Expel operates a managed security service that provides 24×7 threat detection, response, and remediation across cloud applications, infrastructure, networks and endpoints, alongside preemptive threat hunting for on‑premises and cloud environments. The company emphasizes an "automation‑forward" approach that enables faster reactions to potential incidents. Over the past two years Expel scaled its platform to handle an 82% increase in daily security events, doubled its technology partners, and more than doubled security investigations. It also reports a 260% improvement in analyst effectiveness from increased automation while maintaining an 80+ NPS rating. Customers named in the article include Delta Air Lines, DoorDash, Better.com, Esri, GreenSky and CDW. Financially, the company has raised a total of $257.9 million and its valuation is now north of $1 billion. Expel offers security operations as a service via a platform called Workbench that automates much of the alert triage and response work. The company targets the shortage of experienced security personnel and the information overload from many security tools by reducing the headcount needed to run a 24×7 SOC. CEO and co-founder Dave Merkel emphasizes that customers still staff SOCs but can operate them with far fewer people thanks to automation. Expel plans to use new funding to invest in sales and marketing while being deliberate about where to spend. The business has demonstrated continued demand for security services despite broader economic pressures. According to the article, the company has now raised almost $117 million in total. Expel is a cybersecurity company that offers transparent managed security both on‑premises and in the cloud, delivered through a 24x7 security operations center‑as‑a‑service. Its platform integrates the security tools customers already use with proprietary technology to surface real answers and specific recommendations. The company emphasizes practical advice to help customers prevent recurring security issues. Led by CEO and co‑founder Dave Merkel and based in Herndon, Va., Expel uses its service model to enable customer decision‑making on security incidents. Following the fundraise, the company plans to expand its cloud monitoring capabilities, accelerate product innovation and increase sales and marketing programs. Financially, the company has raised a combined total of $67.5M to date. Expel offers a "transparent managed security" service that replaces traditional MSSPs by using customers’ existing security products to monitor environments around the clock. Its analysts investigate suspicious activity and deliver clear, written guidance that explains what happened and how to remediate root causes, and customers can watch investigations unfold in a shared interface. The company positions itself as an alternative to alert-focused MSSPs by prioritizing investigations and answers over notifications. Expel says its analysts both detect and explain attacks, providing specific steps to fix recurring issues. The company will use the Series B proceeds to accelerate product development and go-to-market activities. As of this announcement it has raised $20.0M in the Series B and $27.5M in total funding to date. Expel operates in stealth mode as a cybersecurity company based in McLean, Virginia. It aims to decrease the burden of maintaining security systems on companies. The company is led by co‑founder and CEO Dave Merkel, who previously served as chief technology officer and vice‑president of products and threat‑management solutions at Mandiant. In September 2016 Expel closed a $7.5m Series A to support its efforts. Investors in the round include Paladin Capital Group, New Enterprise Associates, Battery Ventures, Greycroft Partners, Lightbank and other strategic and individual backers. The article does not include operating metrics or detailed product descriptions beyond the company's stated aim.

Total raised

$258M

Funding rounds

5

Latest round

Series E

Latest activity

Nov 2021