Cybersecurity startup Wiz has declined a$23 billion acquisition offer from Alphabet,Google’s parent company,according to a source familiar with the discussions.

　　Despite the offer being a significant premium over Wiz’s last private valuation of$12 billion,the management team,with the support of investors,decided to remain independent,the source said.

　　Wiz’s CEO,Assaf Rappaport,communicated this decision to the company’s 1,200 employees in an email.He expressed confidence in the company’s future,citing their strong team as the basis for declining the offer.

　　New York-based Wiz was founded in 2020 by four former Israeli military officers who previously co-founded Adallom,a cloud cybersecurity company acquired by Microsoft for$320 million.The founders—Rappaport,Yinon Costica,Roy Reznik,and Ami Luttwak—each reportedly own 9%of Wiz.The company’s venture backers include Index Ventures,Sequoia Capital,and Thrive Capital,among others.

　　Below is the email that Rappaport sent to employees:

　　Wizards,

　　I know the last week has been intense,with the buzz about a potential acquisition.While we are flattered by the offers we have received,we have chosen to continue on our path to building Wiz.

　　Let me cut to the chase:our next milestones are$1 billion in ARR and an IPO.

　　Saying no to such humbling offers is tough,but with our exceptional team,I feel confident in making that choice.

　　The market validation we have experienced following this news only reinforces our goal—creating a platform that both security and development teams love.We are grateful for the faith our employees,investors,and customers have in us as we build the best cybersecurity company in the world.

　　Thank you for your hard work and focus during these days,which helped us stay on track and finish the quarter stronger than ever.As we always say:LFG.

　　Rappaport’s email underscores Wiz’s commitment to growth and independence,setting ambitious goals for the future.