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Overview
Smallstep builds a device identity platform that automates certificate management to secure distributed systems. Its platform helps dev, security, and operations teams manage and rotate certificates for devices and services, covering Wi‑Fi networks, VPNs, Zero Trust Network Access, SaaS apps, and cloud APIs. It uses hardware-bound credentials instead of passwords or purely software certificates to strengthen authentication, making it harder for attackers to impersonate devices. The company also contributes to security standards, such as ACME Device Attestation, through collaborations with large tech players. The business model charges based on the number of protected devices, enabling revenue growth as customers scale. The goal is to improve infrastructure security and authentication across modern networks by simplifying certificate management and ensuring strong device identity across diverse environments.
About Smallstep
Industries
Enterprise Software
Cybersecurity
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
Series A
Total Funding
$33M
Headquarters
San Francisco, California
Founded
2016
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- 78% of Fortune 100 companies engage with Smallstep open source software.
- Regulated enterprises need short-lived credentials for Wi-Fi, VPNs, databases, and APIs.
- AI agents and MCP toolchains create demand for machine identity controls.
What critics are saying
- Microsoft Entra, Okta, and Ping bundle device trust into existing suites.
- Apple, Intune, and Google Zero-Touch Enrollment reduce standalone certificate-management demand.
- Open-source adoption enables competitors and internal teams to fork Smallstep's stack.
What makes Smallstep unique
- Smallstep pioneered device identity with hardware-backed, certificate-based access.
- ACME Device Attestation enables attested enrollment across macOS, Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS.
- Fleet partnership extends non-exportable credentials to device-management workflows.
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Funding
Total Funding
$33M
Above
Industry Average
Funded Over
3 Rounds
AccelIndustry standards
Benefits
Flexible Work Hours
Remote Work Options
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 0%1 year growth
↑ 3%2 year growth
↑ 3%Smallstep and Fleet Device Management have announced a partnership to integrate hardware-backed device identity across enterprise fleets. The collaboration enables organisations to verify device trust and compliance before granting access to corporate resources using automated certificate-based workflows. Fleet, an open-source device management platform trusted by over 1,300 organisations, supports macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux and ChromeOS. Smallstep adds hardware-backed device identity using ACME Device Attestation, enabling trusted device enrollment workflows with non-exportable credentials for secure access to Wi-Fi, VPN and internal services. The integration allows organisations to verify devices with attested enrollment, enforce dynamic access policies combining Fleet posture signals with Smallstep-issued certificates, and secure automation using short-lived, device-bound credentials. The solution addresses security gaps, particularly with Linux devices, whilst maintaining compatibility with open standards.
Smallstep, developer of a suite of infrastructure components and operational tools designed to build and maintain zero trust systems, raised $100,000 of venture funding in the form of SAFE Notes.
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Smallstep Labs, a pioneer in streamlining secure device identity and champion of the Zero Trust approach to security, unveiled market data that shows an impressive 78% of the Fortune 100 companies actively engage with Smallstep's open source software. Using Scarf's sophisticated analytics, Smallstep has been able to track the metrics and usage of their open source software to gain valuable insights. This key discovery reaffirms Smallstep's vision to provide frictionless secure connections for individuals, devices, and software services, making best practices accessible to every organization. The finding also amplifies Smallstep's achievements of building trustworthy connections between individuals and business tools, thus supporting teams in enhancing their security profile regardless of their operating location. "Seeing the widespread adoption of our open source software and understanding its critical role in bolstering security for numerous Fortune 100 companies is a great affirmation of our mission," said Mike Malone, CEO, Smallstep Labs. "It underscores the value and real-world impact of our solutions.”
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Smallstep Labs, a pioneer in streamlining secure device identity and champion of the Zero Trust approach to security, unveiled market data that shows an impressive 78% of the Fortune 100 companies actively engage with Smallstep's open source software. Using Scarf's sophisticated analytics, Smallstep has been able to track the metrics and usage of their open source software to gain valuable insights. This key discovery reaffirms Smallstep's vision to provide frictionless secure connections for individuals, devices, and software services, making best practices accessible to every organization. The finding also amplifies Smallstep's achievements of building trustworthy connections between individuals and business tools, thus supporting teams in enhancing their security profile regardless of their operating location. "Seeing the widespread adoption of our open source software and understanding its critical role in bolstering security for numerous Fortune 100 companies is a great affirmation of our mission," said Mike Malone, CEO, Smallstep Labs. "It underscores the value and real-world impact of our solutions.”
Smallstep announced that it has raised $26 million in total funding including a seed round of $7M led by boldstart ventures with participation from Accel Partners, Bain Capital Ventures and Upside Partnership, and a Series A of $19 million led by StepStone Group with participation from existing investors.
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About Smallstep
Industries
Enterprise Software
Cybersecurity
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
Series A
Total Funding
$33M
Headquarters
San Francisco, California
Founded
2016
There are no jobs for Smallstep right now.
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today