Khosla backs Twenty with $30M, lifting cyber warfare startup to $1.2B
What's the deal? Twenty, a cybersecurity startup building AI-enabled cyber warfare systems for the US military and intelligence community, has raised an additional $30 million from Khosla Ventures. The Series B extension values the company at $1.2 billion.
Who led it? Khosla Ventures led the round. Partner Jon Chu said the firm's thesis is that "the U.S. and its allies need an AI-native cyberwarfare prime capable of protecting our most critical interests."
Why now? The investment follows Twenty's $100 million Series B, led by Accel, which valued the startup at $1 billion. Founded in 2024, it has now raised $168 million from backers including Accel, General Catalyst, In-Q-Tel, Point72 VenturesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Caffeinated Capital, and Friends & Family Capital.
What's the endgame? Twenty develops AI-enabled offensive cyber capabilities that combine artificial intelligence, automation, and human oversight. The company says human decision-making is maintained throughout mission execution.
Where's the money going? The capital will expand Twenty's technical workforce and accelerate development of offensive cyber tools for US defence and intelligence customers.
Chief executive officer Joe Lin framed the round as an endorsement. "We are building the industrial base for American cyber power: the AI-enabled capabilities our warfighters need to disrupt threats at their origin," he said.
The signal: A follow-on cheque from Khosla just weeks after a $100 million Series B signals investor conviction in defence-focused AI. Twenty said growing government demand for AI-enabled cyber capabilities is opening the door for commercial startups to supply national security missions.
Read more: citybiz
Image credit: The National Guard
