Hornetsecurity to join Proofpoint, creating a leading global cybersecurity platform
Hanover, Germany – 15 May 2025 – Leading global investment firms TA Associates (“TA”), PSG Equity (“PSG”) and Verdane, are pleased to announce that their portfolio company Hornetsecurity Group (“Hornetsecurity”) has today entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Proofpoint, Inc. (“Proofpoint”).
Hornetsecurity is a global provider of comprehensive AI-powered M365 security, data protection, compliance, and security awareness solutions. Driven by innovation and cybersecurity excellence, Hornetsecurity is helping to build a safer digital future and sustainable security cultures with its award-winning product portfolio. The Company operates in more than 120 countries and serves more than 125,000 customers through its international distribution network of over 12,000 channel partners and Managed Service Providers (“MSPs”).
The acquisition will significantly enhance Proofpoint’s ability to provide human-centric security to small and mid-sized businesses (“SMBs”) globally through MSPs, further enabling all organisations to protect their people and defend their data. By combining Proofpoint’s global leadership with Hornetsecurity’s deep expertise in the MSP ecosystem, the two companies will together advance their shared mission to help protect organisations of all sizes and the people behind them.
“Hornetsecurity’s AI-powered security platform enables thousands of MSPs to deliver enterprise-grade protection to their SMB customers across Europe,” said Daniel Hofmann, founder and CEO of Hornetsecurity. “With the breadth of human-centric risks only growing, joining Proofpoint is a natural next step in our journey to build the strongest global offering of M365 security services. By coming together, we can better serve our partners and customers and extend that protection globally to help MSPs safeguard their customers’ people, data, and operations.”
Hornetsecurity will bring a high-performing business into the Proofpoint portfolio with over $160 million in annual recurring revenue (“ARR”), more than 20 percent year-over-year growth, and performance above the Rule of 60.
Verdane invested in Hornetsecurity in 2016 with PSG investing in 2020 and TA becoming a shareholder in 2022. Since 2016, the company has completed nine acquisitions to expand its cloud cyber security offering, adding cloud back-up solutions and security awareness training, among others.
“Over the past three years, it has been a privilege to collaborate with Hornetsecurity’s talented and impressive team, working closely with PSG and Verdane to build on the company’s leading position. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and believe Hornetsecurity is well-equipped to further extend its reach and impact as part of Proofpoint,” said Morgan Seigler, Managing Director at TA, and Stefan Dandl, Director at TA.
“We are proud to have supported Daniel Hofmann and the entire Hornetsecurity management team since our initial investment in 2020, scaling the business more than tenfold through a critical phase of growth alongside TA and Verdane. Hornetsecurity is exactly the kind of business that PSG likes to partner with and reflects our strong conviction in cybersecurity, the robust potential of the industry and structural tailwinds driving demand for next-generation cyber security solutions. It has been a privilege to support the Hornetsecurity team on its journey to becoming a European leader and now global cybersecurity champion. We are confident the company is exceptionally well-positioned for its next chapter of growth” said Dany Rammal, Managing Director and Head of PSG in Europe, and Christian Stein, Managing Director.
“Our journey with the Hornetsecurity team began in 2016 with the ambition to create a leader in what is today an AI-powered M365 security platform. It has been a great privilege to work with and support Daniel Hofmann and the Hornetsecurity team over the years through multiple acquisitions and reinvestments from Verdane. We are very pleased with this outcome welcoming Proofpoint as new owners”, said Emanuel Johnsson, Partner at Verdane.
The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.
Arma Partners acted as exclusive financial advisor to Hornetsecurity, TA, PSG and Verdane. Latham & Watkins acted as legal counsel to Hornetsecurity and Hengeler Mueller acted as legal counsel to the management of Hornetsecurity.
About Verdane
Verdane is a specialist growth buyout investment firm that partners with tech-enabled and sustainable businesses that help to digitalise and decarbonise the European economy. Verdane funds have the most flexible mandates in the industry. The firm can invest as a minority or majority investor, replacement or growth capital, in single companies or in portfolios of companies. Verdane has over €8 billion in assets under management and its funds have made more than 200 investments in fast-growing businesses since 2003. Verdane’s team of over 150 investment professionals and operating experts is based out of Berlin, Munich, Copenhagen, Helsinki, London, Oslo and Stockholm, and combines deep sector expertise with deep local networks and presence in core European markets. Verdane is also a certified B Corporation, the most ambitious sustainability accreditation globally. The firm only backs businesses that pass its 2040 test, which indicates whether the company can thrive in a more sustainable future economy. Verdane is partly owned by the Verdane Foundation, which is focused on two areas: climate change and more equitable and inclusive local communities.
About Hornetsecurity Group
Hornetsecurity is a leading global provider of next-generation cloud-based security, compliance, backup, and security awareness solutions that help companies and organisations of all sizes around the world. Its flagship product, 365 Total Protection, is one of the most comprehensive cloud security solutions for Microsoft 365 on the market. Driven by innovation and cybersecurity excellence, Hornetsecurity is building a safer digital future and sustainable security cultures with its award-winning portfolio. Hornetsecurity operates in more than 120 countries through its international distribution network of 12,000+ channel partners and MSPs. Its premium services are used by more than 125,000 customers. For more information, visit www.hornetsecurity.com.
About Proofpoint
Proofpoint, Inc. is a leading cybersecurity and compliance company that protects organisations’ greatest assets and biggest risks: their people. With an integrated suite of cloud-based solutions, Proofpoint helps companies around the world stop targeted threats, safeguard their data, and make their users more resilient against cyber-attacks. Leading organisations of all sizes, including 85 percent of the Fortune 100, rely on Proofpoint for people-centric security and compliance solutions that mitigate their most critical risks across email, the cloud, social media, and the web. More information is available at www.proofpoint.com.
About TA Associates
TA is a leading global private equity firm focused on scaling growth in profitable companies. Since 1968, TA has invested in more than 560 companies across its five target industries – technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer and business services. Leveraging its deep industry expertise and strategic resources, TA collaborates with management teams worldwide to help high-quality companies deliver lasting value. The firm has raised $65 billion in capital to date and has over 150 investment professionals across offices in Boston, Menlo Park, Austin, London, Mumbai and Hong Kong. For more information, visit www.ta.com.
About PSG Equity
PSG is a growth equity firm that partners with software and technology-enabled services companies to help them navigate transformational growth, capitalise on strategic opportunities, and build strong teams. Having backed more than 150 companies and facilitated over 520 add-on acquisitions, PSG brings extensive investment experience, deep expertise in software and technology, and a firm commitment to collaborating with management teams. Founded in 2014, PSG operates out of offices in Boston, Kansas City, London, Madrid, Paris, and Tel-Aviv. To learn more about PSG, visit www.psgequity.com.
