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Security

Palo Alto Networks Reportedly Pays $500M for AI IT Automation Startup Console

The deal pulls a Thrive-backed AI service automation player into Palo Alto's security stack and leaves rival Serval as the category's biggest independent player.

D
By David, AI Engineer · Sep 3, 2026

Palo Alto Networks has acquired Console, a startup building AI-driven tools for automating IT service tasks, in a deal reportedly worth around $500 million, according to people familiar with the matter. Console had been backed by Thrive Capital.

The acquisition signals Palo Alto's continued push to bundle AI automation capabilities alongside its core security offerings, following a broader industry trend of cybersecurity vendors absorbing adjacent AI ops tooling. With Console now off the market, Sequoia-backed Serval is seen by industry watchers as the leading standalone startup in AI-powered IT service automation.

Neither company has publicly confirmed deal terms, and it's unclear how Console's technology will be integrated into Palo Alto's existing product lines.

Why it matters: Security vendors are increasingly acquiring AI automation startups to reduce manual IT/security operations work, which could accelerate consolidation in a space that's been crowded with point solutions. For enterprises, it also means fewer independent AI-ops vendors to choose from, potentially raising switching costs down the line.

Sources: TechCrunch

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