Kiteworks
Kiteworks provides a Private Data Network platform enabling zero-trust secure file sharing, email, managed file transfer, and AI agent governance for 3,800+ enterprise and government customers in regulated industries globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2006
- HeadquartersSan Mateo, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Kiteworks does
Kiteworks (formerly Accellion, founded 2006, HQ San Mateo, CA) provides a Private Data Network (PDN) platform that consolidates governance for secure email, file sharing, managed file transfer (MFT), SFTP, secure data forms, and AI agent workflows under a single Data Policy Engine. The platform is built on a hardened virtual appliance architecture (CIS-hardened stripped Linux) deployed as single-tenant with no sharing of databases, file systems, runtimes, or OS between customers; it uses TLS 1.3 in transit, AES-256 at rest, FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic modules, and supports customer-controlled encryption keys (BYOK) so neither cloud providers nor Kiteworks can access customer data. Deployment options span on-premises, private cloud (AWS/Azure), hybrid, hosted, FedRAMP, and IRAP environments. The company serves 3,800+ enterprise customers and government agencies across verticals including government (Defense Industrial Base), healthcare, financial services, legal, manufacturing, higher education, professional services, pharma/life sciences, and technology.
The product portfolio includes the Private Data Network core, Compliant AI with Secure MCP Server for AI agent governance, Email Protection Gateway, Secure File Sharing & Collaboration, Managed File Transfer (with Apache Airflow), SFTP Server, Secure Data Forms, SafeEDIT DRM, Repositories Gateway (governing SharePoint, OneDrive, Box, Dropbox), Advanced Governance, CISO Dashboard, Virtual Data Rooms, Secure Mobile, Salesforce and iManage plugins, and Boardroom Communications. The company holds FedRAMP High, FIPS 140-3, IRAP, CMMC 2.0 Level 2 (~90% coverage of 110 practices), HIPAA, GDPR, ITAR, and 40+ additional compliance certifications.
Revenue is generated primarily through subscription licensing split between Business Edition (5-500 users, 2 GB max file size, online self-serve 'Buy Now') and Enterprise Edition (unlimited users, 16 TB max file, quote-based multi-year contracts), with 11 capability add-ons (SafeEDIT DRM, Advanced Governance, Secure MFT, Secure APIs/SCIM, Email Protection Gateway, Enterprise Connect, Secure Protocol Package, FIPS 140-2 Validated, Salesforce Plugin, iManage Plugin) driving upsell. Premium Support is available as an add-on services layer. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales (Request a Demo motion), a Channel First partner program with resellers/MSPs/MSSPs/GSIs, and an online SMB storefront. Operations span North America, EMEA, and APAC via subsidiaries Maytech (UK), ownCloud and DRACOON (DACH), Zivver (Netherlands), and 123FormBuilder, with localized presence in six languages and active sales motions in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Japan.
Kiteworks firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kiteworks
- Legal name
- Kiteworks USA, LLC
- Website
- https://kiteworks.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2006
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Kiteworks provides a Private Data Network platform enabling zero-trust secure file sharing, email, managed file transfer, and AI agent governance for 3,800+ enterprise and government customers in regulated industries globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Kiteworks industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Secure Content Communications & Compliance Software
- NAICS
- Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Secure File Transfer & Managed File Transfer (MFT) (HDADAFAK)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Data Security & Privacy for Cloud (DLP, DSPM, Tokenization) (HDABAHAK)
Keywords
Where Kiteworks is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Mateo
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Kiteworks business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Software licensing (subscription): Recurring software licensing revenue across two editions: Business Edition (5–500 users, 2 GB max file size) and Enterprise Edition (unlimited users, 16 TB max file size). Enterprise edition pricing is quote-based; Business edition has a 'Buy Now' online purchase path. Pricing tied to license package sizes (user counts).
- Capability add-ons (à la carte): Enterprise add-on capabilities available as upgrades: SafeEDIT Next-gen DRM, Advanced Governance, Secure Managed File Transfer, Secure APIs / SCIM, Email Protection Gateway, Enterprise Connect, Secure Protocol Package (SFTP/SMTP), FIPS 140-2 Validated, Salesforce Plugin, iManage Plugin. Drives upsell/land-and-expand within Enterprise tier.
- Premium Support services: Kiteworks Premium Support is available as an add-on services layer above the software license.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Business Edition: small business secure email and file sharing, 5–500 users, 2 GB file size limit |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Enterprise Edition: Enterprise Private Data Network foundation, unlimited users, 16 TB file size limit |
| Other | — | Capability Add-Ons (Enterprise): SafeEDIT DRM, Advanced Governance, Secure MFT, Secure APIs, Email Protection Gateway, Enterprise Connect, Secure Protocol Package (SFTP/SMTP), FIPS 140-2 Validated, Salesforce/iManage Plugins |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels11 records
Kiteworks product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Kiteworks provides a Private Data Network (PDN) platform that governs the secure exchange of sensitive content across email, file sharing, managed file transfer, SFTP, secure data forms, and AI agent workflows under a single Data Policy Engine. The platform delivers hardened virtual appliance deployment, FIPS 140-3 validated encryption, FedRAMP High authorization, and unified audit logs to support compliance with frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, GDPR, DORA, ITAR, and ISO 27001. It is sold as Business and Enterprise editions with capability add-ons (SafeEDIT DRM, Advanced Governance, MCP Server for AI Agents, etc.).
Product overview
Kiteworks offers a single unified platform called the Private Data Network (PDN) that consolidates governance for email, file sharing, managed file transfer (MFT), SFTP, secure data forms, and AI agent workflows under one Data Policy Engine. The platform is a core product plus a rich set of modules and add-ons: Compliant AI provides data-layer governance for AI agents via the MCP Server; Email Protection Gateway (EPG), Secure File Sharing and Collaboration, Managed File Transfer, and SFTP Server are the four primary secure exchange channels; Secure Data Forms, Next-gen DRM (SafeEDIT), and the Repositories Gateway extend coverage to web forms, IP protection, and repositories (SharePoint, OneDrive, Box, Dropbox). Advanced Governance, CISO Dashboard, and the REST APIs layer add policy enforcement, visibility, and programmatic integration. Specialized plugins (Salesforce, iManage, Microsoft Office 365/Outlook, Google Workspace) and Virtual Data Rooms, Secure Mobile, Boardroom Communications, Enterprise App Sharing, and Secure Protocol Package round out the ecosystem. Deployment is via the Kiteworks Hardened Virtual Appliance with on-premises, private cloud, hybrid, hosted, FedRAMP, and IRAP options. Acquired offerings including Maytech, ownCloud, DRACOON, and Totemo strengthen European and DACH market reach. The offering is delivered in two editions — Business and Enterprise — with Enterprise supporting nearly 90% of CMMC 2.0 Level 2 requirements out of the box.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Private Data Network (PDN): Kiteworks' core platform brand unifying secure file sharing, managed file transfer, email protection, SFTP, web forms, APIs, repositories gateway, and MCP Server for AI agents under one compliance framework.
- Compliant AI
- Secure Data Forms
- SafeEDIT
Products and services
- Private Data Network (PDN)
Companies that use Kiteworks
Customer profileSegments12 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Kiteworks technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration24 records
AI capability11 records
Feature8 records
Kiteworks partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Oracle (via Julia Rasekhi hire)flagshipIndirectly through the May 3, 2026 appointment of Julia Rasekhi as SVP Strategic Partnerships & Strategy — she joins from Oracle where she spent 17+ years as VP of Corporate Development, Product Partnerships, and Licensing. Her appointment is intended to expand Kiteworks' global partner ecosystem and integrations with DSPM providers.
- KasmcoreTechnology alliance announced March 12, 2026 to deliver defense-in-depth protection for sensitive content. Combines Kiteworks' governed data exchange platform with Kasm's zero-trust containerized workspaces. Addresses AI governance risks across HIPAA, CMMC, GDPR, FedRAMP. Available worldwide immediately to enterprises and government agencies.
- iManagecoreiManage Cloud integration available as of March 5, 2026 announcement, enabling legal teams to securely share sensitive files from iManage Cloud workspaces through the Kiteworks platform.
- Concentric AIcoreStrategic partnership announced January 8, 2026 to deliver comprehensive data security governance and enforcement. Combines Concentric AI's context-based / semantic AI discovery and classification platform with Kiteworks' automated policy enforcement (encryption, access restrictions, watermarking) when data is shared externally. Supports HIPAA, GDPR, CMMC, and NIST 800-53 frameworks; joint engagement targeting healthcare, financial services, energy, and government sectors.
- BigIDcoreTechnology partnership announced December 15, 2025 to deliver continuous data security from discovery to enforcement. Connects BigID's data discovery and classification with Kiteworks' automated policy controls, enabling organizations to automatically enforce data sharing rules (encryption, watermarking, DRM, access controls) based on sensitivity labels.
- MaytechcoreUK-based data file transfer solutions provider acquired on November 24, 2023. Acquisition enhances Kiteworks' position in the UK managed file transfer market and expands secure data transfer capabilities, especially in government and finance sectors.
- ownCloudcoreGermany-based secure file sharing leader acquired via definitive merger agreement announced November 23, 2023. Deal terms undisclosed. Enhances data governance and security services, particularly in regulated industries across the DACH region.
- DRACOONcoreownCloud entered into a definitive merger agreement with Kiteworks and also with DRACOON, announced November 21, 2023, strengthening the DACH market presence and expanding data security and compliance capabilities through strategic deployment of Private Content Networks.
- TotemominorTotemo became part of Kiteworks as indicated by the redirect to Kiteworks.com (January 11, 2022). Adds email and data protection capabilities.
- SalesforcecoreSalesforce Plugin (also called 'Secure Salesforce File Sharing') is an Enterprise add-on capability that lets organizations exchange files securely within Salesforce workflows.
- MicrosoftcoreMicrosoft Office 365 and Outlook plugins (Secure Email), Microsoft Information Protection label integration via Concentric AI partnership, and SCIM provisioning support. Microsoft 365 Purview is positioned competitively by Kiteworks in their product briefs.
- Channel First Partners (distributors, resellers, MSPs, MSSPs, GSIs)flagshipFormal Channel First Training and Certification Program launched January 29, 2026 with AI-powered training (Sophia Stevenson and Natalie Stevenson bots), two certification tracks (DSPM, CMMC 2.0, AI governance, secure data forms), and LinkedIn-ready credentials. Certified partners reportedly generate 3-5x more revenue than unsupported partners.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Kiteworks competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Box: Cloud content management and secure file-sharing platform with FedRAMP offerings, Box Governance, and Box KeySafe (BYOK) for regulated industries — directly overlaps Kiteworks' Secure File Sharing, Virtual Data Room, and Repositories Gateway use cases, especially for DIB and healthcare workloads.
- Citrix ShareFile: Enterprise file sync, share, and managed file transfer platform with FedRAMP-authorized ShareFile Federal and healthcare-grade secure sharing — competes head-to-head with Kiteworks' MFT, secure email, and Business Edition SMB offering.
- Egnyte: Secure file-sharing and content governance platform with Egnyte Protect, FedRAMP-authorized GovCloud, and AI-based content classification for regulated verticals (life sciences, AEC, financial services) — directly competes with Kiteworks' Private Data Network and Repositories Gateway on mid-market and enterprise deals.
- Druva: Cloud-native SaaS data protection platform with FedRAMP High, FIPS-validated encryption, and unified data governance/retention — competes with Kiteworks in regulated data-protection and compliance reporting use cases for federal and regulated-industry buyers.
- HelpSystems (Globalscape EFT) / Progress MOVEit: Established managed file transfer vendors (Globalscape EFT, MOVEit) serving regulated industries with workflow automation and compliance reporting — direct competitors in the enterprise MFT market where Kiteworks positions Secure MFT with Apache Airflow.
Broad incumbents
- Microsoft Purview: Microsoft's unified data governance, security, and compliance suite integrated with Microsoft 365, Azure, and Copilot — Kiteworks explicitly positions against Purview for enterprise data classification, DLP, and audit; overlapping capabilities at significant scale advantage.
- Google Workspace (Drive) with Google Security/Compliance tooling: Google's productivity and storage platform with built-in sharing controls, classification via Drive Labels, and DLP for enterprise customers — broadly overlaps Kiteworks' file-share and collaboration layer and is referenced as a repository governed via Kiteworks Repositories Gateway.
- Proofpoint: Enterprise cybersecurity vendor with secure email gateway, DLP, content classification, and compliance archiving — overlaps Kiteworks' Email Protection Gateway and Advanced Governance modules and serves the same regulated-buyer personas.
Emerging players
- Virtru: Email and file data-protection platform with end-to-end encryption, customer-controlled keys, and Google Workspace/Microsoft 365 integrations — narrower in scope than Kiteworks but directly comparable on BYOK email/file encryption for regulated customers.
- Tresorit (part of Swiss Post): End-to-end encrypted file sharing with Swiss data residency and customer-controlled keys, now part of Swiss Post — competes at the secure file-sharing and EU-sovereignty niche where Kiteworks also positions via ownCloud/DRACOON/Totemo/Zivver.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Kiteworks social profiles
Digital presenceKiteworks compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance22 records
Kiteworks financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kiteworks leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles17 records
Kiteworks subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Kiteworks funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds7 records
Investors4 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Kiteworks M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A8 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Kiteworks
What does Kiteworks do?
Kiteworks provides a Private Data Network (PDN) platform that governs the secure exchange of sensitive content across email, file sharing, managed file transfer, SFTP, secure data forms, and AI agent workflows under a single Data Policy Engine. The platform delivers hardened virtual appliance deployment, FIPS 140-3 validated encryption, FedRAMP High authorization, and unified audit logs to support compliance with frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, GDPR, DORA, ITAR, and ISO 27001. It is sold as Business and Enterprise editions with capability add-ons (SafeEDIT DRM, Advanced Governance, MCP Server for AI Agents, etc.).
Is Kiteworks a public or private company?
Kiteworks is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Kiteworks founded?
Kiteworks was founded in 2006. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Kiteworks based?
Kiteworks is headquartered in San Mateo, United States, in the North America region.
How does Kiteworks make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Software licensing (subscription) is the primary driver. The others are capability add-ons (à la carte) and premium Support services.
Who are Kiteworks's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Box, Citrix ShareFile, Egnyte, Druva and HelpSystems (Globalscape EFT) / Progress MOVEit. Broad incumbents are Microsoft Purview, Google Workspace (Drive) with Google Security/Compliance tooling and Proofpoint. Emerging players are Virtru and Tresorit (part of Swiss Post).
Does Kiteworks have an API?
Yes. Kiteworks offers a comprehensive REST API platform that enables developers and AI agents to programmatically access platform capabilities using secure, scoped authentication. The API supports Salesforce and iManage plugins, SCIM provisioning, custom integrations with enterprise applications, and automation of secure data exchange workflows. An MCP (Model Context Protocol) Server is offered, allowing LLMs to securely access the governed data environment with classification-aware retrieval, OAuth 2.0 authentication, scoped delegation tokens, and audit logging. Developer documentation is available at developer.kiteworks.com. Developer documentation is at developer.kiteworks.com.
What industry is Kiteworks in?
Kiteworks's product category is Secure Content Communications & Compliance Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDADAFAK, Secure File Transfer & Managed File Transfer (MFT), with a secondary code of HDABAHAK, Data Security & Privacy for Cloud (DLP, DSPM, Tokenization). Its NAICS code is 518 and its SIC code is 7370.