Elkstone-Backed Mesh Security Acquired by Bitdefender in Major Cybersecurity Move

Dublin, 18th June, 2025 — Elkstone-backed Mesh Security Limited, the Irish-founded email security specialist, today announced its acquisition by Bitdefender, a global leader in cybersecurity. The strategic deal validates Ireland's growing position in the global cybersecurity sector and represents a significant milestone for the Irish startup ecosystem.The acquisition will see Mesh's proven email security platform integrated into Bitdefender's flagship GravityZone platform, combining Mesh's MSP-focused architecture with Bitdefender's global reach of over 41,000 partners. With more than 4,000 customers already protected across the US, UK, and Ireland, Mesh brings demonstrated market traction and a scalable solution designed specifically for Managed Service Providers.

Strategic Technology Integration Mesh's dual-layered security approach offers compelling strategic value for Bitdefender. The platform combines perimeter protection via a secure email gateway (SEG) with mailbox-level defense through API deployment, creating enhanced threat visibility that will contribute valuable telemetry to Bitdefender's global threat intelligence network. For Bitdefender's extensive partner network, Mesh provides a centralized platform that makes it easier to manage email security for multiple clients. The solution offers round-the-clock protection while lowering operational costs through automatic policy enforcement, real-time threat updates, and seamless integration into existing operations.

Founder Vision Realized Founded in 2020 by Brian Byrne (CEO), Ralph Casey (CTO), and Daimhin Kavanagh (CIO), Mesh was built to address the increasingly complex email security challenges facing MSPs, including business email compromise, ransomware, and spear-phishing attacks. The platform's user-friendly design and MSP-focused architecture enable providers to deliver efficient, scalable protection to their clients. Mesh's entire team will remain in place to continue developing the platform and all employees will retain their positions. The company intends to expand its product development under Bitdefender's ownership, providing security for the workforce while accelerating innovation for customers.Brian Byrne, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Mesh, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Elkstone for their unwavering support, which has been integral to our journey. As we embark on this next chapter, we remain committed to delivering practical and powerful email security that truly works. With Bitdefender by our side, we are excited to enhance protection for even more organizations together."

Elkstone's Strategic Investment Success The acquisition also represents the first exit from Elkstone's Venture Fund I, Ireland's largest early-stage venture fund, which launched in April 2022. Elkstone led Mesh's €1.55 million seed funding round in 2023 alongside Enterprise Ireland, providing the capital that enabled the company's rapid scaling in both employee and customer numbers.

Niall McEvoy, Managing Director of Venture at Elkstone, said: "We are proud to have backed the Mesh team through their rapid growth journey, driven by the experience of founders Brian, Ralph, and Daimhin. At Elkstone, we work closely with our founders to support them on their scaling journey, and it was incredibly rewarding to be part of the team's success leading to today's acquisition. It's also a significant moment for Elkstone two years after our initial investment. It serves as a shining example of the success of Irish ventures on the global stage."The successful exit demonstrates the strength of Ireland's cybersecurity sector and the effectiveness of early-stage venture capital in scaling innovative Irish technology companies to global markets.