Nozomi opens APJ HQ in Singapore after USD $1bn deal

Nozomi Networks has opened a new Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) headquarters in Singapore, as the industrial cybersecurity firm expands its regional footprint following its acquisition by Mitsubishi Electric.

The company stated that it now serves close to 100 customers across the region. It cited Singapore's strategic location and highly skilled workforce as primary factors in the decision, alongside the nation's robust focus on industrial cybersecurity and regulation.

The move follows a definitive agreement for Nozomi to be acquired by Mitsubishi Electric in a deal valuing the company at approximately USD $1 billion (circa £770 million). Under the terms of the agreement, Nozomi will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Japanese industrial giant, though it will continue to operate independently. Nozomi has described the transaction as the largest acquisition of an operational technology (OT) security firm to date.

Regional operations

Nozomi stated that it is launching the Singapore headquarters with a core team spanning regional leadership, sales and marketing, professional services, business partner management, customer success, and customer technical support.

The company noted that it plans to expand its headcount in line with business growth and market demand. It did not disclose specific staff numbers or timelines for future hiring.

Nozomi operates in industrial environments and works on operational technology, internet of things and cyber-physical systems security. It targets organisations that run critical infrastructure and industrial networks.

Regulatory focus

Nozomi also pointed to regulatory frameworks in Singapore and across the region as a driver of cyber security investment. It referenced the Singapore Cybersecurity Act and industry standards that govern critical infrastructure and operational technology environments.

The company stated that it collaborates with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) on the nation's operational technology cybersecurity masterplan. It noted that it contributes technical expertise, industry insights, and best practices to these initiatives.

Singapore has positioned itself as a regional hub for cybersecurity services, with policies aimed at improving resilience in sectors such as energy, transport, water, and manufacturing. Companies providing cybersecurity products and services have increased their presence in the city-state in response to growing customer demand and stringent regulatory requirements.

Partner network

Nozomi said the Singapore headquarters will coincide with an expansion of its partner network across Asia Pacific and Japan. The company said it already works with specialist partners in the region, although it did not name them.

Channel partners and system integrators play a significant role in industrial cyber security deployments, where security tools must operate alongside industrial control systems and site operational practices. Many projects in the sector run as multi-year programmes and require ongoing support.

The company also highlighted a recent leadership appointment in Singapore. Nozomi named David Hope as APJ Regional Vice President.

Hope said the company has built relationships with local organisations across industry and government. It described Singapore as a base for serving customers across a wider regional market.

"Nozomi Networks has worked hand in hand with Singaporean industry, critical infrastructure, and government leaders to raise the bar on industrial cyber security, and it's fitting now to make the country our APJ headquarters," said David Hope, APJ Regional Vice President, Nozomi Networks.

Hope linked the move to rising attention on critical infrastructure cyber security and to compliance requirements.

"Awareness for critical infrastructure cybersecurity is increasing every day, with new regulatory requirements playing a major role in organisations' investment in cybersecurity solutions. We recognise this demand, and our new headquarters will help us deliver to customers across the region," said Hope.

Nozomi stated that it expects Singapore's position as a business hub to influence regional decision-making and customer engagement as the firm expands its presence across the Asia-Pacific and Japan region.