Advanced SOC Operations / CSOC,
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning,
Next-Generation Technologies & Secure Development
Funding of $1.2B to Enhance Federal Market Engagement and R&D in Generative AI
Torq, a hyperautomation startup established by the former CEO of Luminate Security, has secured $140 million in funding to capitalize on the rapid integration of artificial intelligence in security operations within enterprises. This significant investment aims to support the company’s foray into government and international markets, enhance AI-driven cybersecurity innovations, and accelerate research and development initiatives, according to co-founder and CTO Leonid Belkind.
Belkind noted that this Series D funding, led by Merlin Ventures, will facilitate advancements in AI research and engineering, specifically focusing on custom AI models for threat hunting. “We are witnessing Fortune 500 companies not merely experimenting but fully integrating our AI technologies into their operations, demonstrating significant impacts on their key performance indicators,” he stated.
Founded in 2020, Torq has grown to employ 372 individuals and has garnered a total of $332 million across six funding rounds. The company’s prior funding round, a $70 million Series C, was concluded in September 2024, led by Evolution Equity. Belkind’s leadership roots trace back to Luminate Security, which was sold to Symantec for $139 million in early 2019.
AI as a Fundamental Component of Torq’s Strategy
Torq aims to break into the heavily regulated federal cybersecurity domain where AI operations are not just beneficial but essential for managing vast amounts of data mandated by government regulations. Alongside this, plans to expand globally into regulated markets such as Canada, Brazil, and Australia are also underway, leveraging localized services to maintain a competitive advantage.
Belkind emphasized the need for accelerated growth, particularly in the federal security operations market and successful expansion into the Asia-Pacific region. “We’re committed to doubling down on our innovations, AI research, and engineering to sustain our progress,” he asserted.
The integration of AI is pivotal for Torq’s operational framework, enhancing detection, triage, response, and automation across various client environments. The platform’s capacity for autonomous actions rather than mere recommendations fosters enhanced operational efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness, according to Belkind.
“AI is more than just an added feature; it has evolved into a core technology that informs our overall design,” he explained. “We’re developing unique capabilities through collaboration with Fortune 500 companies willing to share insights and improve outcomes together.” However, generic models from well-known providers face limitations in delivering precision for specific domains, which necessitates the development of tailored AI models for enterprise-specific applications.
Recognizing Opportunities within the US Government Sector
New federal mandates have necessitated the collection of expansive logging data across various agencies, creating a notable gap where AI-driven tools are lacking to meaningfully operationalize this information. Torq seeks to bridge this gap by transforming extensive logs into actionable security solutions through automation and AI.
Belkind remarked on the accumulated amounts of event data faced by governmental institutions that exceed their previous capacities, coupled with a lack of scalable operational tools. “While they may be aggregating data, the effective analysis and actioning of this information remains a challenge,” he noted.
Merlin Ventures plays a critical role in Torq’s federal outreach by offering necessary capital and facilitating market entry through existing government contracts. They also assist with compliance, including the FedRAMP certification process. This multifaceted partnership is anticipated to bolster Torq’s AI offerings within the government and wider market, as expressed by Belkind.
For government agencies, the hesitance to approach startups usually hinges on concerns about financial stability and market viability. Achieving a $1.2 billion valuation indicates to potential partners that Torq is a credible entity equipped to support crucial infrastructure. “Federal agencies prefer technological alliances that are built for the long haul, and this level of assurance positions us favorably,” Belkind concluded.
