Descope, recognized for its innovative approach to identity and access management (IAM), has been named one of the top cybersecurity startups in the 2025 Rising in Cyber list, an initiative spearheaded by venture capital firm Notable Capital. The accolade underscores a period of exponential growth and transformation within the cybersecurity sector, particularly as emerging technologies like agentic artificial intelligence (AI) redefine the security landscape.
The selection process for the Rising in Cyber 2025 list involved a rigorous evaluation, marked by submissions from leading cybersecurity venture firms and rigorous validation from a panel of nearly 150 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and senior security executives. This multi-stage approach aimed to highlight those companies effectively addressing the most pressing challenges encountered by today’s security teams, particularly in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
Descope’s recognition stems from its no-code and low-code IAM capabilities, which enable security teams to implement crucial user journey security controls seamlessly, without detracting from user experience. According to the company, its Descope Agentic Identity Hub equips organizations with essential tools to adopt agentic AI systems securely. This suite of tools is critical in ensuring robust authentication and access control are integrated into these sophisticated systems.
The cybersecurity industry continues to grapple with heightened threats as it evolves alongside technological advances. The collective fundraising among this year’s Rising in Cyber honorees has surpassed $7.8 billion, as reported by Pitchbook. This financial backing reflects a marked momentum in the sector, as companies pivot from traditional reactive strategies toward proactive, intelligence-driven operations. Oren Yunger, Managing Partner at Notable Capital, stated, “The demand for cybersecurity innovation has never been greater. As the underlying technologies evolve and agentic AI reshapes everything from threat detection to team workflows, we’re witnessing a significant shift.”
Descope’s Co-Founder and CEO, Slavik Markovich, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the burden on developers who currently shoulder significant security responsibilities in-house. He articulated that Descope’s solutions help relieve these pressures, allowing organizations to focus on their core missions while reducing the risks associated with account takeovers, session management, and agentic identity infrastructure. This winning formula not only enhances security but also optimizes operational efficiency, a primary concern for organizations facing the complex landscape of cybersecurity threats.
Descope emerged from stealth mode in February 2023, securing $53 million in seed funding, which was earmarked for developing a developer-centric authentication platform. This platform has since matured into a comprehensive external IAM solution that continues to cater to the needs of various organizations. Companies such as GoFundMe, Databricks, GoodRx, Navan, and You.com have leveraged Descope’s offerings to create secure and efficient identity journeys.
The Rising in Cyber 2025 event provided a platform for the recognized companies to celebrate their achievements among top security leaders and investors. This recognition not only bolsters Descope’s reputation but also highlights the growing recognition of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in safeguarding organizational integrity and customer data.
The broader implications of this recognition cannot be overlooked. As organizations continue to digitize their operations, the complexity and volume of data they manage are skyrocketing, necessitating sophisticated security protocols. The recognition of startups like Descope signifies a growing acknowledgment of the importance of adaptive and resilient security frameworks that are responsive to emerging threats.
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, institutions will require innovative solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructures, enabling them to preemptively address vulnerabilities. In this context, the acknowledgment of Descope and its peers exemplifies an essential shift towards innovative, agile responses in the indeed critical area of cybersecurity.
With the rise of AI and machine learning technologies, the landscape will only grow more complex. It will be crucial for cybersecurity solutions to not only address current vulnerabilities but also anticipate future challenges. In this fast-evolving field, organizations are increasingly compelled to embrace solutions that leverage real-time data and analytical insights to bolster their defensive capabilities.
Ongoing innovation will define the future of cybersecurity, prompting an intricate interplay between technology providers, security professionals, and organizational leaders. The shift from traditional models of security to one that values agility, adaptability, and intelligence is underway, and companies like Descope stand at the forefront of this transformation, paving the way for the future of secure digital interactions.
In conclusion, the recognition of Descope by Notable Capital in the Rising in Cyber 2025 list comes as a timely reminder of the persistent and evolving challenges that organizations face in managing their cybersecurity risks. As the industry continues to adapt and respond to new threats, the strength and resilience of cybersecurity startups will be pivotal in shaping a more secure digital landscape for businesses and consumers alike.