- Ontinue’s proprietary ION platform uses agentic AI and automation to detect and respond to threats in customers’ Microsoft environments
- The company was carved out of EQT-backed Open Systems, later sold to Swiss Post in 2024, as a standalone business in 2023
- Ontinue has roughly doubled in scale under EQT’s ownership, helped by three add-on acquisitions in data science, AI and cybersecurity services
EQT, via its EQT Mid Market Europe fund, has signed a definitive agreement to sell Ontinue, an AI-powered managed cybersecurity services provider focused on the Microsoft ecosystem, to Quorum Cyber.
Ontinue helps organizations detect, investigate and respond to cyber threats across their Microsoft environments, serving more than 250 customers, including enterprises, NGOs and institutions, across Europe and the US through a 24/7 delivery model. Its proprietary ION platform is built around the Microsoft security ecosystem and uses agentic AI automation to increase the speed, efficiency and accuracy of threat detection and response.
Ontinue was originally developed within Open Systems as its managed detection and response business before being carved out as a standalone company in 2023, as its technology, organization and strategic priorities became increasingly distinct. EQT initially invested in Open Systems in 2017 and supported its transformation from a network-focused managed security services provider into a secure access service edge business; Open Systems nearly doubled sales and more than tripled EBITDA during EQT’s ownership before being sold to Swiss Post in 2024.
Since Ontinue became a standalone company, EQT has helped it build out its leadership team and go-to-market organization internationally, while consolidating three technology platforms into a single AI-native, automation-first platform. The company also completed three add-on acquisitions focused on data science, AI and cybersecurity services during EQT’s ownership.
“…to experience firsthand how agentic AI transformed the company,” said Christian Küpper, director responsible for the investment at EQT Private Equity, in a statement. “Since the carve-out from Open Systems in 2023, Ontinue has established itself as a standalone business, strengthened its financial profile and established itself as a leading MXDR player powered by its agentic AI and automation capabilities.”
Editor’s note: This news brief was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence.