September 17, 2025

analysis  
Google, Meta AI Experts Join Check Point $300M Lakera Acquisition

Cybersecurity firms are making significant moves to bolster their AI security capabilities. Check Point Software Technologies is acquiring Lakera, an AI-native security platform, in a deal valued at approximately $300 million. This acquisition aims to provide businesses with an end-to-end AI security solution, protecting the entire lifecycle of AI, from models to agents and data. Lakera, founded by former Google and Meta AI experts, offers tools like Lakera Guard and Lakera Red, boasting high detection rates and low latency across over 100 languages. Lakera's technology will be integrated into Check Point's Infinity architecture and form the foundation of its new Global Center of Excellence for AI Security. Meanwhile, CrowdStrike is acquiring Pangea Inc. for about $260 million to enhance its AI security by monitoring employee use of AI tools and securing internal AI workloads. These moves come as cybersecurity and generative AI are identified as the top two risks for 2025 by internal audit leaders, according to a Jefferson Wells survey. The survey also highlights skill shortages in AI and cybersecurity, with over 85% of leaders relying on external partners. In related funding news, Eve Security has raised $3 million in seed funding to develop its EveGuard platform, designed to secure AI agents within businesses by monitoring their interactions and enforcing policies. The broader M&A landscape in AI also sees AI agents and identity solutions as prime targets, according to PwC. On the development front, Indian startups are focusing on building Indic language models at lower costs, differentiating themselves from giants like OpenAI and Anthropic. Meanwhile, Hollywood studios are pursuing legal action against a Chinese AI firm for alleged copyright infringement, underscoring intellectual property concerns. AI is also transforming citizen science for climate action by processing environmental data and is increasingly being integrated into accounting advisory services, shifting focus towards proactive planning. The demand for AI is further evidenced by the strong sales and development of '.ai.com' domain names.

Key Takeaways

  • Check Point Software Technologies is acquiring Lakera for approximately $300 million to enhance its end-to-end AI security offerings.
  • CrowdStrike is acquiring Pangea Inc. for about $260 million to monitor AI tool usage and secure internal AI workloads.
  • Cybersecurity and generative AI are the top two risks identified by internal audit leaders for 2025, according to a Jefferson Wells survey.
  • Over 85% of internal audit leaders rely on external partners to address skill shortages in AI and cybersecurity.
  • Eve Security raised $3 million in seed funding to develop its EveGuard platform for securing AI agents.
  • Lakera was founded by former Google and Meta AI experts and its technology offers high detection rates with low latency.
  • PwC identifies AI agents and identity solutions as key targets for M&A in the AI sector.
  • Hollywood studios are suing a Chinese AI firm for alleged copyright infringement related to AI model training.
  • Indian startups are focusing on developing Indic language AI models cost-effectively.
  • AI is being used to enhance citizen science for climate action and is transforming accounting advisory services.

CrowdStrike, Check Point Boost AI Security with Startup Acquisitions

CrowdStrike and Check Point Software Technologies are enhancing their AI security by acquiring two startups. CrowdStrike is buying Pangea Inc. for about $260 million to monitor employee use of AI tools and secure internal AI workloads. Check Point is acquiring Lakera Inc., which offers cybersecurity tools for AI applications. Pangea's platform helps monitor employee AI usage and secures company AI applications, aiming to block malicious prompts. Lakera provides tools like Lakera Guard to protect AI apps from harmful prompts and Lakera Red to find vulnerabilities. These acquisitions will integrate into CrowdStrike's Falcon platform and Check Point's GenAI Protect tool.

Check Point Acquires Lakera to Bolster AI Security

Check Point has acquired Lakera, a company specializing in securing AI applications, in a deal estimated at $300 million. This move strengthens Check Point's position in the growing AI cybersecurity market. Lakera, founded by former Google and Meta AI experts, offers tools like Lakera Guard and Lakera Red to protect AI models and applications from threats. The acquisition aims to provide a complete AI security solution for businesses. Lakera's Zurich hub will become Check Point's global AI security research center.

Check Point Buys Lakera to Expand AI Security Offerings

Check Point Software Technologies has agreed to acquire Lakera, an AI-native security platform company. Lakera specializes in securing AI applications like large language models and autonomous agents. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. Check Point states this will allow them to offer an end-to-end AI security stack. Lakera's platform boasts high detection rates and low latency, supporting over 100 languages. Lakera will become the foundation for Check Point's Global Center of Excellence for AI Security.

Check Point Acquires Lakera for End-to-End AI Security

Check Point Software Technologies is acquiring Lakera, a leading AI-native security platform, to provide enterprises with a full end-to-end AI security solution. This acquisition aims to protect the entire lifecycle of AI, including models, agents, and data. Lakera's platform offers advanced runtime protection and continuous testing, achieving high detection rates with low latency. Founded by AI experts from Google and Meta, Lakera's technology will enhance Check Point's existing security offerings and form the basis of its new Global Center of Excellence for AI Security.

Check Point Acquires Lakera, Boosting AI Security with 98% Detection Rate

Check Point Software Technologies is acquiring Lakera, an AI-native security platform, to create a comprehensive end-to-end AI security solution. Lakera's technology achieves a 98% detection rate with very low latency, supporting over 100 languages. The acquisition will integrate Lakera's capabilities into Check Point's Infinity architecture, securing the full AI lifecycle. Lakera's Zurich and San Francisco R&D centers will become part of Check Point's new Global Center of Excellence for AI Security.

Check Point Acquires Lakera for Comprehensive AI Security

Check Point Software Technologies announced its agreement to acquire Lakera, a top AI-native security platform for Agentic AI applications. This move will allow Check Point to offer a complete AI security stack for businesses. Lakera's technology, developed by former Google and Meta AI experts, provides real-time protection with high accuracy and speed. Upon closing, Lakera will establish Check Point's Global Center of Excellence for AI Security, driving innovation in the field.

Top Risks for 2025: Cybersecurity, AI, and Economic Uncertainty

Internal audit leaders are prioritizing cybersecurity, AI, and economic uncertainty in 2025, according to a survey by Jefferson Wells. Cybersecurity remains the top risk for the fifth year, while generative AI has become the second biggest concern. Economic uncertainty is a new major factor for audit leaders. The survey also highlights skill shortages in areas like AI and cybersecurity, with over 85% of leaders using external partners to fill these gaps. Internal audit teams need to adapt and leverage external expertise to manage these evolving risks.

Internal Audit Faces Top Risks: Cybersecurity, AI, and Economy

Cybersecurity, AI, and economic uncertainty are the main concerns for internal audit leaders in 2025, according to the Jefferson Wells 2025 Internal Audit Priorities Survey. Cybersecurity has been the top risk for five years, with generative AI now the second highest concern. Economic uncertainty has emerged as a significant new challenge. Many audit departments face skill shortages in areas like AI and cybersecurity, leading over 85% to rely on external partners for support. Adapting to AI advancements and economic shifts is crucial for internal audit functions.

Internal Audit Teams Tackle Top Risks: Cybersecurity, AI, Economy

Internal audit leaders are focusing on cybersecurity, AI, and economic uncertainty in 2025, as revealed by the Jefferson Wells Internal Audit Priorities Survey. Cybersecurity has been the leading risk for five consecutive years, with generative AI emerging as the second most significant concern. Economic uncertainty is also a growing factor for audit leaders. The survey indicates widespread skill shortages in areas like AI and cybersecurity, prompting over 85% of leaders to seek external help. Internal audit departments must enhance their capabilities and use outside expertise to manage these complex challenges.

Eve Security Raises $3M for AI Agent Security Platform

Eve Security has raised $3 million in seed funding to develop its Agent-in-the-Loop (AITL) system, EveGuard, designed to secure AI agents within businesses. The platform aims to detect anomalies, assess risks, and enforce policies for AI agents that operate without explicit approval. This funding will support product development and market expansion. Eve Security's system provides visibility and control over 'shadow AI agents' that can create vulnerabilities. The platform uses intent- and data-based policy enforcement, supporting various protocols to monitor AI interactions.

Eve Security Raises $3M, Launches AI Agent Security System

Eve Security has secured $3 million in seed funding led by LiveOak Ventures to launch its EveGuard platform, an AI observability and policy enforcement system. The platform introduces the industry's first Agent-in-the-Loop (AITL) called Eve, which monitors AI agents and their interactions to detect risks and enforce security policies. EveGuard also features intent- and data-based policy enforcement to address limitations in traditional security tools. This funding will help Eve Security expand its market presence and further develop its technology for securing AI agents.

PwC Expert: AI Agents, Identity, Edge Tech Top M&A Targets

PwC's Kevin Desai identifies AI agents, identity and security, and edge computing as key areas for enterprise M&A in the AI sector. Companies are also investing in AI infrastructure like power and data centers, as well as applied AI software. Firms with AI-driven detection and identity solutions are highly sought after, alongside those with specialized talent in model engineering. Desai notes that buyers are willing to pay premiums for talent and innovation, especially in areas like AI agents and user experience. Cybersecurity and regulated data sectors are also expected to see significant acquisition activity.

Hollywood Studios Sue Chinese AI Firm Over Copyright

Several Hollywood studios have filed a lawsuit against a Chinese artificial intelligence company, accusing it of copyright infringement. The studios allege that the AI company used copyrighted material without permission to train its AI models. This legal action highlights ongoing concerns about intellectual property rights in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. The outcome of the lawsuit could set important precedents for AI development and copyright law.

Indian Startups Build AI Models at Lower Cost

Building foundational AI models requires massive investment, a challenge for Indian startups compared to US giants like OpenAI and Anthropic. However, Indian firms are innovating by focusing on creating Indic language models at significantly lower costs. They are leveraging India's resourcefulness to develop AI solutions efficiently. This approach allows them to compete in the AI space by focusing on specific language needs and cost-effective development.

AI Powers Citizen Science for Climate Action

Artificial intelligence is enhancing citizen science to amplify community-led climate action and monitoring. AI can process large amounts of environmental data, improving accuracy and foresight in community-sourced information. Examples include using AI to spot river health markers from photos and detect air pollution hotspots. AI also enables real-time biodiversity monitoring through mobile apps that identify species. By integrating citizen data with satellite imagery and sensor outputs, AI provides a holistic understanding of environmental changes, empowering communities to take proactive measures.

State AGs Focus on AI Enforcement Amid New Laws

State attorneys general are actively enforcing laws related to artificial intelligence, even without specific AI legislation in some states. New laws in Colorado, Utah, California, and Texas target AI, particularly in healthcare. Attorneys general are using existing consumer protection and anti-discrimination laws to regulate AI. This focus indicates a growing trend of state-level oversight on AI technologies and their impact on consumers.

AI Transforms Accounting Advisory Services

Clients are increasingly adopting AI, pushing accounting firms to integrate it into their advisory services. Many organizations are already using generative AI, with more planning to do so. Clients expect firms to leverage AI for insights and strategic guidance beyond traditional compliance. AI is shifting the focus from tax preparation to proactive tax planning and advisory services. Firms that embrace AI can enhance client relationships and offer more value, while those that delay risk falling behind.

AI .com Domain Names See Strong Sales and Development

Domain names ending in 'AI .com' are highly sought after, with many seeing significant sales and development. Analysis of top sales over the past two years shows that a substantial portion of these domains are being used for websites or parked for future development. Keywords like 'agenticai', 'theai', and 'iqai' have commanded high prices. This trend highlights the strong market interest in artificial intelligence and its related digital presence.

Sources

AI Security Cybersecurity Startup Acquisitions CrowdStrike Check Point Software Technologies Pangea Inc. Lakera Inc. AI Applications Generative AI AI Models AI Agents Risk Management Internal Audit Economic Uncertainty Skill Shortages External Partnerships AI Observability Policy Enforcement Eve Security EveGuard Agent-in-the-Loop (AITL) M&A Targets AI Infrastructure Edge Computing Copyright Infringement Intellectual Property Indic Language Models Citizen Science Climate Action Environmental Data Biodiversity Monitoring AI Enforcement Consumer Protection Anti-Discrimination Laws Accounting Advisory Services Tax Planning Domain Names AI .com