From TechCrunch · Marina Temkin · · 1 min
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.
In brief
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 is aggressively acquiring AI startups to turn threat detection into fully autonomous enterprise action. Originally reported by TechCrunch.
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.”
Here's the gist
Palo Alto Networks is aggressively acquiring AI startups to turn threat detection into fully autonomous enterprise action.
