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Kevin Mandia raised $190 million Armadin after prior sale to Google

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

The AI-Powered Cybersecurity Revolution: From Mandiant’s Legacy to Armadin’s Future

Four years after selling cybersecurity firm Mandiant to Google for $5.4 billion, Kevin Mandia is back, leading a new venture poised to reshape the industry. Armadin, Mandia’s AI-focused cybersecurity startup, recently secured $190 million in funding, signaling a significant shift in how organizations will defend against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

The Rise of Agentic AI in Cybersecurity

The core of Armadin’s innovation lies in “agentic AI.” Unlike traditional cybersecurity systems that rely on pre-programmed responses, agentic AI utilizes autonomous agents capable of consistently scanning for threats and completing tasks that previously required days to accomplish – now done in minutes. This represents a fundamental change in the cybersecurity landscape.

Mandia’s motivation for returning to the field stems from the rapid evolution of AI itself. He recognized the need to proactively address the challenges and opportunities presented by this technology, stating, “I wasn’t going to sit on the sidelines watching another shift change in cybersecurity without leveraging 30 years in the industry to do something.”

Google’s Continued Investment and the Broader Trend

Notably, Google Ventures participated in Armadin’s funding round, demonstrating Google’s continued commitment to cybersecurity innovation even after acquiring Mandiant. This investment underscores a broader trend across the tech industry: companies are actively acquiring cyber capabilities and developing AI-enabled tools to bolster their defenses.

The urgency is driven by the escalating sophistication, speed, and intensity of cyberattacks. As threats develop into more complex, traditional security measures are proving insufficient, necessitating the adoption of advanced technologies like agentic AI.

Mandiant’s Evolution: From Incident Response to AI Innovation

Mandiant, originally founded in 2004 as Red Cliff Consulting, built a strong reputation for incident response and threat intelligence. The 2013 report implicating China in cyber espionage brought the firm into the spotlight. Later acquired by FireEye in 2013 for $1 billion, and then by Google in 2022 for $5.4 billion, Mandiant’s journey reflects the evolving nature of the cybersecurity industry.

Mandia’s leadership at Mandiant, from CEO in 2016 through the Google acquisition, established a foundation of expertise that now informs Armadin’s approach to AI-driven security. He also currently serves as a Strategic Advisor at Google Cloud Security and is a Partner at Ballistic Ventures.

The Future of Cybersecurity: Autonomous Defense

Armadin’s rapid growth – hiring over 60 employees in the past six months and already working with Fortune 100 companies – highlights the demand for this new approach. The company’s name, inspired by the 1588 Spanish Armada, symbolizes a proactive defense against overwhelming forces.

The shift towards autonomous AI agents in cybersecurity isn’t just about speed and efficiency; it’s about scalability. As the volume of cyber threats continues to grow exponentially, organizations need solutions that can adapt and respond in real-time without overwhelming human security teams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “agentic AI”?

Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can act autonomously to achieve specific goals, in this case, proactively identifying and mitigating cybersecurity threats.

Why did Kevin Mandia start Armadin after selling Mandiant to Google?

Mandia felt compelled to leverage his 30 years of experience in cybersecurity to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the emergence of artificial intelligence.

What is the significance of Google’s investment in Armadin?

Google’s participation in the funding round demonstrates its continued commitment to cybersecurity innovation and its belief in the potential of AI-driven security solutions.

Is AI a threat *and* a solution to cybersecurity?

Yes. AI can be used by attackers to create more sophisticated threats, but it also provides powerful tools for defenders to proactively identify and neutralize those threats.

Pro Tip: Regularly update your security software and educate employees about phishing and other social engineering tactics. Even the most advanced AI systems require a strong human element for optimal effectiveness.

What are your thoughts on the future of AI in cybersecurity? Share your insights in the comments below!

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Tech

It’s wartime, not peacetime for software

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

The AI Reckoning: Enterprise Software Faces a Seismic Shift

The conversation around artificial intelligence has dramatically shifted. No longer is the focus on incremental efficiency gains – shaving points off operating costs with AI copilots. Investors, and increasingly, company leaders, want to grasp: is your business poised to benefit from AI, or will it be threatened by it?

From SaaS to SaaaS: The Rise of the Agent Economy

We’ve entered a new era, one where software isn’t built for humans, but for AI agents. This evolution, coined “SaaaS” (software for agents as a service), signals a fundamental change in the software landscape. Box CEO Aaron Levie predicts his agent-focused business could become ten times larger than his current human-centric one. This isn’t about automating tasks for people; it’s about building software ecosystems run by agents.

Deterministic Software: The New Moat

Not all software is created equal in the age of AI. Morgan Stanley’s head of global technology investment banking, David Chen, draws a critical distinction. Software performing deterministic functions – payroll calculations, invoice processing – where accuracy is paramount, retains a strong competitive advantage. These systems are demanding for AI to disrupt. Conversely, software primarily organizing and presenting public data is far more vulnerable.

Wartime for Software: A Leadership Reset

For companies on the wrong side of the AI divide, the environment is now “wartime, not peacetime.” This necessitates a shift in leadership. Boards are increasingly favoring product-oriented CEOs – those who understand software architecture – over sales and marketing executives. Reinventing a company to be “AI-native” requires deep technical expertise, not just sales acumen.

Infrastructure Spending: Approaching a Plateau?

Even as AI buildout has driven significant infrastructure spending, the hyperscalers may be nearing a peak. Predictions suggest infrastructure investment will remain at a similar level in 2027, indicating a potential stabilization after a period of rapid growth.

Cybersecurity and Semiconductors: Bright Spots in the AI Landscape

Despite the upheaval, certain sectors are poised for success. Cybersecurity, with its inherent need for constant adaptation and robust defenses, is a clear AI beneficiary. Next-generation companies in semiconductors and systems are emerging, focused on resolving the bottlenecks in connectivity, compute, and energy that currently constrain AI development.

The Rebalancing of Winners and Losers

The coming year will likely see a rebalancing of winners and losers in the enterprise software space. The key takeaway? AI has moved beyond a future possibility to a present reality, and companies must demonstrate their ability to embrace it.

FAQ

What is SaaaS?

SaaaS stands for “software for agents as a service.” It represents a shift in software development, focusing on building applications for AI agents rather than human users.

What type of software is most vulnerable to AI disruption?

Software that primarily organizes and presents public data is considered more vulnerable to disruption by AI.

What skills are boards now prioritizing in CEOs?

Boards are increasingly seeking CEOs with strong product and technical backgrounds, particularly those who understand software architecture.

Is AI infrastructure spending expected to continue growing rapidly?

Infrastructure spending is predicted to remain at a similar level in 2027, suggesting a potential plateau after a period of rapid growth.

Pro Tip: Focus on building AI-native capabilities into your core business processes, rather than simply layering AI on top of existing systems.

Did you know? The enterprise software sector has seen a trillion dollars in market capitalization evaporate this year, highlighting the urgency of AI adoption.

What are your thoughts on the future of AI in enterprise software? Share your insights in the comments below!

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Entertainment

Stocks making the biggest moves premarket: XYZ, DELL, CRWV, NFLX

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Netflix Shifts Strategy as Paramount Wins Warner Bros. Discovery Battle

The entertainment landscape is undergoing a significant shakeup. Netflix has withdrawn from its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) assets, effectively handing victory to Paramount Skydance. This decision, announced on February 26, 2026, marks a turning point in the ongoing consolidation within the streaming and media industries.

The Deal That Wasn’t: Netflix’s Retreat

Netflix initially reached an $83 billion deal in December to acquire a substantial portion of WBD, including HBO. However, Paramount raised its offer to $31 per share, surpassing Netflix’s previous bid of $27.75 per share. Netflix declined to match the increased offer, deeming it no longer financially attractive. According to Netflix co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters, the transaction was a “nice to have” rather than a “must have.”

This move signals a shift in Netflix’s strategy, prioritizing disciplined capital allocation and organic growth. The company plans to invest approximately $20 billion in content this year and will resume its share repurchase program. Netflix’s stock saw a significant jump – over 7% – in extended trading following the announcement.

Paramount Skydance Secures the Win

Paramount Skydance’s successful bid includes the entirety of WBD, encompassing its pay-TV networks like CNN, TBS, and TNT. Paramount agreed to cover the $2.8 billion breakup fee that WBD would have owed Netflix had the deal fallen through. Shares of Paramount jumped more than 7% on the news, while Warner Bros. Discovery stock experienced a slight dip of about 1%.

Broader Market Reactions: A Mixed Bag

The market response extended beyond the core players involved in the deal. Several other companies experienced notable stock fluctuations:

  • Block: Shares surged 19% after announcing a reduction of over 4,000 employees.
  • Dell Technologies: A 12% increase followed strong fourth-quarter results, exceeding analyst expectations in both earnings per share and revenue.
  • Zscaler: Shares fell 9% after deferred revenue and billings missed analyst estimates.
  • CoreWeave: Experienced a 12% tumble due to lower-than-expected adjusted earnings.
  • Monster Beverage: Dropped 1.5% despite beating earnings and revenue expectations, due to a slightly lower operating margin.
  • Rocket Lab: Slid 5% after forecasting a wider-than-expected loss for the first quarter.
  • Intuit: Shares declined 2.9% after issuing a weaker-than-expected earnings forecast.
  • Autodesk: Saw a 3% increase following positive guidance.
  • Flutter Entertainment: Declined 12% after missing expectations for both fourth-quarter earnings and full-year revenue.
  • Mara Holdings: Surged 16% after securing a deal to convert bitcoin mining sites into AI data centers.
  • Celsius Holdings: Rose nearly 2% following a double upgrade from Bank of America.

The Rise of AI Data Centers and Digital Asset Mining

The significant surge in Mara Holdings’ stock highlights a growing trend: the convergence of digital asset mining and artificial intelligence. The company’s deal with Starwood Capital Group to transform bitcoin mining sites into AI data centers demonstrates the potential for repurposing existing infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for AI computing power. This trend could reshape the data center landscape and create new opportunities for companies involved in both sectors.

Future Trends: Consolidation, Content Investment, and Technological Shifts

Continued Media Consolidation

The Netflix-Paramount-WBD saga is not an isolated event. The media industry is experiencing a wave of consolidation as companies seek to achieve scale, reduce costs, and compete more effectively in the streaming era. Expect to see further mergers and acquisitions as players strive to build larger, more diversified portfolios.

Increased Investment in Content

Despite the shifting deal landscape, investment in content remains paramount. Netflix’s commitment to spending $20 billion on films and series this year underscores the importance of compelling content in attracting and retaining subscribers. This investment will likely drive innovation in storytelling and production techniques.

The Growing Importance of AI and Data Centers

The Mara Holdings example points to a broader trend: the increasing demand for AI infrastructure. As AI applications become more prevalent, the require for powerful data centers will continue to grow. Companies that can capitalize on this demand, either by building new data centers or repurposing existing ones, are poised for success.

FAQ

Q: Why did Netflix back out of the Warner Bros. Discovery deal?
A: Netflix determined that matching Paramount Skydance’s latest offer was no longer financially attractive.

Q: What does this mean for Paramount Skydance?
A: Paramount Skydance has secured a significant acquisition, gaining control of Warner Bros. Discovery’s assets, including its pay-TV networks.

Q: What is the significance of the Mara Holdings deal?
A: It highlights the growing convergence of digital asset mining and AI data centers, showcasing the potential for repurposing infrastructure to meet the demands of AI computing.

Q: Will Netflix continue to invest in content?
A: Yes, Netflix plans to invest approximately $20 billion in content this year.

Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on companies involved in cloud infrastructure and AI, as these sectors are expected to experience significant growth in the coming years.

Stay informed about the evolving media landscape. Explore our other articles on streaming services and the future of entertainment for more in-depth analysis.

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Business

AI fears and tariff confusion spook U.S. markets

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

AI’s New Frontier: How Anthropic’s Code Security Tool is Shaking Up Cybersecurity

The cybersecurity landscape is bracing for disruption. Anthropic’s recent launch of Claude Code Security, an AI-powered tool designed to scan code for vulnerabilities and suggest fixes, has sent ripples through the tech world, particularly impacting companies heavily invested in traditional security solutions. Shares of IBM plummeted nearly 13.2% following the announcement, signaling investor anxieties about the potential for AI to reshape the cybersecurity sector.

The Anthropic Effect: Beyond IBM

While IBM bore the brunt of the market reaction, other cybersecurity giants like CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks and Cloudflare likewise experienced declines. This broad-based sell-off underscores a growing concern: AI isn’t just a tool *for* cybersecurity, it’s becoming a potential competitor *to* existing cybersecurity businesses. The fear is that AI-driven code analysis could automate tasks currently performed by large teams of security professionals, reducing the necessitate for expensive services.

Wall Street’s AI Jitters and Broader Market Trends

The turbulence extends beyond cybersecurity. U.S. Stock indexes fell on Monday, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite all registering losses. The Dow’s steeper decline was attributed to IBM’s significant weighting within the index. This broader market downturn is fueled by a combination of factors, including AI-related anxieties and ongoing uncertainty surrounding trade tariffs.

Tariff Troubles and Global Market Impacts

Adding to the market’s unease, the recent Supreme Court ruling on Trump-era tariffs has created confusion. While some countries may see relief, others, including the U.K., the European Union, and Singapore, could face higher duties. This trade policy uncertainty is contributing to market volatility, according to investment professionals.

Beyond US Markets: Asia-Pacific Watch

Investors are also closely monitoring the resumption of trading in China and Japan following their holiday breaks. With a week’s worth of news to digest, these markets are expected to experience significant movements. Earnings reports from Singapore Airlines, UOB, and Standard Chartered on Tuesday will also be key indicators of regional economic health.

OpenAI and the Rise of Enterprise AI Platforms

The shift towards AI-driven solutions isn’t limited to Anthropic. OpenAI is forging multiyear partnerships with consulting firms like Accenture, Boston Consulting, Capgemini, and McKinsey to deploy its Frontier enterprise platform. This platform aims to integrate AI intelligence across disparate systems and data sources within organizations, further accelerating the adoption of AI in the enterprise.

FedEx Challenges Trump Tariffs in Court

In a separate development, FedEx has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Government seeking a full refund of tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. This legal challenge, the first of its kind by a major American company, could have significant implications for international trade policy.

Navigating the New Landscape: Expert Insights

Despite the recent market correction, some analysts believe the sell-off in cybersecurity stocks may be an overreaction, presenting a potential buying opportunity. The long-term demand for cybersecurity remains strong, and AI is likely to augment, rather than completely replace, human expertise.

FAQ: AI and Cybersecurity

  • Will AI replace cybersecurity professionals? AI will likely automate some tasks, but human expertise will remain crucial for complex threat analysis and incident response.
  • What is Claude Code Security? It’s an AI tool developed by Anthropic designed to identify vulnerabilities in code and suggest solutions.
  • How are tariffs impacting the market? Uncertainty surrounding trade policies is contributing to market volatility.
  • Is now a good time to invest in cybersecurity stocks? Some analysts believe the recent dip presents a buying opportunity, but it’s important to do your research.

Pro Tip: Diversification is key in a volatile market. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, especially during periods of rapid technological change.

Did you understand? The Supreme Court ruling on Trump-era tariffs could lead to significant refunds for companies that previously paid those duties.

Stay informed about the evolving intersection of AI and cybersecurity. Explore more articles on our site to deepen your understanding of these critical trends.

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Tech

Cybersecurity stocks are latest AI victim. Analysts say buy the dip

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Cybersecurity Stocks Under Pressure: Is AI a Real Threat or Just Market Panic?

Recent market turbulence has seen cybersecurity stocks take a hit, fueled by concerns that advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) could disrupt the industry. The debut of Anthropic’s Claude Code Security, a tool designed to scan code for vulnerabilities, triggered a sell-off, with companies like CrowdStrike, Cloudflare, and Okta experiencing significant declines. But is this a justified reaction, or simply market overreaction?

Claude Code Security and the Initial Reaction

Anthropic’s Claude Code Security promises to identify and suggest fixes for code vulnerabilities. This announcement sent ripples through the cybersecurity market, leading to a more than 3% drop in the iShares Cybersecurity and Tech ETF (IHAK) on Friday, February 21, 2026. Major players experienced even steeper losses, with Okta tumbling over 9% and CrowdStrike and Cloudflare each losing around 8%. The downward trend continued into Monday, February 23, 2026, with further declines across the sector.

Analysts Weigh In: Disruption or Opportunity?

Despite the market’s anxiety, many analysts believe the disruption will be limited. UBS suggests that Claude Code Security has minimal overlap with the core revenue streams of established cybersecurity firms. The primary concern appears to be that AI companies might encroach on existing business models. However, UBS analyst Roger Boyd argues that AI companies are more likely to focus on securing their own models and developing security operations agents rather than building comprehensive infrastructure controls like endpoint agents or SASE networks.

JPMorgan also sees the sell-off as creating investment opportunities, highlighting CrowdStrike, Okta, and Zscaler as companies well-positioned to benefit from the broader adoption of AI. Other resilient companies named by JPMorgan include Palo Alto Networks, Sailpoint, Check Point Software Technologies, Netskope, and JFrog.

The Role of AI in Cybersecurity: A Potential Tailwind

Several analysts emphasize that AI is more likely to be a positive force for the cybersecurity industry. Morgan Stanley reiterated its overweight rating on JFrog, noting the company’s focus on securing binaries – the compiled code that runs on servers – differentiates it from Anthropic’s new tool. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives believes AI will be a “major tailwind” for the sector, significantly elevating the cyber threat environment and increasing the demand for robust security solutions.

Ives points out that AI is already lowering the barriers to entry for sophisticated cyberattacks, making it easier and faster to execute them on a larger scale. This increased threat landscape will drive demand for cybersecurity services and products.

DeepSeek and the Chinese AI Landscape

The concerns surrounding AI and cybersecurity are further complicated by accusations against Chinese AI labs. Anthropic has accused DeepSeek, Moonshot AI, and MiniMax of using over 24,000 fake accounts to “distill” Claude’s capabilities, essentially copying its technology. This practice raises concerns about the potential for these labs to develop AI models without adequate safeguards, potentially enabling authoritarian governments to leverage AI for malicious purposes.

DeepSeek is reportedly on the verge of releasing DeepSeek V4, a model that could outperform both Claude and ChatGPT in coding. The company previously released its open-source R1 reasoning model, which achieved near-parity with leading American AI labs at a fraction of the cost.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

The current market reaction to AI in cybersecurity appears to be driven more by fear than by concrete evidence of disruption. While AI will undoubtedly change the cybersecurity landscape, it’s more likely to augment existing solutions and create new opportunities than to render established players obsolete. The focus will likely shift towards integrating AI-powered tools into existing security frameworks and developing new defenses against AI-driven attacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is “distillation” in the context of AI? Distillation is a training method where a smaller AI model is trained to mimic the behavior of a larger, more advanced model.
  • Which companies has Anthropic accused of misusing Claude? Anthropic has accused DeepSeek, Moonshot AI, and MiniMax.
  • Is AI a threat to cybersecurity companies? Analysts generally believe AI is more likely to be a tailwind than a threat, creating new opportunities and increasing demand for security solutions.
  • What is Claude Code Security? It is a new tool from Anthropic designed to scan code for vulnerabilities and suggest solutions.

Pro Tip: Stay informed about the latest developments in AI and cybersecurity by following industry news and research reports. Understanding the evolving threat landscape is crucial for making informed investment decisions.

What are your thoughts on the impact of AI on the cybersecurity industry? Share your insights in the comments below!

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