Israeli Cybersecurity Firm Pentera Cuts 60 Jobs Amid AI-Driven Industry Shift

Israeli cybersecurity company Pentera announced layoffs of 60 employees, half of whom are based in Israel, as part of a strategic adjustment to rapid changes in the industry driven by artificial intelligence (AI) advancements. The company currently employs 430 people, so the layoffs represent about 14% of its workforce, reducing the headcount to 370. Pentera stated it is transforming its platform into an AI-native solution to better meet AI-related challenges and integrate AI across its operations. This restructuring aims to support the company’s growth and agility in a fast-evolving market.

This is Pentera’s second round of layoffs this year; in April, it cut 40 employees, about 8.5% of its then 470-person workforce, mainly in marketing and administrative roles. The current reductions affect all departments. Despite the layoffs, Pentera plans to continue hiring, focusing on candidates with AI expertise.

Pentera serves the Israeli government as an approved supplier, providing cybersecurity verification services to most government ministries. In March last year, the company raised $60 million at a valuation exceeding $1 billion, bringing its total funding to approximately $250 million. It has also surpassed $100 million in annual recurring revenue. Pentera’s technology automates penetration testing to evaluate the effectiveness of organizational cyber defenses. Over the past year, the company has expanded its AI capabilities and developed AI-based solutions to enhance its offerings.