Hack The Box
Hack The Box is a UK-based cyber readiness platform that combines hands-on labs, cyber ranges, AI-agent benchmarking, and workforce analytics to train and assess both human security teams and autonomous AI agents for 800+ enterprise customers and a 4M+ member community.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersFolkestone, United Kingdom
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Hack The Box does
Hack The Box (Hack The Box, Ltd.) is a UK-headquartered cyber readiness platform founded in 2017 by Haris Pylarinos that operates a unified platform for developing, validating, and hiring cybersecurity talent — for both humans and autonomous AI agents. The core offering, the HTB Enterprise Platform, bundles a content library (1,500+ hands-on labs, 230+ defensive security courses post-LetsDefend, MITRE ATT&CK / NIST-aligned curriculum), CTF competitions, Threat Range and SOC Range team simulations, Crisis Control tabletop exercises, and HTB Coach (AI-augmented learning). On top of this sits HTB AI Range, a proprietary reinforcement-learning cyber range for benchmarking autonomous AI security agents against human operators, plus a public MCP server for plugging AI models into real HTB labs. A Talent Search and Job Board module connects the 4M+ community of validated practitioners with employers.
The business operates a hybrid go-to-market: direct enterprise field sales with quote-based annual subscriptions (800+ enterprise customers including Google, AWS, Intel, Deloitte, Siemens, Raytheon, Verizon, Standard Chartered, Lufthansa, Toyota, and Autodesk), a self-serve product-led growth funnel for individuals via Academy / Labs / Capture The Flag freemium-to-paid conversion, a formal Ziftone-based Channel & Reseller program, and distribution partnerships including a flagship LinkedIn Learning integration (1,800 labs) and strategic alliances with Google (AI Red Teamer), Semperis (identity resilience), and Synack. The company reported $50M ARR with 65% CAGR in early 2026 and ~$70M total disclosed funding led by Carlyle's $55M Series B in January 2023. Operationally, HTB is privately held with offices in the UK (HQ), United States, Australia (Sydney/Newcastle), and Greece (Athens, for R&D), and holds SOC 2, ISO 27001/27701/9001, UK Cyber Essentials, and DoD Cyber Workforce Framework 8140 approvals.
Hack The Box firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Hack The Box
- Legal name
- Hack The Box Ltd
- Website
- https://www.hackthebox.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Hack The Box is a UK-based cyber readiness platform that combines hands-on labs, cyber ranges, AI-agent benchmarking, and workforce analytics to train and assess both human security teams and autonomous AI agents for 800+ enterprise customers and a 4M+ member community.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Hack The Box industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Cybersecurity Skills & Training Platform
- NAICS
- Computer Training (611420), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Phishing, Social Engineering & Business Email Compromise (BEC) Training (EDABAGAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cybersecurity Technical Skills (Security Engineering, SOC, Pen Testing) (EDABAFAF), Cybersecurity (EDAAAPAC), IT, Software & Cybersecurity Training (EDAGANAF)
Keywords
Where Hack The Box is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Folkestone
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
Hack The Box business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Enterprise Subscription (Business): Recurring subscription revenue from enterprise and government customers (800+) for access to the Enterprise Platform, Academy for Business, Threat Range, Crisis Control, Talent Search, and reporting. Reached $50M ARR with 65% CAGR.
- Individual Subscription / Freemium: Freemium-to-paid conversion model for individual hackers/learners via Academy courses, Labs access, and Capture The Flag competitions, with tiered upgrades.
- Enterprise Capture The Flag / Custom Events: Customizable, paid Capture The Flag and tabletop exercise events for organizations (e.g., Autodesk Defender Days, UK Financial Services Hackathon), used as consulting/professional engagements.
- Channel / Reseller and Strategic Alliance Distribution: Revenue share through formal Channel Partner program and strategic alliances (e.g., LinkedIn Learning integration delivering 1,800 cybersecurity labs).
- Talent Search / Recruitment Services: Monetized talent sourcing and candidate assessment service connecting validated HTB-skilled candidates with employers.
- Merchandise / Gift Cards: Branded HTB Swag storefront (hackthebox.store) and digital gift cards for individual subscribers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Annual | Enterprise Business — Quote-based subscription for organizations |
| Freemium | Annual | Individual Academy / Labs — Freemium with paid tiers |
| Subscription | Annual | LetsDefend (acquired) — blue team defensive training |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels9 records
Hack The Box product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Hack The Box operates a cyber readiness platform combining gamified hands-on cybersecurity labs, capture-the-flag competitions, professional cyber ranges, an AI agent testing environment (HTB AI Range), and workforce analytics. Content is mapped to MITRE ATT&CK and NIST frameworks, serving both enterprises with cyber workforce development needs and individual learners pursuing cybersecurity skills and certifications.
Product overview
Hack The Box is a unified cyber readiness platform plus modules architecture, organized around four pillars: AI-Augmented Cyber Operations, Validate Operational Readiness, Cyber Workforce Development, and Strategic Cyber Resilience. At its core is the HTB Enterprise Platform (workforce development), supported by module offerings including HTB Academy (courses and certifications), HTB Labs (1,500+ hands-on labs, Sherlocks DFIR labs, Pro Labs, Cloud Labs), HTB Capture The Flag (gamified competitions), HTB Threat Range (adversary-realistic team simulations), HTB SOC Range (security operations training), HTB Crisis Control (tabletop exercises and crisis simulations), HTB AI Range (autonomous AI agent testing platform with MCP server), HTB Coach (AI-augmented learning), and HTB Talent Search / Job Board for sourcing and hiring validated security talent. The platform was extended in 2025 with the LetsDefend acquisition and serves 800+ enterprise customers with 4M+ community members.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- HTB AI Range: AI cyber range platform for testing, benchmarking, and validating autonomous AI security agents in high-stakes cyber environments (operated at hackthebox.ai).
- HTB Academy
- LetsDefend
Products and services
- HTB Enterprise Platform Central cyber workforce development platform for enterprise teams providing centralized user management, advanced analytics and reporting, curriculum management flexibility, and gamified skill development for organizations.
- HTB AI Range Controlled AI cyber range for testing and benchmarking autonomous AI security agents in high-stakes enterprise cyber environments, evaluating AI agents side-by-side with human operators for enterprise readiness, performance evaluation, and safety validation.
- HTB Academy
Quantifiable outcome
- 60% learning growth at Autodesk after running HTB-based Defender Days CTF
- +9 more outcomes
Companies that use Hack The Box
Customer profileNamed customers35 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Hack The Box technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
AI capability11 records
Feature8 records
Hack The Box partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- SemperisflagshipStrategic technology alliance announced June 10, 2026 to advance enterprise identity resilience. Combines Semperis' hybrid identity-security expertise with HTB's hands-on cyber readiness platform. Joint activities include collaboration on Purple Knight and Forest Druid open-source tools, joint educational content, industry events (2026 HIP Conf, Black Hat, technical roadshows), participation in Semperis' Midnight in the War Room Action Partner network, and joint customer/partner readiness programs targeting identity-based threats.
- SynackcoreExpanded Synack certification partnership to four recognized credentials as part of HTB's broader defensive security, Crisis Control, and workforce intelligence platform expansion announced in June 2026.
- Semperis (Midnight in the War Room Action Partner Network)coreHack The Box designated as an Action Partner for Semperis' documentary 'Midnight in the War Room', which explores cyber conflict and defenders' efforts, with distribution among cybersecurity professionals and organizations to promote cyber resilience and awareness.
- LinkedIn (LinkedIn Learning)flagshipHack The Box became LinkedIn Learning's first hands-on, simulation-based cybersecurity learning partner. The collaboration integrates 1,800 HTB cybersecurity labs into the LinkedIn Learning platform to address the global cybersecurity skills gap and enable organizations to build cyber-ready teams.
- SAXUM GLOBAL and Buhler Duggal & HenryminorAdvised Hack The Box, Ltd. on the strategic add-on acquisition of LetsDefend, Inc. (closed September 2025), uniting two cybersecurity communities and product offerings to expand training and operational capabilities.
- LetsDefendflagshipHack The Box acquired LetsDefend, Inc. (NY-based) as a strategic add-on acquisition. LetsDefend's blue-team SOC training platform was integrated with HTB to double HTB's blue-team offerings to over 230 defensive security courses.
- Google (Google Cloud Security)flagshipPartnered with Google on the AI Red Teamer certification path and AI security education. Co-hosted the inaugural UK Financial Services Security Hackathon (April 27-28) with Lloyds Banking Group, bringing together 33 teams from 16 financial institutions.
- Lloyds Banking GroupcoreCo-hosted the inaugural UK Financial Services Security Hackathon on April 27-28, bringing together 33 two-person teams from 16 financial institutions, fintechs, and technology companies. Reinforced AI-human collaboration in cybersecurity operations.
- Parrot OS (Parrot Security)minorParrot OS is distributed by HTB as 'Parrot OS for Cybersecurity' resources, with the HTB edition of ParrotOS available for download via parrotsec.org. Featured as a community resource on HTB's website.
- Forrester ResearchflagshipHack The Box is recognized as a Leader in The Forrester Wave™: Cybersecurity Skills and Training Platforms, Q1 2026. Forrester amplification is used as a core marketing asset for enterprise sales.
- BugcrowdminorFeatured as partner/customer logo on HTB homepage and Forrester Wave page; aligned in the bug bounty / crowdsourced cybersecurity ecosystem.
Scale indicators15 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Hack The Box competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Immersive Labs: Direct competitor profiled alongside HTB in the Forrester Wave for Cybersecurity Skills and Training Platforms. Operates a hands-on cyber skills and crisis simulation platform for enterprise and government; competes head-to-head on gamified labs, threat ranges, and board-level reporting.
- RangeForce: Provider of cloud-based cyber range and team readiness training for blue teams, red teams, and SOC analysts. Closely comparable to HTB's Threat Range, SOC Range, and Crisis Control offerings on enterprise cyber readiness and MITRE/NIST-aligned content.
- SimSpace: Cyber range platform for high-fidelity network simulation and team performance assessment, frequently benchmarked against HTB in the Forrester Wave. Comparable on adversary simulation, cyber range infrastructure, and enterprise/government readiness use cases.
- Cyberbit: Provider of cyber range and SOC training platforms for enterprises and governments. Competes with HTB's SOC Range, Threat Range, and Crisis Control, particularly in defense and critical infrastructure customers.
- OffSec (Offensive Security): Operator of Kali Linux and the OSCP certification, with hands-on offensive security labs and learning paths. Directly comparable to HTB's Labs, Academy, and offensive certifications (e.g., CPTS, CWEE) targeting penetration testing and red team skills.
- TryHackMe: Gamified, beginner-to-advanced cybersecurity learning platform with rooms, pathways, and CTFs. Closely comparable to HTB Academy and Labs for individual learners, and increasingly to HTB Business for SMB and education customers.
- Cybrary: Cybersecurity and IT workforce development platform with hands-on labs, assessments, and certification prep. Competes with HTB on enterprise cyber upskilling, MITRE/NIST-mapped content, and Talent Search-style career pathways.
Broad incumbents
- SANS Institute: Long-established cybersecurity training and certification provider with deep GIAC certification portfolio. Competes with HTB's Academy and certifications, particularly in regulated and government customers who require GIAC-mapped credentials.
- Pluralsight: Broad enterprise technology skills platform with a cybersecurity content vertical and skill assessments. Overlaps with HTB's enterprise workforce development use case, though Pluralsight is broader and less cybersecurity-specialized.
- KnowBe4: Security awareness and human risk management platform with phishing simulation and training content. Adjacent to HTB's defensive and behavior-change use cases, particularly in phishing-resistant training and board-level human-risk reporting for enterprise.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat7 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Hack The Box social profiles
Digital presenceHack The Box compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Hack The Box financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Hack The Box leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Hack The Box subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Hack The Box funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors6 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Hack The Box M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Hack The Box
What does Hack The Box do?
Hack The Box operates a cyber readiness platform combining gamified hands-on cybersecurity labs, capture-the-flag competitions, professional cyber ranges, an AI agent testing environment (HTB AI Range), and workforce analytics. Content is mapped to MITRE ATT&CK and NIST frameworks, serving both enterprises with cyber workforce development needs and individual learners pursuing cybersecurity skills and certifications.
Is Hack The Box a public or private company?
Hack The Box is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Hack The Box founded?
Hack The Box was founded in 2017. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Hack The Box based?
Hack The Box is headquartered in Folkestone, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Hack The Box make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Enterprise Subscription (Business) is the primary driver. The others are individual Subscription / Freemium, enterprise Capture The Flag / Custom Events, channel / Reseller and Strategic Alliance Distribution, talent Search / Recruitment Services and merchandise / Gift Cards.
Who are Hack The Box's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Immersive Labs, RangeForce, SimSpace, Cyberbit, OffSec (Offensive Security), TryHackMe and Cybrary. Broad incumbents are SANS Institute, Pluralsight and KnowBe4.
Does Hack The Box have an API?
Yes. Hack The Box offers a public MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that allows developers to plug AI models into real HTB labs. A public API / Dev Portal is referenced as planned on the roadmap, along with planned programmatic access for VM and VPN management and an API for automating challenge interactions. These public APIs are not yet GA at the time of the source material. Developer documentation is at www.hackthebox.ai.
What industry is Hack The Box in?
Hack The Box's product category is Cybersecurity Skills & Training Platform. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDABAGAB, Phishing, Social Engineering & Business Email Compromise (BEC) Training, with a secondary code of EDABAFAF, Cybersecurity Technical Skills (Security Engineering, SOC, Pen Testing). Its NAICS code is 611420 and its SIC code is 8200.