Okera

Enterprise data governance platform acquired by Databricks

Okera was a data access control and governance platform founded to help enterprises securely manage and govern access to their data across multi-cloud and hybrid environments. The company provided fine-grained access controls, dynamic data masking, and attribute-based access control (ABAC) capabilities that allowed organizations to enforce consistent security policies across diverse data platforms including data lakes, warehouses, and cloud storage systems. While not primarily an AdTech company, Okera's technology was relevant to the advertising industry as it helped companies manage sensitive customer data and maintain compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA. In September 2022, Okera was acquired by Databricks, a leading data and AI platform company. The acquisition was strategic for Databricks as it enhanced their Unity Catalog offering with Okera's advanced data governance and access control capabilities. Following the acquisition, Okera's technology was integrated into Databricks' platform, and the company ceased to operate as a distinct entity. The Okera team joined Databricks to continue developing data governance solutions within the broader Databricks ecosystem. Okera's legacy lies in its pioneering approach to universal data authorization and fine-grained access controls that worked across heterogeneous data environments. The company raised significant venture funding and served enterprise customers across various industries including financial services, healthcare, retail, and technology sectors that needed to balance data accessibility with security and compliance requirements.