IonQ will buy cybersecurity firm Elisity in an all-stock deal worth up to $1.3 billion, as it seeks to bolster defences against AI and quantum-era threats.
01Summary
- 01IonQ said on Monday it will acquire Elisity in an all-stock deal worth up to $1.3 billion, including up to $150 million in performance-based earn-outs.
- 02The companies said the deal is aimed at defending against attackers targeting generative AI large-language models and AI agents, and at protecting against emerging quantum threats.
- 03IonQ said the deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter, subject to regulatory approval, and would expand its cybersecurity portfolio.
- 04Elisity will keep its current leadership, including chief executive James Winebrenner.
- 05IonQ shares fell more than 9% in afternoon trading, while Rigetti Computing and D-Wave Quantum also traded lower.
02Why it matters
The deal shows IonQ is widening beyond quantum computing into cybersecurity, which may affect how investors value its growth strategy. It also highlights rising concern over AI and quantum-related security risks for businesses and governments.
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