Investment in Vault Cloud: A Strategic Move for Australia’s National Security
Australia’s National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) has committed AU$22.5 million (US$14.04 million) to Vault Cloud, a Canberra-based provider of secure cloud computing solutions. This investment is part of Vault’s Series B funding round, aimed at expanding its capabilities and enhancing its services tailored to government and defense sectors. The move reflects NRFC’s strategic focus on bolstering Australia’s sovereign cloud infrastructure and strengthening national security.
Vault Cloud, founded in 2012, is known for its specialized cloud services that cater to highly sensitive government and defense data. This investment will allow Vault to expand its offerings, including advanced artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, a “Deployed Tactical Cloud,” and its secure “SECRET Cloud” platform. These efforts are crucial as the company looks to scale its infrastructure to meet the growing needs of Australia’s defense and industrial sectors.
Vault Cloud’s Security Solutions: A Key to Australia’s Sovereign Cloud Needs
Ensuring National Security through Localized Data Storage
The security of classified government and defense data is a primary concern for Australian authorities. Vault Cloud addresses this by storing sensitive data locally within Australia, safeguarding it with cutting-edge security measures and protocols. This approach ensures that the data remains under Australian jurisdiction, an essential factor in today’s contested global security environment.
Martijn Wilder AM, Chair of the NRFC, emphasized the importance of securing classified information in the current geopolitical climate. “Vault’s services store classified government and defense data locally in Australia and protect it with state-of-the-art security technologies and protocols,” said Wilder. This investment supports the NRFC’s Defence Capability priority area, which focuses on strengthening Australia’s defense sector and safeguarding its national interests.
Expanding Vault’s Capabilities to Meet Australia’s Strategic Needs
Vault’s CEO, Rupert Taylor-Price, echoed the significance of this investment in supporting Australia’s national security objectives. “The NRFC’s investment in Vault will help boost Australia’s sovereign cloud capabilities,” he stated. Vault is poised to expand its capacity to provide the secure infrastructure needed to support Australia’s defense and industrial goals. By leveraging NRFC’s support, Vault aims to scale its solutions and contribute to both national security and economic growth.
NRFC’s Broader Investment Strategy: Supporting Innovation and Industry Transformation
The AU$22.5 million investment in Vault Cloud is just one of several recent initiatives by the NRFC. Earlier this month, the fund also committed AU$25 million (US$15.6 million) to Myriota, a space telecommunications company, and AU$13 million (US$8.11 million) to Quantum Brilliance, a company specializing in diamond quantum technology. These investments highlight the NRFC’s commitment to driving innovation and diversification across Australia’s industries, from defense to emerging technologies.
With AU$15 billion available for investment, the NRFC’s mission is to foster industries that will transform Australia’s economy. Its focus areas include transport, medical science, renewable energy, low-emission technologies, and the value-add sectors in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Through these strategic investments, the NRFC aims to support the nation’s long-term economic growth while securing its technological and defense infrastructure.
Vault Cloud’s Journey: A Snapshot of Growth and Innovation
Vault Cloud has experienced significant growth since its founding in 2012. Specializing in secure cloud services, the company provides tailored solutions to the Australian government and defense sectors, addressing their unique needs for data protection and compliance. Vault’s proprietary “SECRET Cloud” offering ensures that even the most sensitive government and defense information is encrypted and securely stored.
The current Series B funding round, which includes contributions from NRFC and other private Australian investors, marks a key moment in Vault’s expansion. Prior to this, the company successfully completed its Series A funding round in 2017, raising AU$9.25 million (US$5.77 million). Leading investors in Vault’s earlier round included Certane Corporate Trust and MA Asset Management. This ongoing financial backing positions Vault to scale its operations and continue its innovative work in secure cloud computing.
Vault Cloud and NRFC: A Partnership for the Future
Vault’s collaboration with the NRFC represents a crucial step toward enhancing Australia’s technological sovereignty. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and data-driven, secure cloud infrastructure has become an essential foundation for national security. With the NRFC’s backing, Vault Cloud is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in supporting Australia’s strategic security initiatives while contributing to the nation’s economic development.
The investment not only strengthens Vault’s position in the market but also underscores the importance of local solutions for sensitive government and defense data. The emphasis on protecting data through localized cloud services is becoming an increasingly vital consideration as geopolitical tensions and cybersecurity threats grow.
FAQ
What is Vault Cloud’s role in Australia’s national security?
Vault Cloud provides secure cloud services to Australian government and defense sectors. Its focus is on safeguarding sensitive, classified data with state-of-the-art security measures, ensuring that such data is stored locally within Australia.
How does NRFC support Australian innovation?
The NRFC invests in organizations that contribute to the diversification and transformation of Australia’s economy. Its investments focus on key sectors like defense, medical science, renewables, and low-emission technologies, helping to drive long-term economic growth.
What are Vault Cloud’s key offerings?
Vault Cloud specializes in secure cloud computing solutions, including the “SECRET Cloud,” AI-enhanced services, and a “Deployed Tactical Cloud” designed to meet the needs of the defense and government sectors.
What does the AU$22.5 million investment from NRFC mean for Vault Cloud?
The investment will enable Vault Cloud to expand its security capabilities and enhance its infrastructure, helping it to scale and meet the growing demands of Australia’s defense and industrial sectors.
How does Vault Cloud ensure the security of sensitive data?
Vault Cloud employs cutting-edge encryption and security protocols to protect sensitive government and defense data. Its solutions ensure that all classified information remains stored locally within Australia, safeguarding it from external threats.
