Vector Capital Making $100 Million Minority Investment in Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes is getting a strategic $100 million minority investment from Vector Capital, a private equity firm that invests in established technology businesses.

As part of the transaction, Vector Capital managing directors Sandy Gill and Dave Fishman will join Malwarebytes’ board of directors. The transaction is subject to standard and customary closing conditions, and should close in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Malwarebytes plans to use the investment to further innovate the company’s product portfolios. It will also accelerate momentum with channel partners and consolidate its ownership structure.

It will add new features to its consumer protection and privacy suite. In addition, it will continue to launch new modules that enable organizations to reduce their attack surface.

Moreover, the investment will allow Malwarebytes to enhance and scale its international channel partner program and rapidly growing MSP business.

Last month, Malwarebytes initiated layoffs that affected 125 employees globally as part of a shift in its go-to-market (GTM) strategy.

Vector Capital ‘Ideal Partners’ for Malwarebytes

Marcin Kleczynski is Malwarebytes’ co-founder and CEO.

Malwarebytes’ Marcin Kleczynski

“The $100 million minority investment from Vector Capital will enable Malwarebytes to continue aggressively innovating our product portfolios such as additional prevention modules, as well as expanding our training and resources for our partners,” he said. “Creating great channel-driven businesses starts with providing an environment of robust service to our channel partners. This includes adding personnel where necessary, and providing a rich and broad set of resources and programs to co-develop new markets and opportunities.”

Vector Capital is fundamentally aligned with Malwarebytes’ channel and MSP growth strategy, Kleczynski said.

“This investment will help us move forward with our current goal to double down on supporting MSP and channel partners with the most effective and streamlined protection for their customers,” he said.

The investment will further advance Malwarebytes’ strategic reorganization, Kleczynski said.

The funding by Vector Capital follows investments in Malwarebytes led by Highland Capital Partners and Fidelity Management and Research.

“Malwarebytes is a global market leader with one of the most widely recognized brands in cyber remediation and protection,” Gill said. “It has become an essential business that keeps the internet safer for millions of people and organizations worldwide every day. We look forward to supporting the company by leveraging our strong track record in building and scaling technology companies, and working alongside management to further accelerate growth across both the consumer and corporate business lines.”