Palo Alto Networks has acquired Console, a two-year-old startup that uses AI agents to automate routine IT help desk tasks, for $500 million in cash and stock, according to two people with knowledge of the deal.

While the companies officially announced the acquisition on Tuesday, they did not disclose the financial terms. Palo Alto Networks declined to comment on the transaction details.

Palo Alto Networks plans to integrate Console into Cortex, its AI-powered platform for detecting and neutralizing threats. In a statement, Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora said Console’s agentic functionality will enable security teams to investigate and resolve alerts through natural language, providing Cortex with “the arms and legs to deliver autonomous security outcomes across the entire enterprise.”

Founded in 2024 by Andrei Serban following the acquisition of his previous startup Fuzzbuzz by Rippling, Console automated workflows such as password resets, application access provisioning for tools like Figma and Miro, and routine troubleshooting without direct human intervention. Its client base included Ramp, Flock Safety, and Scale AI.

Key background details regarding Console and the acquisition include:

2 million seed round led by Thrive Capital and a $23 million Series A co-led by DST Global and Thrive. Valuation: According to PitchBook, Console was valued at $157 million prior to the sale.

Investors: Backers benefiting from the sale include Thrive Capital, DST Global, SV Angel, Abstract Ventures, and Nikesh Arora, who participated as an angel investor. Market Competition: Console primarily competed with Serval, an AI IT service management startup valued at $1 billion following a $75 million Series B round led by Sequoia last December.

According to PitchBook, Console marks Palo Alto Networks' seventh acquisition in 2026. 35 billion valuation, and cybersecurity startup Koi for $400 million.