Upwind Security

Overview

Upwind Security is a rapidly growing cloud security startup founded in 2022 by Amiram Shachar, who previously sold Spot.io to NetApp for $450 million. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, with additional operations in Israel, the UK, and Iceland. Known for its innovative cloud-native application protection platform (CNAPP), Upwind has raised a total of $180 million in funding as of 2024. The company aims to redefine cloud security by focusing on runtime context to provide real-time protection and is valued at approximately $900 million post its recent Series A funding round.

Recent Developments

December 2024: Upwind Security announced the completion of a $100 million Series A funding round led by Craft Ventures and included participation from TCV and Alta Park Capital. The funding will aid in expanding the company's workforce to 300 employees and enhancing its cloud security offerings. The company plans to use the capital to bolster runtime security capabilities and expand its market reach in Europe.
October 2024: Upwind was named one of the 50 most promising startups by The Information, highlighting its significant potential in the cloud security space.
September 2023: Upwind secured $50 million in funding, which contributed to the development of their security platform and increased its market valuation to approximately $900 million.
2024 Focus: Upwind has pivoted heavily towards integrating artificial intelligence with security measures to address emerging threats in cloud infrastructures, emphasizing reducing alert noise by 90% and protecting APIs against vulnerabilities.
Recognition and Participation: Upwind participated as a Diamond Sponsor at Black Hat Asia 2024, underlining its leadership in runtime-based cloud security solutions.

Attribute	Information
Founding Date	2022
Headquarters	San Francisco, California, USA
Founders	Amiram Shachar
Revenue	Not publicly disclosed
Profits	Not publicly disclosed
Key Investors	Craft Ventures, TCV, Alta Park Capital
Industry	Cloud Security
Number of Employees	Approximately 150, aiming to double to 300

Early History

Founded in late 2022 by Amiram Shachar, Upwind Security emerged from the success of Spot.io, Shachar's previous venture, which optimized cloud infrastructure and was acquired by NetApp. Leveraging this expertise, Upwind quickly focused on addressing fundamental cloud security challenges. Early on, the startup garnered attention for its novel use of eBPF technology to offer real-time insights and protection against threats. Initial funding rounds in 2023 set the stage for its current growth trajectory, emphasizing runtime context for heightened threat detection.

Company Profile and Achievements

Upwind Security operates under the motto of delivering real-time, runtime-protected cloud security. It developed its suite of products that encapsulate Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM), Cloud Workload Protection Platform (CWPP), and Cloud Detection and Response (CDR). Notably:

The company’s CNAPP protects cloud-native applications throughout their lifecycle.
Its platform architecture integrates runtime context and API security for enhanced threat detection.
Upwind introduced its lightweight eBPF DaemonSets for Kubernetes, improving performance and reducing implementation resistance.
The company was highlighted in Fortune's 2025 Cyber 60, reinforcing its stance as a frontrunner in cybersecurity innovation.
In 2024, the company was involved in major industry events like KubeCon and RSA, broadening its market influence and strategic partnerships.

Current Operations and Market Position

Currently, Upwind Security enjoys a strong position in the cloud security market with a significant investment in runtime security technologies. The company’s strategic focus is on API and real-time threat management, which is crucial for handling complex, large-scale cloud infrastructures. Upwind's unique selling point lies in its capability to drastically reduce unnecessary security alerts, promoting efficient resource allocation. This approach has propelled its reputation, particularly with enterprises employing substantial cloud resources.

Conclusion

Upwind Security stands at the forefront of cloud security innovation. By prioritizing runtime and contextual insights, the company not only advances typical cloud protection frameworks but also anticipates the evolving needs of modern enterprises grappling with complex security landscapes. With robust financial backing and a strategic focus on growth into European markets, Upwind is poised to significantly influence the cybersecurity industry. Its forward-thinking leadership in leveraging AI for cloud security ensures it remains relevant in accelerating enterprise cloud adoption. The company's trajectory suggests a promising impact in preempting new security challenges while reinforcing cloud security's foundational paradigms.