With a deal estimated at $500 million, Palo Alto Networks has purchased AI startup Console, aiming to accelerate its AI-powered automation for IT support roles.
Console Joins Palo Alto Networks’ Expanding AI Portfolio
Sources close to the matter revealed that the acquisition was structured as a combination of cash and stock. The official announcement came on Tuesday, although the financial specifics were not disclosed publicly. Founded in 2024, Console quickly distinguished itself by developing AI agents capable of automating standard IT help desk processes—including software access, password resets, and troubleshooting—frequently eliminating the need for human involvement.
Over only two years, Console secured $29 million in capital, beginning with a $6.2 million seed round led by Thrive Capital, followed by a $23 million Series A round from DST Global and Thrive. By its acquisition, PitchBook valued Console privately at $157 million, delivering notable returns to early investors. Its funding roster featured SV Angel, Abstract Ventures, and an angel investment from Nikesh Arora, CEO of Palo Alto Networks.
Strengthening Cortex with Console’s AI Automation
Palo Alto Networks will integrate Console’s technology directly into the Cortex platform, which uses AI to proactively spot and mitigate cyber threats. Company statements from Arora emphasized that Console’s sophisticated agentic systems will enable security teams to rely on natural language commands to investigate and remediate alerts—empowering Cortex to “deliver autonomous security outcomes across the entire enterprise” with enhanced efficiency.
Console was founded by Andrei Serban, who sold his previous company Fuzzbuzz to Rippling. During its independent operations, Console counted Ramp, Flock Safety, and Scale AI among its clients, catering to organizations eager to delegate repetitive IT service tasks to AI-driven solutions.
Rivalry and Industry Growth
In the rapidly growing IT automation sector, Console faced stiff competition from Serval. Serval disrupted incumbents like ServiceNow by reaching a $1 billion valuation after its $75 million Series B led by Sequoia in December 2025. This competitor began with AI-based tech support and quickly expanded to automate functions across HR, legal, and finance, leading industry observers to cite Serval as the most promising contender following this acquisition.
PitchBook notes that this transaction marks Palo Alto Networks’ seventh acquisition in 2026. So far this year, the company has added Chronosphere—a platform supported by Greylock and Lux Capital and valued at $3.35 billion—as well as Koi, a cyber-focused startup with backing from Battery Ventures and Team8, acquired for $400 million.
Palo Alto Networks has opted not to share further details regarding its approach to integrating Console or plans for its AI investment strategy. This string of acquisitions highlights the heightened competition among major cybersecurity players to arm their enterprise tools with advanced artificial intelligence.