Berlin-based open-source network security startup NetBird has raised $10 million in a Series A funding round led by Pace Capital, with participation from Nauta Capital, InReach Ventures and Antler, as the company aims to expand adoption of its modern Zero Trust networking platform across global enterprise and public sector customers. The fresh capital comes as organisations increasingly seek alternatives to legacy VPNs and complex networking systems, embracing solutions that offer secure, cost-effective private networking with minimal configuration.
Redefining Network Security With Open Source
Founded in 2021 by Misha Bragin and Maycon Santos, NetBird has built its reputation on an open-source Zero Trust network security platform that simplifies secure connectivity for employees, infrastructure and cloud environments. The platform enables organisations of all sizes to create encrypted, private networks based on peer-to-peer architecture without the need for manual port configurations, centralised gateways, or complex firewall rules. This approach contrasts sharply with traditional enterprise security tools that often require lengthy sales cycles, expensive licensing, and rigid proprietary systems.
Zero Trust Built for Modern Infrastructure
NetBird’s technology is built on the WireGuard® protocol, a high-performance, peer-to-peer networking foundation that supports encrypted connections with minimal overhead and efficient throughput. By layering Zero Trust access control, where every user and device must be authenticated and explicitly authorised, the platform ensures that remote workers, distributed services, and hybrid deployments remain secure against emerging threats.
Organisations can define detailed access policies through intuitive interfaces, enabling granular control over who can connect to what resources and under what conditions. This allows IT and security teams to enforce least-privilege access models, enhancing overall network security without introducing operational complexity for end users.
Community-Driven Growth and Adoption
NetBird’s growth model is rooted in an open-source, product-led adoption strategy, where engineers, DevOps professionals and security leaders discover and deploy the platform independently in their environments. As these early adopters experience its benefits, such as simplified configuration, integrated identity provider support and real-time network controls many become advocates that drive broader organisational deployment.
This community first approach has helped NetBird build a vibrant ecosystem of users, contributors and third-party integrations, facilitating rapid feedback cycles and continuous product improvement. Investing in open source has also helped the company tap into markets where transparency, auditability and sovereignty are valued highly.
Focus on European Digital Sovereignty
European demand for secure networking infrastructure developed within the region remains a strategic priority for NetBird. As data protection and digital sovereignty concerns intensify across public and private sectors, the platform’s open-source nature and clear governance model make it an attractive solution for organisations seeking alternatives to foreign proprietary systems.
In addition to cost savings and technical advantages, NetBird’s European roots and open development model support compliance, customisation and integration with local regulatory and operational requirements — attributes that resonate with government agencies, managed service providers, and large enterprises.
Diverse Customer Base and Real-World Use
NetBird’s customer portfolio consists of technology companies, managed service providers and large organisations that require secure and reliable network connectivity across distributed teams and infrastructure. Examples include managed service players and tech firms that rely on NetBird to manage secure access for developers, remote employees and connected services.
Users have reported that the platform’s zero-configuration design and seamless integration with identity providers such as Okta and Microsoft enhance both security and usability, reducing friction for administrators and end users alike.
Fueling Innovation With New Capital
The newly raised funds will be used to expand engineering and product development, broaden the platform’s capabilities, and support increased adoption across diverse use cases. NetBird plans to invest in deeper integrations with cloud and identity systems, improve enterprise management features, and scale its open-source community engagement all while expanding its global footprint.
In parallel with product enhancements, the company aims to provide more educational resources, documentation and community support to help teams adopt Zero Trust networking principles more effectively and accelerate time to value.
Looking Ahead
With strong backing from both venture capital and security-focused investors, NetBird is well positioned to grow its influence in a market that is rapidly shifting away from traditional VPNs toward decentralised, Zero Trust models. By combining open-source transparency, peer-to-peer networking and robust access controls, the platform represents a new class of network security infrastructure designed for the demands of remote work, hybrid systems and digitally sovereign organisations.
As the company scales, its commitment to usability, community driven innovation, and transparent security architecture could help redefine how companies secure and connect modern distributed networks.