Prague could gain dozens of new tech jobs with major cybersecurity R&D expansion

Israeli cybersecurity company Cato Networks will significantly expand its research and development operations in Prague after a new investment of over CZK 7 billion (around USD 320 million), according to Czech news site E15.

A company press release confirms that Cato, which opened its Prague office in 2024, plans to hire local engineers to expand its local team and focus on developing cloud-based security solutions.

The Prague center is part of Cato’s plan to boost its presence in Europe and speed up innovation in the fast-changing cybersecurity field.

Cato Networks, based in Tel Aviv, reported USD 250 million in annual recurring revenue last year. According to IT Pro, it serves over 3,000 enterprise customers worldwide.

The company is known for creating the secure access service edge (SASE) model, which combines networking and security into a single cloud platform.

“We see Prague as a strategic hub for innovation and talent. It is perfectly positioned to support our rapid growth and plans,” said Shlomo Kramer, CEO and co-founder of Cato Networks. “Our expansion here reflects the high-quality workforce and the city’s potential to influence the future of cybersecurity.”

E15 also reports that Cato plans to offer stock options to its employees in Prague. This is a less common practice outside of startups in the Czech labor market. This benefit and the company’s expected initial public offering could bring significant financial rewards for local employees.

Industry analysts see Cato’s significant investment and hiring plans as part of a broader trend of global cybersecurity firms expanding in Central Europe to tap into the region’s skilled tech workforce. Prague’s growing reputation as a technology hub is attracting increasing foreign direct investment.