Untangle is a technology company.
Untangle has raised $19.0M across 2 funding rounds.
Untangle has raised $19.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Untangle has raised $19.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Untangle's investors include Alpha Edison.
Untangle, Inc. was a U.S.-based technology company specializing in open-source network security software, particularly its flagship Untangle Gateway Platform, a multi-function firewall and internet management suite designed for small businesses, managed service providers (MSPs), and organizations of varying sizes.[1][3][4] It served sectors like financial services, law offices, real estate, education, bio-science, and professional services by blocking spam, viruses, spyware, and inappropriate web content while integrating with MSP tools like Level Platforms and Kaseya, offering affordable enterprise-quality protection via a try-before-you-buy model and pre-installed appliances.[1][3] Founded in 2003, the company raised $25.17M before being acquired by Arista Networks in March 2022, with deployments in nearly 40,000 organizations protecting over 2 million users; note that a separate UK-based firm named Untangle exists today as a boutique software engineering and IT services provider for SMEs, but the original Untangle matches the security-focused tech company description.[2][3][4]
Untangle, Inc. was founded in 2003 by Dirk Morris and headquartered initially in San Mateo, California (later San Jose), emerging as an innovator in turning open-source projects into polished network security products amid rising needs for affordable small-business cybersecurity.[1][3][4] The idea stemmed from simplifying complex technology, with early traction through its open-source security gateway that addressed spam, viruses, spyware, and web filtering—gaining adoption in thousands of businesses via inexpensive pricing and seamless MSP integrations.[1][4] Pivotal moments included shipping easy-to-deploy appliances and a Hardware-as-a-Service option with no upfront costs, building to widespread use before its 2022 acquisition by Arista Networks.[1][3]
Untangle rode the early-2000s wave of open-source cybersecurity democratization, capitalizing on surging threats like viruses, spam, and social media risks (e.g., MySpace, Facebook) when SMBs lacked affordable tools amid proprietary software dominance.[1][3] Timing was ideal post-2003 founding, as MSPs scaled services and web filtering markets grew—its solutions segment aligned with 68%+ market share drivers for comprehensive security in 2023 reports.[1][3] Market forces favoring it included demand for cost-effective gateways over hardware-heavy alternatives, influencing the ecosystem by popularizing modular, integrable open-source stacks that paved the way for modern cloud-native firewalls and Arista's post-acquisition expansions.[3]
Post-2022 acquisition by Arista Networks, Untangle's tech likely bolsters Arista's portfolio in multi-function gateways and SMB security, with integration into broader EOS platforms driving growth amid rising zero-trust and edge computing trends.[3] Evolving threats like AI-driven attacks and hybrid work will shape its trajectory, potentially expanding via Arista's cloud and automation focus; its influence may grow through embedded open-source innovations in enterprise networks. This cements Untangle's legacy in untangling tech complexities for accessible protection, now amplified at scale.[1][3]
Untangle has raised $19.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $8.0M Series B in May 2008.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2008 | $8.0M Series B | Alpha Edison | |
| Dec 1, 2006 | $11.0M Series A | Alpha Edison |