Critical Start

About Critical Start

Critical Start operates within the cybersecurity sector, specializing in Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services. The firm was established in 2012 by Rob Davis, a seasoned professional with over 20 years in information security, including a 14-year tenure at RSA. His background, which also includes serving as a U.S. Navy officer and roles at Lucent Technologies and EMC, shaped his vision for a client-focused approach to cybersecurity. Davis founded the company in response to the 2011 nation-state cyberattacks on security firms like RSA, recognizing a market need to focus on security fundamentals rather than just adding more products.

The company's business model is centered on providing continuous, 24x7x365 monitoring and threat response services to a diverse client base that includes mid-sized to large enterprises across sectors like healthcare, retail, government, and energy. Revenue is generated through fees for its professional services, which encompass managed security, incident response, and risk assessments. A key aspect of its strategy is a channel-only sales model, leveraging a network of value-added resellers and distributors to broaden its market reach.

Critical Start's core offering is its MDR service, which operates on the Cyber Operations Risk & Response™ (CORR) platform. This service combines proactive measures, such as asset discovery and vulnerability assessments, with reactive capabilities like threat investigation and response. A distinctive feature is the Zero-Trust Analytics Platform (ZTAP), which aims to reduce false-positive alerts by over 99%. The company also provides a mobile application, MOBILESOC®, allowing clients to interact with security analysts and manage threats remotely. In 2023, the company introduced Managed Cyber Risk Reduction (MCRR), an evolution of its MDR service that aligns with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to offer a more holistic view of an organization's security posture.

Significant milestones in the company's history include the acquisition of Advanced Threat Analytics in 2018 to incorporate its security orchestration platform. In 2019, Critical Start secured its first outside investment of $40 million from Bregal Sagemount to fuel national expansion. This was followed by a major strategic growth investment of $215 million from Vista Equity Partners in April 2022 to accelerate growth and scale its offerings. In September 2024, Scott White, an executive with experience at DoiT International and Rackspace, was appointed CEO, while founder Rob Davis transitioned to the role of Executive Chairman.