IonQ to acquire cybersecurity firm Elisity for up to $1.3 billion

Quantum computing platform IonQ announced Monday it will acquire cybersecurity company Elisity in an all-stock deal valued at up to $1.3 billion, including up to $150 million in performance-based earnouts.

The move aims to provide expanded tools to detect and defend against attackers targeting generative AI large-language models and AI agents, and to protect against emerging quantum threats, the companies said.

"With Elisity and its team as part of IonQ, we will be well positioned to help customers protect critical infrastructure and enterprise networks throughout the transition to the quantum era," said IonQ Chairman and CEO Niccolo de Masi.

The all-stock deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter, subject to regulatory approval, and expands the quantum computing company's cybersecurity portfolio. IonQ shares fell more than 9% in trading on Monday.