# Palo Alto Networks Snaps Up AI Startup Console for $500M

> Palo Alto Networks acquired two-year-old AI agent startup Console for $500 million to bring autonomous execution to its Cortex platform.
- Title: Palo Alto Networks Snaps Up AI Startup Console for $500M
- Summary: Palo Alto Networks acquired two-year-old AI agent startup Console for $500 million to bring autonomous execution to its Cortex platform. Palo Alto Networks…
- Keywords: cybersecurity, ai agents, startups, mergers and acquisitions, palo alto networks, technology, Palo, Alto, Networks, Snaps, Startup, Console
- Source: TechCrunch — https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/02/palo-alto-networks-paid-500m-for-thrive-backed-console-sources-say
- Author: Marina Temkin
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cybersecurity, ai agents, startups, mergers and acquisitions, palo alto networks, technology
## Palo Alto acquires Console for $500M
Palo Alto Networks paid $500 million in cash and stock to acquire Console, a two-year-old startup automating routine IT help desk tasks with AI agents.

> Palo Alto Networks paid $500 million in cash and stock to acquire Console, a two-year-old startup that uses AI agents to automate routine IT help desk tasks
## Big returns for early backers
Console was previously valued at $157 million after raising $29 million from investors including Thrive Capital, DST Global, and Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora.

> Before the sale, Console was valued at $157 million, according to PitchBook, delivering a rapid return for investors
## Powering autonomous security responses
Console will be integrated into Palo Alto's Cortex platform, allowing security teams to investigate and resolve threats using natural language commands.

> giving Cortex “the arms and legs to deliver autonomous security outcomes across the entire enterprise,” as Arora described
## Automating routine enterprise workflows
Console automates tasks like password resets and access grants for tools like Figma and Miro without human intervention, serving clients like Ramp and Scale AI.
## Cybersecurity giant continues M&A streak
Console is Palo Alto Networks' seventh acquisition in 2026, following major purchases like observability platform Chronosphere for $3.35 billion.

> Console is Palo Alto Networks’ seventh acquisition in 2026, according to PitchBook.
## Key takeaway

Palo Alto Networks is aggressively acquiring AI startups to turn threat detection into fully autonomous enterprise action.