Lastline is a cybersecurity technology company specializing in advanced malware detection and breach prevention. It builds an AI-powered platform that uses full-system emulation sandboxing to analyze and defeat evasive threats like advanced persistent threats (APTs), targeted attacks, and sophisticated malware, outperforming virtual machine-based alternatives.[1][2][3] The product serves enterprises, managed security service providers (MSSPs), and partners such as Barracuda, Dell SonicWALL, and Gartner Magic Quadrant leaders, protecting over 33 million users as of 2016 by integrating into existing workflows for threat intelligence and automated defense.[2] Lastline solves the critical problem of detecting breaches that evade traditional antivirus and security tools, delivering 100% detection rates with zero false positives in key tests like NSS Labs and high customer satisfaction (100% recommendation rate in surveys).[2]
A UC Santa Barbara startup, Lastline demonstrated strong early growth post-2013 launch, earning top rankings in Forrester Wave and NSS Labs evaluations ahead of competitors like FireEye and Check Point.[2][4]
Lastline emerged as a UC Santa Barbara startup, leveraging academic innovation to address gaps in malware analysis.[4] The idea stemmed from developing superior sandboxing technology—full-system emulation that better inspects suspicious objects at scale compared to VM or OS emulation methods—introduced commercially in 2013.[1][2] Early traction was rapid: by September 2016, it protected over 33 million enterprise users globally, with partnerships alongside 13 Gartner leaders in MSSPs, UTM, and secure email gateways.[2] Pivotal moments included NSS Labs' top security effectiveness rating in 2016 (beating FireEye, Cisco, and others) and a perfect 100% detection score, plus US patents for environmental-dependent malware detection behavior.[2] Headquartered in Redwood City, CA, with offices in Goleta, CA, and London, it scaled through respected channel partners like Dell SecureWorks.[1][2]
(Note: Specific founders are not detailed in available sources; origins tie closely to UCSB technology transfer.[4] A separate entity, LastLine Cyber, appears as a Pittsburgh-based consulting firm focused on employee training, unrelated to this product company.[5])
Lastline rides the surge in sophisticated cyber threats, where traditional tools fail against evasive malware and APTs amid rising breaches from insiders, cloud vulnerabilities, and targeted attacks.[1][2][3] Its timing aligned with post-2013 demand for automated, scalable analysis as enterprises shifted to cloud and AI-driven security, influencing the ecosystem by powering MSSPs and UTM vendors to enhance their offerings.[2] Market forces like NSS Labs validation and partnerships amplified its reach, setting benchmarks for breach detection effectiveness and pushing competitors toward emulation-based innovations.[2][4] As a UCSB spinout, it exemplifies academic-tech transfer accelerating cybersecurity advancements.[4]
Lastline's edge in emulation and AI positions it to capitalize on escalating AI-enhanced threats and zero-trust architectures. Expect expansion into broader AI security analytics, deeper MSSP integrations, and defenses against emerging evasive tactics like AI-generated malware. Its influence may grow through acquisitions or larger tech partnerships, sustaining leadership in automated threat protection—reinforcing its role as a pivotal innovator in detecting the undetectable, much like its breakthrough sandboxing redefined breach detection.
Lastline has raised $49.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Lastline's investors include Citi Ventures, Cowles Ventures, In-Q-Tel, Redpoint Ventures, Thomvest Ventures, Steve Krausz, Matt Carbonara.
Lastline has raised $49.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $29.0M Series C in July 2017.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 2017 | $29.0M Series C | Citi Ventures, Cowles Ventures, In-Q-Tel, Redpoint Ventures, Thomvest Ventures, Steve Krausz, Matt Carbonara | |
| Aug 1, 2014 | $10.0M Venture Round | Citi Ventures, In-Q-Tel, Redpoint Ventures, Steve Krausz, Matt Carbonara | |
| Jun 1, 2013 | $10.0M Series B | Citi Ventures, In-Q-Tel, Redpoint Ventures, Steve Krausz, Matt Carbonara |
