tech IPO market has been anything but stable recently. Fluctuating valuations, rising interest rates, and increased regulatory scrutiny have made public offerings less attractive for even the most promising startups. Companies that went public in the last two years have faced steep declines in stock prices post-IPO, eroding investor confidence and creating uncertainty for employees holding equity.

For Wiz, the timing wasn’t ideal. While its growth metrics were strong, the broader market conditions posed risks. An IPO would have subjected Wiz to unpredictable stock performance and shareholder pressures that could detract from its long-term vision. The acquisition offered a safer and more lucrative path forward.

Stable Exit

An acquisition by Google provided a guaranteed payout for Wiz’s investors and employees—something an IPO couldn’t promise in today’s volatile market. For early backers like Insight Partners and Sequoia Capital, the $32 billion all-cash deal represented an extraordinary return on investment. Employees also benefited from immediate liquidity through stock buyouts and bonuses tied to the acquisition.

Unlike an IPO, which often requires employees to wait for lock-up periods to sell their shares, this deal ensured that everyone—from founders to junior staff—could capitalize on Wiz’s success without delay. It’s a win-win scenario: investors secure their returns, employees see instant rewards, and Wiz avoids the risks associated with public markets.

Total Funding Summary:

Round

Date

Amount Raised

Valuation

Lead Investors

Seed

Feb 2020

$21M

$67M

Cyberstarts, Index Ventures, Sequoia Capital

Series A

Dec 2020

$100M

Not disclosed

Index Ventures, Sequoia Capital

Series B

Apr-May 2021

$250M

$1.7B

Greenoaks Capital

Series C

Oct 2021

$250M

$6B

Greenoaks Capital

Secondary

Oct 2021

$100M

Not disclosed

G Squared

Series D

Feb 2023

$300M

$10.3B

Greenoaks Capital

Series E

May 2024

$1B

$12B

Andreessen Horowitz

What It Means for Employees

For Wiz employees, this acquisition is nothing short of transformative. Beyond immediate financial rewards, it opens doors to new opportunities within one of the world’s most influential tech companies.

Immediate Wealth Creation

The $32 billion all-cash deal delivers instant liquidity for employees, bypassing the volatility of public markets. Key highlights:

  • Early Employees (Pre-2021): The first 50 employees, often granted 0.1%–0.5% equity, could net $32M–$160M per person pre-tax. Even a modest 0.01% stake translates to $3.2M.

  • Series A Hires (2020–2021): Executives and VPs who joined during Wiz’s seed stage ($67M valuation) saw their equity multiply by ~500x post-dilution. A VP with 0.1% equity could pocket $32M.

  • Later-Stage Hires (Series C/D): Employees joining at Wiz’s $6B–$12B valuations still reaped significant rewards. A manager with 0.005% equity at Series D could earn $1.6M, assuming 50% vesting.

Tax strategy played a critical role. Early exercisers who bought shares at low 409A valuations (25–30% of preferred prices) minimized ordinary income taxes, converting gains into long-term capital gains (23.8% vs. 37%+).

Retention Bonuses & Equity Conversion

Google added a $1.5B retention pool to keep talent post-acquisition:

  • Senior engineers and leaders could receive $2M–$5M+ in cash bonuses.

  • Equity will convert to Google stock, aligning incentives with long-term growth.

  • Israeli employees (half of Wiz’s workforce) face unique tax implications but stand to inject millions into local economies via real estate and startups.

Investor Windfalls

The deal minted billionaires among Wiz’s backers:

  • Cyberstarts: Turned a $6.4M seed investment into $1.5B (200x returns).

  • Sequoia Capital: Netting $3B from its 10% stake.

  • Index Ventures: Cashing out $3.8B for its 12% ownership.

For context, Cyberstarts’ returns alone surpass most venture funds’ lifetime performance.

Key Insights:

  1. The founders’ ability to retain 20% equity through multiple funding rounds was critical in securing their collective $6.4 billion payout.

  2. Early investors like Cyberstarts achieved extraordinary returns, with their seed investment yielding over 200x ROI.

  3. Employees collectively earned nearly $5 billion from the acquisition, creating hundreds of millionaires within Wiz.

  4. The diverse cap table reflects strong investor confidence, with participation from top-tier VCs like Index Ventures, Sequoia Capital, and Andreessen Horowitz across multiple funding rounds.

Career Opportunities at Google

Beyond financial gains, employees gain access to:

  • AI Innovation: Working on cutting-edge projects like AI-driven threat detection and quantum-ready encryption.

  • Global Scale: Leveraging Google’s infrastructure to expand Wiz’s multicloud security tools.

  • Elite Talent: Collaborating with top engineers and researchers in cybersecurity and cloud computing.

Wiz’s decision to pivot from IPO to acquisition reflects its commitment to long-term success over short-term gains. By choosing stability over market volatility and aligning with Google’s strategic vision, Wiz has positioned itself—and its employees—for a future of accelerated growth and innovation.

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Challenges and Risks

Google’s $32 billion acquisition of Wiz is a bold move, but it comes with its fair share of challenges and risks. From regulatory scrutiny to integration hurdles and valuation concerns, this deal is far from a guaranteed success. Here’s a closer look at the obstacles Google faces as it attempts to bring Wiz into its fold.

Regulatory Hurdles

Before Google can finalize the acquisition, it must navigate a maze of regulatory approvals. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and international bodies like the European Commission are expected to scrutinize the deal closely.

The primary concern? Market concentration in cloud services. Regulators are increasingly wary of Big Tech consolidating power, particularly in sectors like cybersecurity, where competition is critical to innovation. Google is already under antitrust investigation for its advertising practices, and this acquisition could add fuel to the fire. Critics worry that integrating Wiz into Google Cloud might give Google an unfair advantage, potentially limiting access to Wiz’s multicloud security solutions for competitors like AWS and Microsoft Azure23.

Recent regulatory actions—like the DOJ’s blockage of HPE’s $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks—highlight the unpredictability of these reviews. Google will need to proactively engage regulators, provide detailed justifications, and possibly offer concessions to ensure approval. Failure to do so could result in delays or even derailment of the deal26.

Integration Risks

Google’s track record with major acquisitions raises questions about its ability to integrate Wiz effectively. The Motorola Mobility debacle serves as a cautionary tale: acquired for $12.5 billion in 2012, Motorola was sold just two years later for $2.9 billion after failing to deliver on its promises5. Analysts attributed the failure to poor integration planning and misaligned strategic goals.

With Wiz, the stakes are even higher. The startup operates across multiple cloud platforms—AWS, Azure, Oracle Cloud—and many customers rely on this multicloud compatibility. Migrating Wiz’s backend onto Google Cloud Platform (GCP) could alienate existing customers who prefer non-Google environments4. Additionally, retaining Wiz’s entrepreneurial culture within Google’s structured corporate environment will be critical for maintaining innovation velocity.

To mitigate these risks, Google has reportedly allocated $1 billion in retention bonuses to ensure key talent stays onboard post-acquisition4. However, balancing integration with customer satisfaction and cultural preservation remains a complex challenge.

High Valuation Pressure

At $32 billion, this acquisition is one of the most expensive bets ever made in the cybersecurity sector. Wiz’s annual recurring revenue (ARR) is estimated at $700 million—meaning Google paid an astonishing revenue-to-enterprise value multiple ranging from 45x to 65x8. For context, most acquisitions in this space hover around 10x ARR multiples.

Critics argue that such a high valuation sets unrealistic expectations for returns. Wiz is not yet profitable, and its ability to generate significant revenue growth will depend on how well Google integrates its services into GCP while maintaining compatibility with other cloud platforms8. If Wiz fails to attract new enterprise clients or boost security confidence among existing customers, this deal could be viewed as an overreach rather than a strategic masterstroke.

On paper, the acquisition positions Google Cloud as a leader in multicloud security—a critical differentiator as businesses adopt hybrid environments. But whether this translates into tangible market gains remains uncertain. The pressure is on Google to prove that this investment will help close the competitive gap with AWS and Microsoft Azure while delivering long-term value68.

Google’s acquisition of Wiz represents both opportunity and risk. While it has the potential to redefine cloud security and bolster Google Cloud’s market position, it also exposes Google to significant challenges—from regulatory scrutiny to integration complexities and valuation skepticism.

Market Opportunity

The global cybersecurity market is entering a transformative phase—driven by the rapid adoption of multicloud architectures, the proliferation of AI technologies, and the escalating frequency of sophisticated cyber threats. While traditional security solutions remain critical, the broader opportunity lies in securing hybrid environments, addressing AI-specific vulnerabilities, and expanding into adjacent verticals like compliance automation and data governance.

Multicloud Security

Hybrid and multicloud architectures are no longer optional—they’re essential for businesses seeking resilience, flexibility, and optimized performance. By 2025, 85% of enterprises are expected to operate in multicloud environments, up from 76% in 2024. However, this shift has created a fragmented attack surface that legacy security tools struggle to address. Key challenges include:

  • Complexity: Managing security across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and Oracle Cloud requires unified solutions that provide visibility without adding operational overhead.

  • Visibility Gaps: Nearly 63% of organizations report difficulties in monitoring vulnerabilities across multiple cloud platforms.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Data sovereignty laws like GDPR and CCPA demand consistent security measures across jurisdictions.

Wiz’s agentless multicloud security platform is uniquely positioned to address these challenges. By scanning entire cloud infrastructures in minutes without requiring software installations, Wiz provides unparalleled visibility into vulnerabilities and attack paths across hybrid environments. This capability has already made Wiz a trusted partner for over half of Fortune 100 companies—a testament to the growing demand for scalable multicloud solutions.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries—but it’s also creating new risks. By 2025, AI-driven cyberattacks are expected to account for 35% of breaches, up from just 12% in 2023. These attacks exploit vulnerabilities unique to AI systems, including:

  • Data Poisoning: Manipulating training datasets to compromise machine learning models.

  • Adversarial Attacks: Exploiting weaknesses in AI algorithms to bypass detection systems.

  • Deepfake Social Engineering: Using AI-generated voice or video impersonations to deceive victims.

At the same time, AI offers powerful tools for defense:

  • Predictive Threat Detection: Wiz’s AI models analyze billions of data points to identify vulnerabilities with over 92% accuracy, enabling proactive mitigation.

  • Automated Response Systems: AI-driven workflows neutralize threats in real time, reducing containment times from days to seconds.

  • Behavioral Anomaly Detection: Advanced algorithms flag suspicious activity across multicloud APIs and workloads.

Google’s acquisition of Wiz positions it at the forefront of this evolving cybersecurity landscape. By integrating Wiz’s expertise with its own AI capabilities, Google is uniquely equipped to tackle emerging threats while driving innovation in AI-powered security solutions.

Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting data—it’s about enabling trust and compliance across digital ecosystems. As businesses embrace automation and digital transformation, several adjacent verticals present significant growth opportunities:

Compliance Automation

With regulatory frameworks becoming increasingly complex, automated compliance tools are projected to become a $10 billion market by 2030. Wiz’s ability to provide real-time compliance monitoring across multicloud environments positions it as a leader in this space.

Securing sensitive data isn’t just about preventing breaches—it’s about ensuring proper usage and access controls. The global market for data governance solutions is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19%, reaching $15 billion by 2030.

As quantum computing advances, traditional encryption methods will become obsolete. Wiz’s research into quantum-ready encryption technologies aligns with Google’s broader focus on next-gen computing.

Total Addressable Market (TAM): $726 Billion

The cybersecurity industry is evolving rapidly—and its TAM reflects this expansion. Beyond core multicloud security ($18.4 billion), several adjacent categories offer additional monetization potential:

  • AI Governance: Tools for auditing machine learning models and ensuring ethical AI deployment.

  • Zero Trust Architectures: Identity-centric frameworks that eliminate implicit trust within networks.

  • Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPP): Integrated solutions combining vulnerability management, runtime protection, entitlement controls, and malware detection.

Wiz’s acquisition by Google positions it as a cornerstone of this broader ecosystem. With projected annual recurring revenue (ARR) exceeding $1 billion by 2026, Wiz is poised not only to dominate multicloud security but also to expand into these high-growth segments.

The cybersecurity landscape is shifting—from siloed tools addressing individual risks to integrated platforms securing entire ecosystems. As hybrid environments become the norm and AI adoption accelerates, businesses need partners they can trust to navigate this complexity safely.

Google’s acquisition of Wiz isn’t just about solving today’s problems—it’s about building the infrastructure for tomorrow’s digital economy. With durable moats built on multicloud compatibility, AI innovation, and customer trust, Wiz is redefining what enterprise security looks like in an era of relentless technological change.

How Wiz Will Operate Within Google Cloud

Wiz’s integration into Google Cloud marks a strategic shift—not toward exclusivity, but toward enhancing multicloud security capabilities while preserving its platform-agnostic nature. Here’s how Wiz will function within Google Cloud and what this means for enterprises:

Maintaining Multicloud Compatibility

Wiz’s multicloud architecture is one of its defining strengths, and Google intends to preserve this compatibility. The platform will continue to support AWS, Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), and legacy VMware environments alongside Google Cloud. This ensures that enterprises operating hybrid or multicloud infrastructures can leverage Wiz’s security solutions without disruption.

  • Neutral Security Posture: Unlike AWS and Azure, which emphasize single-cloud lock-in, Google is positioning itself as the enabler of multicloud strategies. Wiz’s agentless scanning technology connects seamlessly via APIs to analyze entire cloud environments in minutes—regardless of the underlying infrastructure.

  • Customer Retention Across Clouds: By keeping Wiz platform-agnostic, Google can attract customers who rely on competing cloud providers while reinforcing its reputation as a multicloud-friendly vendor.

Integration with Google Cloud Services

While Wiz retains its independence across clouds, its integration into Google Cloud unlocks new synergies:

  • Unified Security Platform: Wiz will combine its Cloud Security Platform with Google Security Operations (formerly Chronicle) to create a next-generation security dashboard that spans code development, CI/CD pipelines, runtime environments, and infrastructure layers.

  • Enhanced Kubernetes Support: Leveraging Wiz’s expertise in containerized workloads, Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) will offer deeper visibility into serverless applications and AI workflows.

  • AI-Powered Threat Detection: By integrating Wiz’s security graph with Vertex AI, enterprises gain predictive analytics that identify vulnerabilities before they’re exploited.

This hybrid approach balances operational autonomy with strategic alignment—allowing Wiz to scale independently while benefiting from Google’s resources and reach.

Potential Innovations from the Merger

The merger between Wiz and Google isn’t just about scaling existing capabilities—it’s about redefining the future of cloud security through innovation. Here are some of the advancements we can expect:

1. AI-Driven Threat Intelligence

Combining Wiz’s attack path analysis with Google’s AI expertise will yield groundbreaking tools for proactive defense:

  • Predictive Risk Modeling: Using machine learning to simulate breach scenarios across multicloud environments, enabling enterprises to mitigate threats before they materialize.

  • Automated Remediation: AI agents will autonomously apply least-privilege fixes, reducing human error and accelerating response times from days to seconds.

  • Generative AI for Security Teams: Natural language queries like “Show me all exposed databases with PII” will deliver instant insights, democratizing access to complex security data.

2. Code-to-Cloud Hardening

Wiz’s ability to correlate vulnerabilities back to the code that created them aligns perfectly with Google’s developer-first philosophy:

  • Secure Development Pipelines: Developers receive real-time feedback on code risks within their IDEs, enabling secure coding practices from the start.

  • 1-Click Fixes: Automated pull requests in version control systems streamline remediation workflows—bridging the gap between DevOps and SecOps teams.

3. Runtime Protection at Scale

Wiz’s runtime protection capabilities will integrate with Google’s infrastructure to deliver real-time threat detection across containers, serverless functions, and virtual machines:

  • Deep Contextual Analysis: Combining runtime data with Wiz’s security graph provides actionable insights into high-priority risks.

  • Cloud-Native Defense Mechanisms: Enhanced protection against emerging threats targeting AI models and generative AI pipelines.

4. Democratized Security Ownership

Google plans to expand Wiz Projects—a framework that groups cloud resources based on ownership—to enable role-based access control (RBAC) for enterprise teams:

  • Team-Specific Risk Management: Each department or project team can own its risks while collaborating on shared priorities across the organization.

  • Custom Access Frameworks: Enterprises gain granular control over who can view or remediate specific vulnerabilities within their cloud environments.

The integration of Wiz into Google Cloud represents a paradigm shift in how enterprises approach cybersecurity in multicloud environments. By preserving Wiz’s platform independence while embedding its capabilities into Google’s broader ecosystem, this merger creates a unified security solution tailored for the complexities of modern IT infrastructures.

From predictive AI tools to developer-centric workflows and runtime protection at scale, the innovations emerging from this partnership have the potential to redefine cloud security standards globally. For enterprises navigating hybrid environments or adopting generative AI technologies, this collaboration offers unmatched visibility, automation, and trust.

Closing thoughts

The Wiz-Google merger is a landmark moment in the tech and cybersecurity industries, showcasing the incredible potential of startups to scale rapidly and redefine markets. For Wiz employees, it represents life-changing financial rewards and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects within Google Cloud. For investors, it’s a liquidity event that will go down as one of the most successful venture outcomes in history. And for Google, it’s a bold move to secure its position as a leader in multicloud security and AI-driven cybersecurity innovation.

Wiz’s growth trajectory is unprecedented, and the chances of joining a startup with such an extraordinary exit are close to zero. That doesn’t mean working at startups isn’t worthwhile. If you love the mission, believe in the team, and enjoy the journey, startups can be incredibly rewarding. Just don’t bank on your equity turning into millions—it’s the exception, not the rule.

That said, Wiz’s exit sends a powerful signal to the software industry: liquidity is back. This single acquisition represents nearly one-third of all venture distributions in 2023—a much-needed boost for VCs and a reminder of what’s possible when innovation meets execution. For employees, investors, and Google alike, this deal is transformative.

Here is my interview with Ilya Drozdov, the CEO at Dwelly, an AI-enabled Lettings & Property Management Marketplace, that boosts 3x margins of the letting agency in 2 months only. He previously co-founded the largest tech-enabled letting company in Eastern Europe that managed 10,000+ properties and reached $50M GMV in three years.

In this conversation, Ilya and I discuss:

  • What was the expansion playbook that Uber used for new cities?

  • How does Dwelly’s platform differ from traditional letting and property management solutions?

  • Is simplicity always better in product design?

  • When should data be used over intuition in product building?

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