{"version":1,"type":"story","url":"https://digestai.news/story/ballistic-ventures-targets-490m-for-ai-focused-cybersecurity-funds","json":"https://digestai.news/story/ballistic-ventures-targets-490m-for-ai-focused-cybersecurity-funds.json","markdown":"https://digestai.news/story/ballistic-ventures-targets-490m-for-ai-focused-cybersecurity-funds.md","slug":"ballistic-ventures-targets-490m-for-ai-focused-cybersecurity-funds","headline":"Ballistic Ventures targets $490M for AI-focused cybersecurity funds","summary":"Ballistic Ventures, a San Francisco-based venture capital firm co-founded by Ted Schlein, plans to raise $490 million across two new funds. The firm filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for $360 million in its third flagship fund and $130 million in Fund B, both targeting cybersecurity startups amid growing AI-driven threats.\n\nThe move follows a surge in AI-enabled cybersecurity investments: U.S. startups in the sector raised $11.5 billion in 2025, with AI-backed deals accounting for 72% of venture activity through May. Microsoft’s latest report highlights how attackers use AI for phishing, malware, and social engineering, accelerating attacks. Ballistic’s portfolio includes Talon Cyber Security (acquired by Palo Alto Networks) and Oligo Security, backed by its founding team—including former AT&T Cybersecurity president Barmak Meftah and Roger Thornton, co-founder of Fortify Software.","keyPoints":["Ballistic Ventures seeks $360M for its third flagship fund and $130M for Fund B, totaling $490M","AI-enabled cybersecurity deals now make up 72% of U.S. venture activity in the sector through May 2026","Microsoft warns AI is enabling faster, larger-scale cyberattacks via phishing, malware, and social engineering"],"whyItMatters":"The $490M raise signals strong investor confidence in AI-driven cybersecurity, a critical area as attackers exploit generative AI for more sophisticated attacks. Startups backed by Ballistic could shape defenses against AI-powered threats.","category":{"slug":"business","name":"Business & Funding","url":"https://digestai.news/category/business"},"entities":{"companies":["Ballistic Ventures","Kleiner Perkins","AT&T","Fortify Software","AlienVault","Talon Cyber Security"],"models":[],"people":["Ted Schlein","Barmak Meftah","Roger Thornton"]},"firstPublishedAt":"2026-11-03T21:43:08Z","updatedAt":"2026-11-03T21:43:08Z","sourceCount":1,"hasPrimarySource":false,"sources":[{"outlet":"TechCrunch AI","title":"Ted Schlein’s Ballistic Ventures seeks $490M for new funds amid AI-driven cybersecurity boom","url":"https://techcrunch.com/2026/11/03/ted-schleins-ballistic-ventures-seeks-490m-for-new-funds-amid-ai-driven-cybersecurity-boom","publishedAt":"2026-11-03T21:43:08Z","type":"press","primary":false,"lead":true}],"sourceNotes":null,"discussions":[],"thread":null,"cite":{"text":"Digest AI, \"Ballistic Ventures targets $490M for AI-focused cybersecurity funds\", 3 November 2026, https://digestai.news/story/ballistic-ventures-targets-490m-for-ai-focused-cybersecurity-funds","publisher":"Digest AI","title":"Ballistic Ventures targets $490M for AI-focused cybersecurity funds","datePublished":"2026-11-03T21:43:08Z","url":"https://digestai.news/story/ballistic-ventures-targets-490m-for-ai-focused-cybersecurity-funds"},"generatedBy":"Written by Digest AI's editorial model from the linked sources; the sources are the record.","license":"Headlines, digests and key points are written by Digest AI and may be quoted with a link to the story page. Linked articles belong to their publishers. Terms: https://digestai.news/terms#reuse"}