Root

Automates container vulnerability management through intelligent patching that eliminates the need for container rebuilds or rebasing.

Business Software
Acquired by Aikido Security
Acquired Boston, United States Founded 2020
Last updated 2026-07-20
Total raised
$37.6M
Last: Undisclosed Round 2022-01
Stage
Acquired
Founded
2020
Headcount
25
HQ
Boston, United States
Sector
Business Software

About

Root (root.io) developed an AI platform for securing open-source components. The platform automates container vulnerability management through intelligent patching, enabling security and development teams to efficiently address vulnerabilities without disrupting deployment cycles. It offers features like automated triage, security maturity metrics, seamless CI/CD integration, and continuous monitoring across container environments. Root was acquired by Belgian cybersecurity unicorn Aikido Security.

Funding history · 2 rounds · $37.6M total

2021-12
A Round $31.0M
★ StepStone Group★ Insight PartnersKnollwood Investment Advisory
2020-12
Seed $6.6M
★ FXP★ Decibel Partners★ Boldstart Ventures★ TechAviv Founder Partners

Headcount over time

From 33 (2024-03) to 48 (2026-03) · +15 (+45%) · 9 points · source: Finder history + radar grounding
500 2024-03 2026-03

Q&A

What is Root.io's primary business activity?
Root.io automates container vulnerability management through intelligent patching, eliminating the need for container rebuilds or rebasing.
When was Root.io founded?
Root.io was founded in January 2020.
What is the current status of Root.io?
Root.io was acquired by Aikido Security in June 2026.
How much funding has Root.io raised in total?
Root.io has raised a total of $37,600,000 USD.
Which investors participated in Root.io's $31 million funding round in January 2022?
The $31 million funding round in January 2022 included investments from StepStone Group and Insight Partners.
Who are the co-founders of Root.io?
The co-founders of Root.io are Ian Riopel (Co-founder & CEO), John Amaral (Co-founder & CTO), and Benji Kalman (Co-founder & VP of Engineering).
What is the employee count for Root.io?
Root.io has an employee count in the 11-50 range.
What was the acquisition amount for Root.io by Aikido Security?
Root.io was acquired by Aikido Security for $100,000,000 USD in June 2026.

Team · 4

Benji Kalman
Founder · Co-founder & VP of Engineering
Mickey Gordon
Founder · CPO
Ian Riopel
Founder · Co-founder & CEO
John Amaral
Founder · Co-founder & CTO

Sectors & technology

Primary sector
Business Software
Technologies
Target customers
Business model
B2B
Full data — links, identifiers, deals & radar signals (jobs, patents, research, more)

External links

Websiteroot.io/
LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/103077860

Identifiers & details

Founded2020-1
Employees (exact)25

Acquisitions & public offerings

Acquired by Aikido Security 2026-06 $70.0M

Radar intelligence

Open jobs — greenhouse

Total open0
Remote0

Patents

EPO3153

Publications (Crossref)

Works10

Web history (Wayback)

Domainroot.io

Certificate / subdomain footprint

Subdomains67