Unveiling Rising in Cyber 2026: Celebrating Innovation in Cybersecurity Startups

Notable Capital Announces Rising in Cyber 2026

In an exciting announcement made on May 12, 2026, Notable Capital Management unveiled the third annual list entitled Rising in Cyber 2026, spotlighting 30 private cybersecurity startups deemed among the most promising in the industry. The selection process emphasizes the voice of experienced practitioners, as the list is determined by votes from 150 active Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and senior security executives. This collective insight offers a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity.

The identified startups demonstrate significant promise, collectively raising over $6.9 billion in funding, according to data from PitchBook. They span several important categories such as identity and access management, security operations, and agentic AI security. Notable Capital's Managing Partner, Oren Yunger, emphasized the unique value of this list being driven by the decisions and evaluations of those directly involved in security implementation—rather than investors. He stated, “When they speak, the industry listens.” This sentiment underscores the credibility and relevance of the honorees.

Key Findings from Rising in Cyber 2026 Report

Alongside the honorees, Notable Capital published the Rising in Cyber 2026 Report, developed in collaboration with Morgan Stanley. This report draws from exclusive survey data and market analyses, encompassing the challenges faced by security teams in a rapidly evolving technological landscape marked by increased adoption of AI and expanding attack surfaces. Here are the key findings shaping the future of cybersecurity:

1. Accelerated AI Adoption: Over 70% of CISOs reported that they have AI tools already in production. Yet, there remains a significant gap in security readiness, with more than 50% acknowledging their AI security tools as still in early-stage development. This gap presents a massive opportunity for the next generation of cybersecurity startups to innovate and enhance their products.

2. Identity and Access Management Challenges: As AI technologies become increasingly embedded in enterprise environments, 20% of CISOs identified identity and access control related to AI-based applications as their foremost concern for the upcoming year. This indicates the pressing need for robust solutions in managing security across diverse application ecosystems.

3. Surge in Strategic M&A Activities: In 2025, there was a dramatic increase in strategic mergers and acquisitions within the cybersecurity sector, with transaction volumes skyrocketing to $81 billion, a fourfold increase compared to 2024. This momentum has persisted into 2026 as tech companies aggressively seek to bolster their cybersecurity capabilities through acquisitions.

4. Growing Market Potential: The cybersecurity market is poised for substantial growth, projected to reach $250 billion by 2029 from $151 billion in 2025, according to Morgan Stanley forecasts. This growth reflects a burgeoning demand for enhanced security measures across identity, data protection, and cloud-native solutions.

5. Increased Budgets for Cybersecurity: Nearly a quarter of surveyed CISOs anticipate budget increases up to 10% for 2026, with many expecting even more significant hikes of 25% or more. The driving force behind this financial escalation stems largely from the need to strengthen defenses against new AI-driven workloads.

Celebrating the Honorees

To recognize the achievements of this year's finalists, a private event will be hosted by Notable Capital in collaboration with the New York Stock Exchange on the day of the announcement, celebrating the Rising in Cyber 2026 cohort alongside leading security professionals and investors.

The Rising in Cyber initiative is more than just a list; it reflects the industry's reality shaped by those entrenched in cybersecurity practices. To explore the comprehensive list of honorees and gain detailed insights from the report, visit www.risingincyber.com.

From groundbreaking startups like 1Password, Orca Security, and Tonic AI to critical developments in identity management and AI security, the Rising in Cyber 2026 list is a powerful indicator of where the market is headed, illuminating paths toward a safer digital landscape in an AI-driven era.

About Notable Capital

Notable Capital is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in transformative companies across sectors such as cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, fintech, commerce, and AI. The firm's extensive portfolio includes renowned names like Affirm, Airbnb, and Slack, showcasing their commitment to fostering innovative ideas that shape the future of technology. More information can be found at www.notablecap.com.