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NightDragon

North America, California, United States, San Francisco

Description

NightDragon is a prominent investment and advisory firm headquartered in San Francisco, California, specializing in the cybersecurity, safety, security, and privacy sectors. Co-founded by cybersecurity veteran Dave DeWalt, the firm distinguishes itself by not only providing capital but also offering deep operational expertise and strategic guidance to its portfolio companies. Their approach is highly hands-on, leveraging a vast network of industry leaders and former executives to accelerate growth and market penetration for their investments.

The firm primarily targets growth and late-stage companies, often engaging in Series B, C, and later rounds. NightDragon seeks out businesses with proven technologies, established revenue streams, and a clear path to market leadership. Beyond capital infusion, their value proposition includes assisting companies with go-to-market strategies, talent acquisition, and M&A opportunities, effectively acting as an extension of the portfolio company's leadership team. This operational focus is a key differentiator in the competitive venture capital landscape.

NightDragon has successfully raised significant capital to support its investment thesis. In 2020, they closed their NightDragon Growth Fund I with $210 million in commitments, followed by the close of NightDragon Fund II in 2022, which secured $300 million. These funds enable NightDragon to deploy substantial capital into promising companies. Typical initial check sizes for NightDragon range from approximately $10 million to $50 million, reflecting their focus on providing meaningful growth capital to mature startups.

Overall, NightDragon has established itself as a leading investor in the critical cybersecurity and related technology domains. Their combination of substantial financial backing, deep industry knowledge, and active operational support makes them a strategic partner for companies aiming for significant scale and impact in these vital sectors. Their track record and specialized focus position them as a key player for entrepreneurs seeking more than just capital.

Investor Profile

NightDragon has backed more than 33 startups, with 6 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 16 rounds, about 48% of its total and boasts 4 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series C, Series B, Series D rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Israel, United Kingdom.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Cyber Security, Security.
  • Led 2 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $10M – $50M.

Stage Focus

  • Series C (24%)
  • Series B (24%)
  • Series D (15%)
  • Series Unknown (15%)
  • Series E (9%)
  • Series A (6%)
  • Convertible Note (6%)

Country Focus

  • United States (85%)
  • Israel (12%)
  • United Kingdom (3%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Cyber Security
  • Security
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Network Security
  • Analytics
  • Information Technology
  • Aerospace
  • Risk Management
  • Fraud Detection
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does NightDragon frequently co-invest with?

Razor's Edge Ventures
North America, Virginia, United States, Reston
Co-Investments: 3
WestCap
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 3
Adage Capital Management
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 3
8VC
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
Insight Partners
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 4
Cota Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
Manhattan Venture Partners (MVP)
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 4
AllegisCyber
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 6
Alumni Ventures
North America, New Hampshire, United States, Manchester
Co-Investments: 4
Intel Capital
North America, California, United States, Santa Clara
Co-Investments: 3

Which angels does NightDragon often collaborate with?

AV
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
Dave DeWalt
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
AS
North America, United States
Shared Deals: 1
EG
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by NightDragon?

Classiq Technologies

Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel

Classiq Technologies develops automation and synthesis of quantum algorithms.

ComputerQuantum ComputingSoftware
Series CMay 12, 2025
Amount Raised: $110,000,000
Dataminr

New York, New York, United States

Dataminr is a real-time AI platform that detects early signs of high-impact events and emerging risks.

AnalyticsArtificial Intelligence (AI)Information TechnologyRisk ManagementSoftware
Convertible NoteApr 24, 2025
Amount Raised: $100,000,000
Dataminr

New York, New York, United States

Dataminr develops an artificial intelligence platform designed for real-time event and risk detection.

AnalyticsArtificial Intelligence (AI)Information TechnologyPublic SafetyRisk ManagementSoftware
Convertible NoteMar 19, 2025
Amount Raised: $85,000,000
Epirus

Torrance, California, United States

Epirus builds directed energy and power management systems to solve some of the world’s most complex problems.

AerospaceMachinery ManufacturingMilitarySoftware
Series DMar 5, 2025
Amount Raised: $250,000,000
HUMAN

New York, New York, United States

HUMAN is a cybersecurity company that protects the internet and enterprises from fraud and sophisticated bot attacks.

AdvertisingArtificial Intelligence (AI)Cyber SecurityFraud DetectionInternetSecuritySoftware
Series UnknownOct 9, 2024
Amount Raised: $50,000,000
Rhombus Systems

Sacramento, California, United States

Rhombus offers a cloud-based security camera system with analytics and smart search for businesses.

Information TechnologySecuritySoftware
Series CJul 30, 2024
Amount Raised: $45,000,000
Saronic

Austin, Texas, United States

Saronic designs and manufactures unmanned surface vehicles for maritime security and domain awareness.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)ManufacturingMarine TechnologyMilitaryNational SecuritySecurity
Series BJul 19, 2024
Amount Raised: $175,000,000
RapidSOS

New York, New York, United States

RapidSOS is an intelligent safety platform that connects devices, apps, and sensors for safety agents.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Mobile AppsPublic Safety
Series CMar 5, 2024
Amount Raised: $75,000,000
HawkEye 360

Herndon, Virginia, United States

HawkEye 360 is a data analytics company that develops space-based radio frequency mapping.

AerospaceAnalyticsWireless
Series DJul 13, 2023
Amount Raised: $58,000,000
RapidSOS

New York, New York, United States

RapidSOS is an intelligent safety platform that connects devices, apps, and sensors for safety agents.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Mobile AppsPublic Safety
Series CSep 28, 2022
Amount Raised: $75,000,000