Palo Alto Networks has acquired Console, an AI startup built to automate routine IT help desk work, in a deal reportedly worth $500 million in cash and stock. The company officially confirmed the purchase this week, while keeping financial terms undisclosed.
Founded in 2024, Console quickly attracted attention with software agents designed to handle repetitive support tasks such as password resets, app access requests, and basic troubleshooting. The startup raised $29 million in two rounds, backed by investors including Thrive Capital and DST Global.
Before the acquisition, Console was valued at $157 million. Its technology is now set to be folded into Cortex, Palo Alto Networks' AI-driven security platform. The goal is to help security teams investigate alerts and respond through natural language, expanding automation across enterprise operations.
Console was created by Andrei Serban, who previously founded Fuzzbuzz, another security-focused startup. Its customer list included companies such as Ramp, Flock Safety, and Scale AI, reflecting strong early demand for AI tools that streamline internal support.
The move also highlights the growing race to build smarter enterprise systems where AI can reduce manual work and speed up response times. As these platforms evolve, they may help define a more autonomous future for digital operations.
