CRN Names 10 Cybersecurity Startups to Watch in 2026 as AI Security Demand Surges
Updated
Updated · CRN · Jun 26
CRN Names 10 Cybersecurity Startups to Watch in 2026 as AI Security Demand Surges
1 articles · Updated · CRN · Jun 26
Summary
CRN’s midyear 2026 list spotlights 10 cybersecurity startups gaining traction through new products, channel programs or major funding across AI security, identity protection and cloud security.
LLM adoption and the rise of AI agents are driving customer demand for tools in agentic SOC operations, non-human identity protection and runtime AI defense, creating fresh openings for newer vendors.
Several of the companies also used large funding rounds to accelerate growth, including Tenex.AI’s $250 million Series B, Upwind’s $250 million raise at a $1.5 billion valuation, and Armadin’s $189.9 million seed and Series A.
Channel strategy is a recurring theme: Oasis Security, Sublime Security, Operant AI and Noma Security all expanded partner efforts, while Guardz and Dropzone AI emphasized MSP, MSSP and VAR-focused go-to-market models.
Solution providers say emerging security vendors can open doors with large customers first, then pull through broader sales from established suppliers later.