Will Ackerly (Virtru)

Overview

Will Ackerly is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Virtru, a company renowned for its expertise in data encryption and digital privacy. Ackerly's background in national security, particularly his tenure at the National Security Agency (NSA), paved the way for his pioneering work in the development of the Trusted Data Format (TDF). This innovation is a cornerstone of Virtru's offerings, facilitating secure data transfer across various platforms. As of 2025, Virtru is a leader in data-centric security solutions, supporting both governmental and private sector entities globally.

Recent Developments

July 11, 2025: Virtru announced it raised $50 million in a Series D funding round, led by ICONIQ Capital, doubling the company’s valuation to $500 million. The funding will boost Virtru’s capabilities in AI-driven data protection and expand its market presence in both public and private sectors.
May 8, 2025: Virtru welcomed Dr. Wayne Chung as the new Chief Technology Officer. Chung brings a wealth of experience from public sector roles, including senior positions at the FBI and NSA.
June 2025: John Ackerly, CEO and Co-Founder of Virtru, was named a 2025 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipient for his leadership in cybersecurity.
April 2025: NATO's adoption of the Zero Trust Data Format (ZTDF), initially developed by Virtru, highlights its growing influence in international data security standards.
January 2025: Virtru's Data Security Platform was included in the AWS Intelligence Community Marketplace, enhancing its accessibility to federal agencies focusing on zero trust principles.

Personal Information

Attribute	Information
Full Name	Will Ackerly
Born	Not publicly disclosed
Nationality	American
Occupation	Chief Technology Officer, Co-Founder of Virtru
Known For	Developing Trusted Data Format (TDF)
Net Worth	Not publicly disclosed
Education	Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (Magna Cum Laude)

Early Life and Education

Will Ackerly’s early years were characterized by his intellectual curiosity and knack for technology. Growing up, he frequently engaged in technical projects, showcasing his innovative spirit from a young age. Ackerly pursued higher education at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where he graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. His academic experiences, paired with his natural inclination for problem-solving, prepared him for a career in national security and later entrepreneurship.

Career and Notable Achievements

After completing his education, Ackerly served at the NSA for eight years. During his tenure, he led significant projects in cloud analytics and security architecture, culminating in the development of the TDF. This robust data format became essential for secure data transfer within intelligence communities, addressing critical data protection challenges.

2012: Co-founded Virtru with his brother John Ackerly, turning the TDF into a commercial product.
2016: Successfully raised $29 million in Series A funding to enhance Virtru's product offerings.
2018: Achieved Series B funding of $37 million, further establishing Virtru's market position.
2025: Spearheaded a pivotal $50 million Series D funding round, expanding Virtru’s capability to deploy AI-driven security solutions.

Current Work and Impact

As of 2025, Will Ackerly remains deeply involved in Virtru’s strategic direction and technological advancements. His work continues to have a profound impact on data security frameworks globally, influencing both private enterprises and governmental practices. Under his leadership, Virtru is actively addressing the changing landscape brought by AI’s integration and expanding data-centric security measures.

Virtru Funding

Virtru, a significant player in the data encryption domain, has undergone various funding rounds to expand its market reach and enhance its technology. Since its inception, Virtru has raised millions to support its growth, scale its operations, and innovate on data protection measures.

Virtru Careers

Virtru offers career opportunities that appeal to individuals passionate about data security and encryption technology. The company is known for its innovative approach and culture of empowering employees to contribute to significant advancements in data protection solutions.

Conclusion

Will Ackerly's contributions to data security through Virtru have set substantial benchmarks in the industry. His leadership and innovation in creating secure frameworks for data protection have not only fortified national security apparatuses but also paved the way for safer data exchange in various sectors. As Virtru continues to expand its influence and integrate advanced technologies, Ackerly’s impact will likely resonate further, fostering enhanced security standards across the globe.