Patero
Patero is a private cybersecurity company building hybrid post-quantum cryptography software, automated cryptographic inventory tools, and quantum-safe network gateways to protect data-in-motion for U.S. federal agencies, the Department of Defense, critical infrastructure operators, and select enterprises facing quantum-enabled threats.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersCollege Park, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Patero does
Patero is a private cybersecurity company that develops post-quantum cryptography (PQC) solutions to protect data-in-motion against quantum computing threats. Founded in 2019 and headquartered at the Quantum Startup Foundry at the University of Maryland, College Park, with a European entity (Patero GmbH) in Hankensbüttel, Germany, the company builds a hybrid-PQC platform combining NIST-standardized quantum-resistant algorithms (ML-KEM 768/1024 per FIPS 203, and Classic McEliece variants) with classical encryption to mitigate harvest-now-decrypt-later exposure. The core product, CryptoQoR, is a crypto-agile software module that generates, hybridizes, and rotates session keys and supports kernel-based multithreaded encryption for high-performance, low-latency quantum-safe connectivity. PanoQoR provides automated cryptographic discovery and inventory across five pillars (external/internal networks, IT assets, databases, code), and PateroGo! Plus delivers zero-touch quantum private networking gateway appliances integrated with Advantech and OnLogic hardware. Network cloaking reduces attack surface by making Internet-exposed endpoints invisible to attackers.
The company primarily serves U.S. federal agencies, the Department of Defense, defense contractors, critical infrastructure operators (energy, utilities, ports, telecommunications), smart-city deployments, and increasingly financial services and industrial AI users subject to PQC compliance mandates (NSM-10, OMB M-23-02, CNSA 2.0, Executive Order 14144, and Canada's ITSM.40.001). Revenue is generated through software licensing (subscription or perpetual), hardware appliance sales, and professional services (Cryptographic Inventory Workshop). Go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales with a partner ecosystem anchored by Carahsoft as Master Government Aggregator (SEWP V, ITES-SW2, NASPO, OMNIA), technology partnerships with Red Hat and Oracle, OEM pre-installs with Advantech and OnLogic, and regional system-integrator alliances (Constellation West, Calibr8 Systems, GIS, WhiteHawk, Axiom Systems). Despite operating with a lean 1–10 person headcount, the company has executed a dense partnership cadence across federal, defense, smart-city, 5G/Open RAN, industrial AI, and identity verticals through 2025–2026.
The company is led by CEO and founder Crick Waters, with CTO Henning Schiel and COO Peter Bentley, supported by an advisory bench including retired Major General Neil Hersey (former U.S. Army Cyber Command) and former Deputy CIO of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency Mark Greer. No external institutional investors, parent companies, or holding structures are identified in available sources, and no funding rounds are disclosed. Patero was recognized as a CRN 2025 Stellar Startup in the Security category.
Patero firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Patero
- Legal name
- Patero Inc.
- Website
- https://patero.io
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Patero is a private cybersecurity company building hybrid post-quantum cryptography software, automated cryptographic inventory tools, and quantum-safe network gateways to protect data-in-motion for U.S. federal agencies, the Department of Defense, critical infrastructure operators, and select enterprises facing quantum-enabled threats.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Patero industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Post-Quantum Cryptography Software
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (5132), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Quantum-Safe Cryptographic Algorithms & Protocols (PQC) (HDAGAGAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Quantum-Safe Network Infrastructure & Migration (PQC-enabled Networking) (HDAGAFAG), PQC Migration, Readiness Assessment & Crypto-Agility (HDAGAGAD), Quantum Security (PQC/QKD) Training & Readiness Services (HDAGALAG)
Keywords
Where Patero is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- College Park
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Patero business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Software Licensing - CryptoQoR: CryptoQoR crypto-agile software module licensed for deployment in existing infrastructure. Sold through direct sales, channel partners, and marketplaces. Pricing based on subscription or perpetual license model.
- Professional Services - Cryptographic Inventory Workshop: Facilitated pre-inventory engagement designed to help organizations define scope, align stakeholders, and build practical plans for cryptographic inventory. Delivered virtually or onsite for cross-functional groups spanning security, risk, IT operations, and engineering.
- Hardware Appliances - PateroGo! Plus: Pre-configured quantum private network gateways sold as physical appliances integrated with Advantech and OnLogic hardware platforms.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Cryptographic Inventory Workshop |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Patero product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Patero develops and sells hybrid post-quantum cryptography (PQC) software and hardware solutions that protect data-in-motion from quantum computing threats. Its core product CryptoQoR is a crypto-agile software module that combines classical encryption with NIST-standardized quantum-resistant algorithms, complemented by PanoQoR for cryptographic inventory, PateroGo! Plus zero-touch quantum networking gateways, and network cloaking technology.
Product overview
Patero provides a cybersecurity platform focused on post-quantum cryptography and quantum-safe encryption. The core product is CryptoQoR, a crypto-agile software module that delivers hybrid post-quantum encrypted communication channels. The product portfolio includes PateroGo! Plus (pre-configured quantum private networking gateways), PanoQoR (cryptographic discovery and inventory software), and the Cryptographic Inventory Workshop (professional services). Patero's solutions also extend through partnerships, including quantum-safe biometric authentication with OnID and post-quantum-enabled GPU compute platforms with OPTIA. The platform is designed for critical infrastructure, federal, and DoD networks with a focus on edge-to-cloud security.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CryptoQoR: Hybrid post-quantum cryptography software module for quantum-safe encryption of data-in-motion. Supports NIST PQC algorithms including ML-KEM 768, ML-KEM 1024, and Classic McEliece.
- PanoQoR
- PateroGo! Plus
Products and services
- CryptoQoR Crypto-agile hybrid post-quantum cryptography software module that generates, hybridizes, and rotates session keys using NIST PQC algorithms (ML-KEM 768/1024, Classic McEliece) combined with classical KEM. Provides end-to-end hybrid post-quantum encrypted communication channels with kernel-based multithreaded encryption for high-performance, low-latency, quantum-resistant connectivity for enterprise, federal, and defense networks.
- PateroGo! Plus Gateway Zero-touch quantum private networking gateway delivered as a pre-configured hardware appliance providing instant quantum-safe connectivity for edge-to-edge or edge-to-cloud networks. Supports point-to-point, multipoint-to-edge, and multipoint-to-cloud topologies, designed for organizations requiring immediate deployment of PQC-secured networking.
- PanoQoR Automated cryptographic discovery and inventory software that identifies quantum-vulnerable cryptography across five pillars: external networks, internal networks, IT assets, databases, and code. Combines network scanning with analytic capabilities to help organizations structure cryptographic migration strategies through a data-driven framework and supports compliance with government mandates including OMB M-23-02 and CNSA 2.0.
- Cryptographic Inventory Workshop Facilitated pre-inventory professional service designed to help organizations rapidly define scope, align stakeholders, and build a practical plan for executing a cryptographic inventory as part of post-quantum transition planning. Delivered virtually or onsite for cross-functional groups spanning security, risk, IT operations, and engineering using the Automated Cryptography Discovery and Inventory (ACDI) methodology.
Quantifiable outcome
- Meets CNSA 2.0 requirements for traditional networking equipment to be in place by 2026
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Patero
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Patero technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
AI capability3 records
Feature4 records
Patero partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, regional, growth and channel.
- OrillacorePartnership to deliver quantum-safe platform for securing industrial AI deployments at the edge. Combines Orilla's edge-native industrial AI and DataOps platform with Patero's post-quantum encryption technology. Joint offering supports edge-to-edge, edge-to-cloud, and remote operational workflows across factories, utilities, ports, and energy infrastructure.
- OnIDcoreWorld's first commercial quantum-resistant biometric authentication platform for banks and enterprises. Combines post-quantum cryptography with modern identity access management to replace legacy VPNs, shared credentials, and hardware-heavy remote access architectures with cryptographically enforced, identity-bound access model.
- CarahsoftflagshipMaster Government Aggregator partnership distributing PanoQoR cryptography discovery, inventory, quantum risk assessment, and compliance reporting solution to the Public Sector. Available through SEWP V, ITES-SW2, NASPO ValuePoint, and OMNIA Partners contracts.
- Calibr8 SystemsregionalStrategic alliance to accelerate PQC adoption in Australia and Philippines. Delivers cryptographic discovery and inventory services plus migration pathways to NIST-compliant PQC for financial services, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure operators.
- Constellation WestcoreStrategic alliance to help federal agencies accelerate preparedness for Q-Day. Combines PanoQoR cryptographic inventory with CryptoQoR PQC remediation. Constellation West introduces Q-COMET framework for end-to-end federal quantum migration including identify, assess, remediate, and continuously monitor capabilities aligned with NIST and CNSA 2.0.
- Khasm LabsgrowthSelected for Fall 2025 cohort of Khasm Labs' 5G Open Innovation Lab. Three-month accelerator program providing access to 20+ global corporate ecosystem partners including CSPs, technology platforms, and enterprises. Focus on go-to-market partnerships and proof-of-value deployments.
- OPTIAcoreLaunch of industry's first post-quantum-enabled GPU compute platform for defense and edge applications. Embeds CryptoQoR encryption suite into OPTIA's NVIDIA-based ruggedized portable GPU systems for AI/ML acceleration, tactical edge analytics, and C5ISR workloads.
- EridancorePartnership to pioneer quantum-secure Open Radio Area Network (Open RAN). Integrates CryptoQoR suite with Eridan's 5G radio units for energy-efficient, quantum-resilient private 5G networks. Aligned with Executive Order 14144 and National Security Memorandum 10.
- SyllegocoreIntegration of post-quantum encryption into Sylllego's Distributed Universal Sensing Technology (DUST) platform for smart city cybersecurity. Secures real-time situational awareness and operational efficiency for urban environments with NIST quantum-resistant encryption.
- Red HatcoreCryptoQoR certified for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 and available on Red Hat Marketplace. CryptoQoR on RHEL provides end-to-end, hybrid post-quantum encrypted communication channels leveraging kernel-based multithreaded encryption.
- OraclecoreCryptoQoR for Oracle Linux available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace. Provides end-to-end, hybrid post-quantum encrypted communication channels for Oracle Cloud environments.
- AdvantechcoreCryptoQoR pre-installed on Advantech FWA-T011 gateways for zero-touch quantum-secure edge-to-cloud networks. Advantech is the No. 1 industrial computing manufacturer worldwide.
- OnLogiccoreCryptoQoR available on OnLogic industrial computers with support for multiple Linux distributions. OnLogic delivers advanced, highly-configurable small form factor computers for harsh environments.
- WhiteHawkchannelAuthorized reseller of Patero products through WhiteHawk Marketplace. WhiteHawk provides cyber resilience assessment and mitigation services for enterprises and critical infrastructure.
- Axiom SystemschannelAuthorized Patero products reseller for small and medium manufacturers in Indiana, Ohio, and South Carolina. Expert at quantum-safe data flow from edge to cloud.
- GIS Quantum Solutions PracticechannelGlobal Infrastructure Solutions Quantum Solutions Practice assists organizations globally with transition to PQC compliant environment for critical infrastructure.
- i4.0 AcceleratorgrowthPartnership with i4.0 Accelerator run in partnership with Lean Rocket Lab and Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Tech University. Focus on implementing i4.0 technology for Michigan manufacturers.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights10 records
Patero competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Quantum Xchange: U.S.-based quantum-safe network provider combining QKD and PQC for data-in-motion security. Direct competitor in the PQC-enabled networking niche Patero targets with CryptoQoR and PateroGo! Plus, particularly for federal and enterprise customers.
- PQShield: UK-based post-quantum cryptography software vendor offering NIST-compliant PQC implementations for hardware, software, and cloud. Directly competes with Patero's CryptoQoR on NIST PQC algorithm support and cryptographic-agility positioning, serving similar enterprise and government customers.
- Crypto4A Technologies: Canadian quantum-safe HSM and PQC platform provider targeting financial services, government, and critical infrastructure. Overlaps with Patero on NIST-compliant PQC for federal and financial customers, though focused more on hardware root-of-trust.
- SandboxAQ: AI-quantum hybrid company spun out of Alphabet offering post-quantum cryptography and quantum-safe networking solutions to enterprises and government. Competes with Patero across cryptographic inventory, PQC migration, and quantum-safe communications.
- ID Quantique: Swiss quantum-safe networking and quantum cryptography vendor offering PQC and QKD solutions for governments and enterprises. Comparable product set to Patero (network-level quantum-safe encryption and key management) with longer enterprise track record.
- ISARA Corporation: Canadian PQC security company providing quantum-safe cryptographic solutions and migration tools for enterprises and governments. Directly comparable to Patero in targeting PQC migration for federal, financial, and critical infrastructure customers with NIST-aligned algorithms.
Broad incumbents
- Venafi (CyberArk): Machine identity management leader now part of CyberArk, adding PQC readiness capabilities to its certificate and key management platform. Competes with PanoQoR on cryptographic inventory at a much larger enterprise scale.
- Cloudflare: Internet infrastructure provider that has rolled out PQC support across its network edge and zero-trust products. Represents a threat vector for Patero — bundling PQC into broader networking, security, and zero-trust services at global scale.
Emerging players
- QuintessenceLabs: Australian quantum cybersecurity company offering quantum random number generation and PQC key management for government and defense. Comparable to Patero in critical infrastructure PQC focus, with regional overlap through Patero's Calibr8 partnership in Australia.
- Keyfactor: Machine identity and cryptographic key management platform now expanding into PQC readiness and crypto-agility. Competes with Patero's PanoQoR on cryptographic discovery, inventory, and CBOM generation for enterprise customers.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Patero social profiles
Digital presencePatero compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Patero financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Patero leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Patero funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Patero M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Patero
What does Patero do?
Patero develops and sells hybrid post-quantum cryptography (PQC) software and hardware solutions that protect data-in-motion from quantum computing threats. Its core product CryptoQoR is a crypto-agile software module that combines classical encryption with NIST-standardized quantum-resistant algorithms, complemented by PanoQoR for cryptographic inventory, PateroGo! Plus zero-touch quantum networking gateways, and network cloaking technology.
Is Patero a public or private company?
Patero is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Patero founded?
Patero was founded in 2019. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Patero based?
Patero is headquartered in College Park, United States, in the North America region.
How does Patero make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Software Licensing - CryptoQoR is the primary driver. The others are professional Services - Cryptographic Inventory Workshop and hardware Appliances - PateroGo! Plus.
Who are Patero's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Quantum Xchange, PQShield, Crypto4A Technologies, SandboxAQ, ID Quantique and ISARA Corporation. Broad incumbents are Venafi (CyberArk) and Cloudflare. Emerging players are QuintessenceLabs and Keyfactor.
Does Patero have an API?
No public API is recorded for Patero.
What industry is Patero in?
Patero's product category is Post-Quantum Cryptography Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAGAGAC, Quantum-Safe Cryptographic Algorithms & Protocols (PQC), with a secondary code of HDAGAFAG, Quantum-Safe Network Infrastructure & Migration (PQC-enabled Networking). Its NAICS code is 5132.