The Swedish security company Recorded Future, with roots in Gothenburg and a strong connection to Chalmers University of Technology, has been acquired by Mastercard for a total of 27.5 billion SEK. The deal not only marks a significant step for both the company and Mastercard but also highlights Gothenburg’s tech scene, which in recent years has increasingly begun to make its mark on the global tech industry.
Recorded Future was founded in 2009 by Gothenburg natives Christopher Ahlberg and Staffan Truvé and has since grown to become a global leader in threat intelligence and cybersecurity. The company offers its customers real-time information on threats and attacks that help organizations protect their systems and data. Their innovative use of machine learning and advanced data analysis methods has made them an indispensable player in the cybersecurity sector. Recorded Future is the world’s largest threat intelligence company, with more than 1,900 clients in 75 countries, including the governments of 45 countries and over 50% of the Fortune 100 companies.
That Recorded Future has its roots in Gothenburg is no coincidence. The founders, with strong ties to Chalmers and the University of Gothenburg, have been part of the city’s tech ecosystem, which has continued to grow in significance. The company also has a product development office in Gothenburg. In recent years, Gothenburg has become a melting pot for startups and innovations, and Recorded Future is an excellent example of how local expertise can scale globally. The company is undoubtedly one of Sweden’s most successful startups, despite being relatively unknown to many Swedes.
“Fifteen years ago, we created Recorded Future with a simple goal to secure the world with intelligence. By joining forces with Mastercard, we see an opportunity to help more businesses and governments determine the steps to reach their full potential – and to make it possible for everyone to feel safer in their daily lives”, says Christopher Ahlberg, CEO of Recorded Future.
For Mastercard, the acquisition is a strategic move in an increasingly digitalized society, where the need for advanced cybersecurity is only growing. By this acquisition, Mastercard strengthens its position in cybersecurity, and for Gothenburg’s tech scene, the deal means that the city continues to be relevant on the world map for technological innovation. It is a reminder of the incredible capacity that exists within the region and its potential to be a leader in the global tech industry.
Recorded Future
- Founded: 2009
- Founders: Chalmers alumni Christopher Ahlberg and Staffan Truvé (other co-founders: Erik Wistrand, Jan Sparud, and Andy Palmer)
- Headquarters: Somerville, outside Boston, USA (with roots in Gothenburg)
- Business: Cybersecurity, threat intelligence
- Clients: More than 1 900 clients in 75 countries, including the governments of 45 countries and over 50% of the Fortune 100 companies
- Acquired by: Mastercard
- Purchase price: 27.5 billion SEK
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