Amsterdam-based email security firm Zivver gets acquired by California’s Kiteworks

Amsterdam-based Zivver, a provider of secure communications known for its AI-powered email security solutions, has been acquired by California’s Kiteworks. 

Kiteworks operates a Private Data Network used for managing the sending, sharing, receiving, and use of private data. The network supports over 100 million end-users and 1,500 enterprises. 

In August 2024, Kiteworks received $456M in growth equity funding from Insight Partners and Sixth Street Growth to support its expansion in global markets.

Aim of the acquisition

Zivver, founded ten years ago in the Netherlands, provides secure data exchange solutions and is known for email security with data classification, human error prevention, and zero-access encryption.

The company offers email, file transfer, and eSignature services that prevent both the company and its cloud providers from accessing user data. This limits exposure to data access laws such as the US CLOUD Act. 

In response to increasing demand for broader and sovereign communication tools, Zivver pursued a partner to support further expansion. With around 130 employees and offices in Amsterdam, London, and New York, Zivver supports over 11,000 organisations in meeting privacy requirements for Microsoft and Google platforms.

Through its acquisition by Kiteworks, the Dutch company will expand its private data exchange services with sovereign data solutions deployable on-premises, in private cloud, or public cloud environments.

This supports Zivver’s efforts to meet demand from European governments and enterprises for sovereign data exchange methods and enables the company to enter new markets in other regions.

Wouter Klinkhamer, CEO of Zivver, says, “Our objective was to join forces with a global leader that shares our vision for zero-access security and meets Europe’s stringent data sovereignty standards.”

“Kiteworks not only mirrors our philosophy on encryption and zero-trust data exchange but also offers on-premises and private cloud deployment options for monitoring all private data moving within, into, and out of organisations—including with countless third parties.”

“This synergy with Kiteworks enables us to deliver zero-trust data exchange for every send, share, receive, and use of private data—regardless of the channels. This enables us to prevent everything from human-error data leaks in emails to the safeguarding of large file transfers, all under the customer’s control.”

Advance global zero-trust and sovereign data exchange

Kiteworks, with a global presence and a European customer base, offers a platform that tracks how, when, and where data is shared to help prevent data breaches. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, the company protects over 100 million end-users and over 1,500 global enterprises and government agencies.

Kiteworks will use its market reach and platform to introduce Zivver’s data protection, data classification, human error prevention, and secure email services into international markets where zero-trust data exchange is required.

Amit Toren, Chief Business Officer at Kiteworks, says, “Organisations require comprehensive solutions that protect private data shared and sent across all communication channels while maintaining seamless user experiences.”

“By bringing Zivver’s innovative secure email technology into our Private Data Network, we’re providing the combined customer base with enhanced capabilities to secure their most sensitive communications while meeting stringent compliance requirements.”

“This acquisition reflects our focus on continuous innovation in secure data exchange, including AI-based data protection, coupled with the continued growth in our talented global team.”

Rick Goud, Chief Innovation Officer at Zivver, adds, “The challenges surrounding data sovereignty—especially in Europe—require solutions that don’t compromise on user-friendliness while still meeting the highest standards of security and compliance. The Zivver-Kiteworks combination makes this possible by giving organisations full control over where their data is stored, while ensuring compliance with regional regulations.”

“I’m not aware of any other solution worldwide that offers this level of flexibility in terms of supported use cases, hosting models, and security features. This will create major opportunities for both our existing and future customers who are looking to reduce their dependency on the ‘American cloud’ in these dynamic times of geopolitical uncertainty.”