Western Digital Capital

Western Digital Capital, established in 2015, is the corporate venture capital arm of Western Digital Corporation. It invests in innovative startups that focus on data storage, management, and consumption, aligning with Western Digital's core business of developing, manufacturing, and selling data storage devices and solutions. These solutions cater to a wide range of customers, from consumers to businesses and governments, enabling them to create, manage, experience, and preserve digital content. Western Digital Capital provides capital, expertise, and connections to help these startups scale and grow, fostering innovation in the data storage industry.
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Amir Fridman

Managing Partner

Sean Hunkler

Executive Vice President Global Operations

Mark Long

President

Kaushik Roy

Senior Director, Corporate Investments

Sesh Tirumala

SVP and CIO

Past deals in Storage Services

Wasabi

Series C in 2021
Wasabi Technologies, Inc. is a Boston-based company that offers a cloud storage platform tailored for hybrid and multi-cloud media workflows. Founded in 2016, Wasabi provides hot storage solutions that utilize an Amazon S3 compatible API, enabling organizations to store and access data quickly, with average time-to-first-byte speeds under 15 milliseconds. The company's platform is designed to be simple and affordable, allowing customers to access unlimited data without complex pricing tiers or unpredictable egress fees. Wasabi's services cater to various industries, including media and entertainment, education, scientific research, law enforcement, healthcare, and energy. The company has gained recognition for its rapid growth and innovative approach to cloud storage, serving tens of thousands of customers worldwide.

Iridia

Series B in 2021
Iridia, Inc. is a nanotechnology company based in Carlsbad, California, specializing in innovative data storage solutions utilizing DNA. Founded in 2016, Iridia has developed a pioneering DNA-based data storage system that integrates DNA polymer synthesis technology with semiconductor fabrication and electronic nano-switches. This technology allows for the writing, storing, and reading of data in a highly efficient manner, significantly reducing infrastructure requirements and environmental impact. By employing a highly-parallel format, Iridia's solution offers the potential for exceptionally high-density data storage, making it a commercially attractive option for managing large volumes of data. Formerly known as Dodo OmniData, Inc., the company rebranded to Iridia, Inc. in March 2018.

Pliops

Venture Round in 2021
Pliops is an Israel-based developer of cloud storage processor technology founded in 2017. The company provides solutions that accelerate storage performance for databases, analytics, and AI/ML workloads in cloud and enterprise data centers. Its flagship Pliops Extreme Data Processor (XDP) is delivered as a compact PCIe card that consolidates multiple storage processing layers into a single ultra-fast device, dramatically increasing throughput, capacity and data efficiency while reducing power consumption and computational load. By simplifying data processing and storage management, Pliops aims to unlock faster access to data and lower infrastructure costs as data growth and modern workloads intensify.

NGD Systems

Series C in 2020
NGD Systems develops advanced computational storage drives (CSDs), enabling customers to process data where it resides. Their products offer high capacity, power efficiency, and small form factors, ideal for edge computing networks, AI/ML applications, CDNs, and hyperscale environments.

Kazan Networks

Acquisition in 2019
Kazan Networks Corporation is a developer of computer hardware focused on enterprise storage and networking solutions. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Auburn, California, the company specializes in products such as iSCSI controllers, FC-to-SATA bridges, SAS controllers, and high-performance networking solutions. Kazan Networks offers a Customer Evaluation Kit that allows customers and partners to test the emerging NVMe over Fabrics standard. This fully functioning implementation is designed using FPGA technology to provide an optimal blend of performance and flexibility, facilitating easy plug-and-play connectivity between hosts and SSDs over Ethernet links. As of September 2019, Kazan Networks operates as a subsidiary of Western Digital Corporation.

Komprise

Series C in 2019
Komprise is a multi-cloud data management platform that enables organizations to analyze, move, and access file and object data across on-premises and cloud storage. It uses data growth analytics to identify hot and cold data and manages the data lifecycle across multiple storage vendors, including replication, archiving, and migration. The platform can relocate unstructured data to secondary storage based on criteria such as age, usage, or security to ensure data resides in the appropriate location at the right time. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Campbell, California, Komprise focuses on intelligent data management to improve data accessibility and storage efficiency.

WEKA

Series C in 2019
WEKA is an AI-native data platform company that provides a cloud and hardware-agnostic software solution for performance-intensive applications. Its WEKA® Data Platform enables unprecedented performance at scale by transforming stagnant data silos into dynamic data pipelines, facilitating faster and more efficient execution of enterprise AI, machine learning, and GPU workloads. The platform ensures seamless data access across on-premises, cloud, edge, and hybrid multicloud environments. Targeting a diverse range of industries, including life sciences, media and entertainment, financial services, and government, WEKA helps organizations manage their data effectively, enabling them to overcome complex data challenges and achieve insights more rapidly. The company serves hundreds of leading enterprises and research organizations, including a significant portion of the Fortune 50.

Pliops

Series B in 2019
Pliops is an Israel-based developer of cloud storage processor technology founded in 2017. The company provides solutions that accelerate storage performance for databases, analytics, and AI/ML workloads in cloud and enterprise data centers. Its flagship Pliops Extreme Data Processor (XDP) is delivered as a compact PCIe card that consolidates multiple storage processing layers into a single ultra-fast device, dramatically increasing throughput, capacity and data efficiency while reducing power consumption and computational load. By simplifying data processing and storage management, Pliops aims to unlock faster access to data and lower infrastructure costs as data growth and modern workloads intensify.

Excelero Storage

Corporate Round in 2018
Excelero, Inc. specializes in low-latency distributed block storage solutions designed for web-scale and enterprise applications. Founded in 2014 and based in San Jose, California, the company developed NVMesh, a software-defined block storage solution that employs Elastic NVMe technology. This innovation enables unmodified applications to access pooled NVMe storage devices across a network with local speed and latency. Excelero's solutions cater to a diverse range of sectors, including data analytics, machine learning, media and entertainment for post-production, and high-performance computing. By leveraging NVMesh, customers can create high-performance Server SANs that efficiently handle mixed workloads while benefiting from centralized storage without being locked into proprietary hardware. This approach significantly reduces total storage costs while enhancing scalability and performance, making it suitable for hyper-scale Industrial IoT services and large-scale simulation visualization.

Qumulo

Series D in 2018
Qumulo, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing a file data platform tailored for multi-cloud environments, facilitating enterprise data management. The core offering, Qumulo software, is an enterprise hybrid cloud file storage solution that delivers real-time visibility and control over data across various environments, from data centers to public clouds. Qumulo enables secure, shared access to unstructured data through protocols like SMB, NFS, and REST. The company also provides a range of storage solutions, including NVMe file storage systems and hybrid SSD platforms, alongside professional services such as installation, data migration, advanced training, consulting, and systems health checks. Qumulo serves a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies, media and entertainment organizations, research facilities, and sectors such as healthcare and the public sector. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Qumulo has expanded its presence with additional offices worldwide.

Elastifile

Series C in 2017
Elastifile is a technology company focused on transforming data storage and management for enterprises operating in cloud and hybrid cloud environments. It offers an elastically scalable, enterprise-grade distributed file system that incorporates integrated object tiering, forming a cross-cloud data fabric that provides high performance and unified access to global data. By eliminating traditional storage silos, Elastifile facilitates the seamless movement of applications across various cloud infrastructures, enabling businesses to leverage cloud services effectively. This capability supports a range of data-driven workflows, including analytics, DevOps, and high-performance computing, thereby empowering enterprises to optimize their operations and adapt to the demands of the cloud era.

Tegile Systems

Acquisition in 2017
Tegile Systems, Inc. specializes in providing flash-driven storage solutions, including hybrid and all-flash storage arrays, designed for various enterprise applications such as databases, server virtualization, and virtual desktop environments. Based in Newark, California, the company offers a patented IntelliFlash architecture that delivers high input/output performance and low latency, enabling customers to enhance business operations while reducing storage capacity requirements. Tegile Systems also features IntelliFlash, a storage operating system that allows users to adjust the amount of flash in their storage systems for optimal performance and cost efficiency, as well as IntelliCare, a cloud-based customer care program. Founded in 2010, Tegile Systems serves a diverse clientele across sectors including desktop and server virtualization, government, and education. In 2017, it became a subsidiary of Western Digital Corporation.

Upthere

Acquisition in 2017
Upthere, Inc. is a cloud computing and hosting services company based in Palo Alto, California. Founded in 2011, it aims to provide a comprehensive platform for personal data management, allowing users to store, view, search, organize, and share their photos, videos, music, and documents. The company's cloud-storage platform is designed to securely and privately manage important personal content, helping individuals easily access and maintain their digital information. As of August 2017, Upthere operates as a subsidiary of Western Digital Corporation.

Tegile Systems

Series E in 2017
Tegile Systems, Inc. specializes in providing flash-driven storage solutions, including hybrid and all-flash storage arrays, designed for various enterprise applications such as databases, server virtualization, and virtual desktop environments. Based in Newark, California, the company offers a patented IntelliFlash architecture that delivers high input/output performance and low latency, enabling customers to enhance business operations while reducing storage capacity requirements. Tegile Systems also features IntelliFlash, a storage operating system that allows users to adjust the amount of flash in their storage systems for optimal performance and cost efficiency, as well as IntelliCare, a cloud-based customer care program. Founded in 2010, Tegile Systems serves a diverse clientele across sectors including desktop and server virtualization, government, and education. In 2017, it became a subsidiary of Western Digital Corporation.

Avere Systems

Series E in 2017
Avere Systems, Inc. is a provider of cloud file storage infrastructure based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 2008, the company specializes in innovative storage solutions that allow enterprises to manage data more efficiently and economically. Avere's product offerings include Virtual FXT Edge filers, which serve as network-attached storage in the cloud, and CloudFusion, a cloud-based file system that streamlines storage management. The company also offers FXT Edge Filers for NAS optimization, as well as software solutions like FlashMove for data migration and FlashMirror for data protection. Avere's cloud enablement solutions facilitate various storage needs, including private object storage and NAS integration. Its client base spans multiple industries, including government, finance, media, entertainment, life sciences, and oil and gas. Avere Systems operates globally and has been a subsidiary of Microsoft Azure since 2018.

Panzura

Series E in 2017
Panzura is a provider of enterprise storage infrastructure designed for cloud-era data management. Its Global Cloud Storage System combines an on-premise controller with the Global File System and software that orchestrates the system, enabling cloud-enabled NAS-like file sharing and multi-site collaboration across locations and workloads. The platform supports cloud integration, archiving, and data protection across multi-cloud environments, with products for cloud-based long-term storage and multi-cloud file services. Panzura targets industries such as architecture, engineering and construction, oil and gas, entertainment, healthcare, manufacturing, and legal, helping organizations consolidate dispersed data, gain visibility, improve cyber resilience, and enable AI-ready access to files where and when needed. The company emphasizes a unified data engine that transforms cloud object storage into a scalable file system, with on-prem and cloud components, and provides professional services and support.

Upthere

Venture Round in 2016
Upthere, Inc. is a cloud computing and hosting services company based in Palo Alto, California. Founded in 2011, it aims to provide a comprehensive platform for personal data management, allowing users to store, view, search, organize, and share their photos, videos, music, and documents. The company's cloud-storage platform is designed to securely and privately manage important personal content, helping individuals easily access and maintain their digital information. As of August 2017, Upthere operates as a subsidiary of Western Digital Corporation.

Kazan Networks

Series A in 2016
Kazan Networks Corporation is a developer of computer hardware focused on enterprise storage and networking solutions. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Auburn, California, the company specializes in products such as iSCSI controllers, FC-to-SATA bridges, SAS controllers, and high-performance networking solutions. Kazan Networks offers a Customer Evaluation Kit that allows customers and partners to test the emerging NVMe over Fabrics standard. This fully functioning implementation is designed using FPGA technology to provide an optimal blend of performance and flexibility, facilitating easy plug-and-play connectivity between hosts and SSDs over Ethernet links. As of September 2019, Kazan Networks operates as a subsidiary of Western Digital Corporation.

SanDisk

Acquisition in 2015
Founded in 1988, SanDisk is a multinational corporation specializing in data storage solutions. It designs, develops, manufactures, and markets products such as removable cards for consumer devices, embedded products for various applications, solid state drives (SSDs) for computing devices, enterprise SSD solutions, digital media players, wireless flash drive products, and memory wafers. SanDisk sells its products globally through direct sales channels and distributors to original equipment manufacturers, system integrators, resellers, and retailers.

Tegile Systems

Series D in 2015
Tegile Systems, Inc. specializes in providing flash-driven storage solutions, including hybrid and all-flash storage arrays, designed for various enterprise applications such as databases, server virtualization, and virtual desktop environments. Based in Newark, California, the company offers a patented IntelliFlash architecture that delivers high input/output performance and low latency, enabling customers to enhance business operations while reducing storage capacity requirements. Tegile Systems also features IntelliFlash, a storage operating system that allows users to adjust the amount of flash in their storage systems for optimal performance and cost efficiency, as well as IntelliCare, a cloud-based customer care program. Founded in 2010, Tegile Systems serves a diverse clientele across sectors including desktop and server virtualization, government, and education. In 2017, it became a subsidiary of Western Digital Corporation.

Amplidata

Series E in 2014
Amplidata is a technology company specializing in advanced storage solutions that significantly enhance data reliability and efficiency. Founded in 2008 by Wim De Wispelaere and Wouter Van Eetvelde, the company has developed the Amplidata Distributed Storage System, which utilizes a patent-pending BitSpread encoding technology. This innovative approach provides a storage alternative that is ten thousand times more reliable than traditional RAID systems while requiring three times less storage and power, ultimately reducing costs by five times. Amplidata's solutions are designed to address the limitations of conventional high-capacity disk systems, improving performance and minimizing error rates. Their offerings, including the AmpliStor software-defined storage system, cater to enterprises seeking scalable private and public cloud storage solutions. With operational headquarters in Belgium and R&D facilities in both Belgium and Egypt, Amplidata serves a global market, including sales and support across Europe and North America.

Avere Systems

Series D in 2014
Avere Systems, Inc. is a provider of cloud file storage infrastructure based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 2008, the company specializes in innovative storage solutions that allow enterprises to manage data more efficiently and economically. Avere's product offerings include Virtual FXT Edge filers, which serve as network-attached storage in the cloud, and CloudFusion, a cloud-based file system that streamlines storage management. The company also offers FXT Edge Filers for NAS optimization, as well as software solutions like FlashMove for data migration and FlashMirror for data protection. Avere's cloud enablement solutions facilitate various storage needs, including private object storage and NAS integration. Its client base spans multiple industries, including government, finance, media, entertainment, life sciences, and oil and gas. Avere Systems operates globally and has been a subsidiary of Microsoft Azure since 2018.

Hightail

Series E in 2013
Hightail, Inc. is a cloud services company that specializes in file sharing and creative collaboration, enabling professionals to share large files such as videos, designs, artwork, and presentations. Founded in 2004 and based in Campbell, California, Hightail offers a platform that enhances visual project management by allowing users to preview files, comment, assign tasks, and manage versions visually. The company serves a diverse clientele, including agencies, creative and marketing departments, and businesses worldwide. Hightail also provides digital transformation services, focusing on data organization and content protection through various business processes. In 2013, Hightail rebranded from its original name, YouSendIt, and it operates as a subsidiary of Open Text Corporation.

STEC

Acquisition in 2013
sTec is a computer data storage technology company headquartered in California, with research and development, sales, support or manufacturing sites in China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Silicon Valley, and Taiwan.

Virident Systems

Acquisition in 2013
Virident Systems is a provider of enterprise-class solutions centered on Storage Class Memory (SCM), including flash memory, aimed at transforming the data center and cloud computing landscape. The company addresses the performance, reliability, and serviceability challenges associated with these disruptive technologies by leveraging its extensive expertise and intellectual property. Its flagship product, the tachIOn solid-state disk, offers customers a significant performance advantage, delivering 4-10 times the predictable performance over the lifespan of the product, along with enterprise-grade reliability. Founded by industry veterans from prominent technology companies, Virident Systems has cultivated a skilled team dedicated to harnessing flash and flash-like technologies for modern applications, positioning itself uniquely to address the complexities of data-intensive enterprise applications.

VeloBit

Acquisition in 2013
VeloBit is a software company that specializes in SSD caching solutions designed to significantly enhance application performance. Its plug-and-play software creates a transparent acceleration layer using Solid State Disks, enabling applications to achieve performance improvements of up to ten times. The installation process is quick, requiring only 60 seconds, and the software automatically optimizes for maximum speed without necessitating changes to existing applications or primary storage systems. This approach ensures that customers can enhance their storage capabilities while preserving their current investments in data protection and storage management.

Skyera

Series B in 2013
Skyera is a provider of enterprise solid-state storage systems focused on delivering affordable flash memory solutions. Its Skyhawk series offers all-flash storage systems designed to support a wide range of applications, including cloud computing, big data, mobility, and social networking. The company emphasizes high performance, lower power consumption, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional enterprise storage systems.

HGST

Acquisition in 2012
HGST, formerly known as Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, is a storage company based in San Jose, California, focused on addressing the growing demand for data storage in a world increasingly reliant on cloud services, social networks, and mobile devices. The company is recognized for its reliability and offers a diverse range of high-quality hard disk drives and solid-state drives designed to efficiently store, manage, and protect vast amounts of data. HGST's products serve a variety of customers, including enterprises, internet companies, consumers, and creative professionals, providing essential solutions for data preservation and management.

SiliconSystems

Acquisition in 2009
SiliconSystems is the world leader in industrial-grade solid-state storage solutions engineered exclusively for the high performance, high reliability, multi-year product lifecycle requirements of the Enterprise System OEM market. The company's patented and patent-pending SiliconDrive(TM) technology meets the rigorous demands of applications in the netcom, military, industrial, interactive kiosk and medical markets. SiliconSystems is based in Aliso Viejo, California.

Crag Technologies

Acquisition in 1999
Storage Solutions for NT Servers

Cerabyte

Cerabyte develops a ceramic-based data storage technology designed for long-term archival preservation. Its hardware utilizes ceramic nano memory technology to store data with high density and durability, resisting environmental factors. This enables organizations to maintain digital records indefinitely without media replacement, data migration, or ongoing energy consumption.
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