Alphabet Inc. Acquires Wiz Inc. for Record $32 Billion

Alphabet Inc. announced on March 18 that it will acquire the cloud-security startup Wiz Inc. in an all-cash transaction valued at $32 billion. Expected to close in 2026, the deal represents the most expensive purchase in the company's history and the largest cybersecurity acquisition to date, including a $3.5 billion termination fee.

The acquisition follows a previous attempt by Alphabet Inc. in early 2024. CEO Sundar Pichai initiated the pursuit via email at that time, but Wiz Inc. CEO Assaf Rappaport declined a $23 billion offer to instead pursue an initial public offering. The startup, founded by four veterans of the Israel Defense Forces' 8200 unit, grew to $350 million in annual recurring revenue within four years by providing simplified tools for scanning cloud vulnerabilities.

Approximately 2,000 Wiz Inc. employees will transition to Alphabet Inc. The sale provides substantial returns for the founders and early investors, including Sequoia Capital and Index Ventures.