Palo Alto Networks has announced the acquisition of Console, an AI-native startup that enables agentic workflows for enterprise operations. The deal, valued at $500 million in cash and stock according to people familiar with the matter, marks another step in the cybersecurity leader's expansion into autonomous security. The company said Console will be integrated into its Cortex platform to help customers resolve alerts and issues at machine speed.
Strategic Vision for Autonomous Security
The acquisition reflects a broader push by Palo Alto Networks to move beyond dashboards and ticket queues toward software that can act independently. Company Chairman and CEO Nikesh Arora said security operations should allow customers to discuss data directly and build agentic workflows in natural language. He described the shift as giving the platform the arms and legs to deliver autonomous security outcomes across the enterprise.
Console's Origins and Funding Background
Console was founded in 2024 by Andrei Serban and quickly raised $29 million across two funding rounds. Thrive Capital led a $6.2 million seed round, while DST Global and Thrive co-led a $23 million Series A. Before the sale, Console was valued at $157 million according to PitchBook, and its backers included SV Angel, Abstract Ventures, and Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora as an angel investor.
How Console Works in Practice
Console focuses on applying AI-driven analysis and action to routine operational tasks, allowing enterprises to handle alerts and requests at machine speed. Its technology automates functions such as password resets, application access grants for tools like Figma and Miro, and routine troubleshooting without direct human involvement. The company's customers have included Ramp, Flock Safety, and Scale AI, demonstrating early traction among fast-growing technology firms.
Cortex Integration and Expected Impact
Palo Alto Networks plans to integrate Console into Cortex, its platform that uses AI to detect and neutralize threats automatically. The added agentic capabilities are expected to help security teams investigate signals, prioritize work, and take action across their environment with greater speed. The company believes this integration will give customers a direct conversation with data while enabling natural language workflows that alert and remediate issues automatically.
Competitive Landscape and Deal Context
Before the acquisition, Console competed with Serval, another startup automating IT service management and other enterprise functions. Serval reached a $1 billion valuation after raising $75 million in a Series B round led by Sequoia in December 2025. With Console now part of Palo Alto Networks, industry observers may focus more attention on Serval as a leading independent player in the category.
Accelerating Acquisition Strategy
Console is the seventh acquisition made by Palo Alto Networks in 2026, according to PitchBook data cited by TechCrunch. Other notable transactions this year include the purchase of observability platform Chronosphere at a valuation of $3.35 billion and cyber startup Koi for $400 million. The pace highlights the company's determination to strengthen its AI-driven security portfolio through targeted acquisitions.
By acquiring Console for $500 million, Palo Alto Networks is betting that agentic AI will become central to how enterprise security teams operate. The integration into Cortex is intended to replace manual ticket management with autonomous workflows that resolve issues more efficiently. As the cybersecurity giant continues its aggressive acquisition strategy, the Console deal signals a clear commitment to delivering software-as-agent capabilities to large enterprises worldwide.