Ghent cyber firm Aikido becomes Belgian tech unicorn after $60m funding round

Ghent-based cybersecurity company Aikido Security has raised more than 60 million dollars in new funding, pushing its valuation above one billion dollars. This makes Aikido the seventh Belgian tech company to reach “unicorn” status.

The company is just three years old and is one of the fastest-growing tech firms in Belgium. The new money will be used to hire more staff, build brand awareness and grow strongly in the United States.

Aikido develops security software that helps developers protect their code, cloud systems and live applications. Its tools are designed to be simple and practical, setting it apart from traditional security providers.

Last year, Aikido reached an annual recurring revenue of 20 million dollars and aims to grow this to 60 million dollars in the coming year. The company already employs around 170 people and has offices in Ghent, San Francisco, London and soon Chicago.

The funding round was led by international investors DST Global and PSG Equity, with support from existing and new Belgian investors. Despite the investment, the founders keep control of the company.

Co-founder and chief operating officer Roeland Delrue says Aikido wants to become a global name in cybersecurity. “Our goal is to become essential for software teams”, he said. 

^{#FlandersNewsService | Aikido CEO Roeland Delrue receives the prize Flemish Scale-up of the Year © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}