Cloud security vendor CrowdStrike, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), has announced the selection of 22 companies chosen to participate in the inaugural AWS & CrowdStrike Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)-based startups. Selected from hundreds of applications, the cohort will have the opportunity to receive custom mentorship, technical expertise, and potential partnership opportunities as part of the AWS Startup Loft Accelerator (SLA) programme.

The chosen startups will participate in a 10-week, equity-free programme that offers a range of benefits, including office hours with AWS and CrowdStrike industry experts, access to global investors, training sessions and up to $25,000 in AWS Activate Credits. The programme concludes with a Demo Day during the RSA Conference 2024 in San Francisco, where a panel of experts will name one innovation award winner.

Chief Business Officer at CrowdStrike, Daniel Bernard, emphasised that the collaboration combines CrowdStrike's pioneering cloud cybersecurity experience with AWS's robust cloud infrastructure to deliver a cutting-edge accelerator. Bernard stated, “CrowdStrike took cybersecurity to the cloud by building on AWS – together we’ve propelled how companies build and secure their businesses in the cloud. We are thrilled to partner with AWS to share tech expertise, best practices and business-critical resources for the next-generation of cybersecurity innovators building on AWS and the Falcon platform.”

Kellen O'Connor, EMEA managing director for startups at AWS, also expressed the significance of this collaboration. "As the most secure cloud provider, AWS has helped many cybersecurity startups rapidly scale and expand their businesses,” said O'Connor. “With the accelerator programme providing access to cutting edge AI, cybersecurity experts, technical resources and AWS's reliable infrastructure, it will empower the startups to scale up while driving innovation in cybersecurity forward."

The selection of the startups signifies sustained momentum for CrowdStrike’s partnership with AWS. Over the past year, the collaboration between the two firms has led to significant mutual success, with CrowdStrike becoming AWS’s most significant cybersecurity go-to-market partner and exceeding $1 billion in AWS Marketplace sales.

The 22 startups selected for the inaugural accelerator include Aim (formerly Haka Security), Apex Security, Apono, Bfore.Ai, elba, Eureka Security, GYTPOL, Heyhack, Illustria, Lasso Security, LayerX Security, Miggo Security, Mindflow, Myrror Security, Oligo Security, onum, Opus Security, Raito, Red Access, Seal Security, Token Security, and Tracebit. These cybersecurity pioneers now have an unparalleled opportunity to disrupt the status quo and leverage their respective strengths in a transforming cybersecurity landscape.