Our Story.
When CEO and Co-founder Christopher Ahlberg first envisioned Recorded Future almost two decades ago, the internet was largely a reflection of what was happening in the world, and Ahlberg saw it as a catalyst for freedom and democracy. Today, the world has begun to reflect what’s happening on the internet. New technologies and media are helping to spread misinformation that influences real-world events, and cyber and physical threats are converging to put people and organizations at risk.
Securing our world with threat intelligence.
With the help of his professor and mentor, Staffan Truvé, Ahlberg launched Recorded Future in 2009 with a belief that defenders needed predictive and customized threat intelligence, to proactively identify, prioritize, and protect against continuously evolving global threats. After 15 years building on this vision, the company was acquired by Mastercard in 2024.
Today, Recorded Future is the world's largest threat intelligence provider, delivering comprehensive, real-time, and AI-driven threat intelligence to over 1,900 customers across the globe.
Our mission.
Recorded Future secures the world by empowering businesses, governments, and other organizations to stay one step ahead of today’s relentless threat actors. We help our customers connect the dots and make fast, effective, data-driven decisions so they can proactively protect their assets, maintain trust, and fulfill their own missions without disruption.
Key moments in our history.
2024
Mastercard acquisition
In December, Mastercard closed the acquisition of Recorded Future for $2.65B. With Recorded Future, Mastercard can safeguard its financial networks — the backbone of the global economy and its customers— before threats cause significant damage, reinforcing its leadership in securing the world’s financial systems. As part of Mastercard, Recorded Future will continue to innovate and help other global enterprises and government organizations protect their assets.
In July 2024, Recorded Future was named the leader in Frost & Sullivan’s Frost Radar™ for Cyber Threat Intelligence in both innovation and growth.
2023
Recorded Future AI (beta) launch and named a leader in Forrester Wave™
In August, Recorded Future was named a leader in The Forrester Wave™: External Threat Intelligence Service Providers report.
In April, the company launched Recorded Future AI, the world’s first AI for threat intelligence, to give organizations automatic assessments of their threat landscape in real time.
2022
Ukraine memorandum and Attack Surface Intelligence
In December, Recorded Future and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to protect critical infrastructure in Ukraine and worldwide.
In March, Fast Company named The Record to its list of the “World’s Most Innovative Companies” in the Media category.
In January, Recorded Future acquired SecurityTrails to launch the Attack Surface Intelligence Module.
2021
The Intelligence Fund and Payment Fraud Intelligence
In June, the company launched The Intelligence Fund to invest in startups building novel intelligence data sets, platforms, and applications.
In March, Recorded Future acquired fraud analytics provider Gemini Advisory to launch the Payment Fraud Intelligence Module.
2020
New Intelligence modules, The Record, and Recorded Future Express
In September, the company launched six Modules in the Intelligence Platform to ensure easy , cross-functional adoption of solutions over time.
In August, the company launched news site The Record by Recorded Future to tell untold stories about the cybersecurity landscape.
In May, the company launched the Recorded Future Express free browser extension, delivering real-time intelligence via Recorded Future Risk Scores and context on IP addresses, domains, and more.
2019
Insight Partners acquires Recorded Future
In May, Insight Partners acquired Recorded Future for $780 million, fueling the next stage of growth.
In January, Recorded Future launched the Third-Party Intelligence Module to give customers insights into supply chain risk.
2018–2014
Insikt Group launch, expanded sourcing, and more
Recorded Future published the first edition of the Threat Intelligence Handbook.
In May 2017, Insikt Group and Malware Hunter made their debuts.
In February 2017, Recorded Future added full-spectrum sourcing, combining technical, open, and dark web intelligence sources.
In 2014, Recorded Future integrated open and dark web sourcing.
2010–2008
Wired article, first investments, and prototype
In July 2010, Recorded Future came out of stealth mode with an article in Wired.
In 2009, the company received its first investments by Google Ventures and Int-Q-Tel.
In 2008–2009, the first prototype was built in the virtual garage.
2007
First patent
Christopher Ahlberg filed the first patent for the company that would become Recorded Future in 2009.
Join our team.
We’re always looking to hire people with a passion for threat intelligence and a desire to make a difference. Bring your skills to Recorded Future to help us build a safer world.