Frontier Communications
Acquisition in 2024
Frontier Communications Corporation is an independent telecommunications provider based in Norwalk, Connecticut, serving approximately 4.1 million customers across 29 states. Founded in 1935 and previously known as Citizens Communications Company, Frontier offers a diverse range of services including broadband, video, voice, and digital protection solutions. The company utilizes both fiber-optic and copper networks to deliver high-speed internet and advanced voice services, including Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS). Frontier also caters to small, medium, and large business customers with Ethernet services, managed Wi-Fi, cloud IT solutions, and traditional circuit-based offerings. Additionally, it provides wholesale access services that enable other carriers to utilize its network for local and long-distance voice traffic. In April 2020, Frontier Communications filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, reflecting its ongoing efforts to restructure its operations.
Minnesota High Tech Association
Grant in 2023
Minnesota High Tech Association, is an innovation and technology association united in fueling Minnesota’s prosperity. They help bring together the people of Minnesota’s technology ecosystem and lead the charge in directing technology issues to Minnesota’s state capitol.
Pivotal Commware
Series D in 2023
Pivotal Commware, Inc. is a technology company specializing in the development of software-defined antennas and radios that leverage holographic beamforming technology. Founded in 2016 and based in Kirkland, Washington, the company designs products aimed at enhancing network speed, capacity, and spectral efficiency. Its offerings include platforms such as beamformers and systems for 5G echo subscribers and drone beamforming antennas. Additionally, Pivotal Commware provides intelligent beam management systems that facilitate wireless communication by enabling multiple concurrent transmissions on the same frequency without interference. This technology allows wireless service providers to optimize the use of spectrum in a given area, thereby improving broadband network performance.
Verana Networks
Venture Round in 2023
Verana Networks, Inc. is a technology company based in Waltham, Massachusetts, founded in 2019. It specializes in developing innovative 5G Radio Access Network solutions tailored for service providers utilizing licensed millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum. The company’s focus on mmWave spectrum is strategic, as it represents a significant portion of new spectrum available for 5G services. Verana Networks aims to empower mobile network operators with equipment that enhances wireless connectivity, providing a substantial increase in speed and capacity essential for the success of 5G technology. This advancement not only facilitates new applications but also generates additional revenue opportunities, which are crucial for sustaining the business case for 5G deployment.
Caban Systems
Series B in 2022
Caban Systems, founded in 2017 and based in San Mateo, California, specializes in the design and manufacture of modular lithium-ion energy storage systems tailored for the telecommunications industry. The company focuses on providing software-enabled solutions that enhance energy management for off-grid and weak-grid telecom sites. By utilizing intelligent lithium-ion battery packs, Caban Systems aims to prevent downtime and lower the total cost of ownership and maintenance for telecom towers. This approach not only helps clients save on energy expenses but also contributes to reduced emissions, making it a valuable partner for telecommunication companies and mobile network operators.
Casa Systems, Inc. is a communications technology company that specializes in providing innovative solutions for broadband and wireless networks across various global regions, including North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, Casa Systems offers a diverse range of products, including converged cable access platforms, wireless network core products like 5G core solutions, and optical access technologies. Their offerings also encompass machine-to-machine routers, industrial Internet of Things devices, and advanced network edge solutions designed to enhance digital video and broadband IP services. By delivering software-centric infrastructure, the company enables cable service providers to efficiently offer voice, video, and data services at multi-gigabit speeds, facilitating the transition to more integrated and virtualized network architectures.
Moment
Acquisition in 2018
Moment Design is a digital strategy and design consultancy based in New York City, established in 2002. The firm specializes in designing and developing digital products, offering services such as user research, analysis, and user interface design. Moment's approach emphasizes collaboration and creativity, allowing its team to tackle complex design challenges for a diverse clientele that includes notable companies like AT&T, Bank of America, MTV Networks, Morgan Stanley, The Walt Disney Company, and Nokia. By focusing on enhancing customer engagement and promoting brands through effective digital marketing and communications, Moment Design aims to deliver impactful solutions that resonate in the real world. As of April 2018, Moment operates as a subsidiary of Verizon Communications Inc.
WideOpenWest - Fiber-Optic Network
Acquisition in 2017
WideOpenWest - Fiber-Optic Network is designed to support multiuse services.
Straight Path Communications
Acquisition in 2017
Straight Path Communications Inc. is a telecommunications company based in Glen Allen, Virginia, that specializes in owning and licensing millimeter wave spectrum for 5G wireless services in the United States. Established in 2013, the company holds a significant portfolio of 39 GHz and 28 GHz wireless spectrum licenses, which it offers to mobile network operators and internet service providers. By leasing its spectrum licenses, Straight Path enables clients to enhance network capacity and improve the quality and speed of data transmission. In addition to its core spectrum business, the company is also involved in developing next-generation wireless technology through its subsidiary, Straight Path Ventures, and manages certain patents via its Straight Path IP Group subsidiary. As of early 2018, Straight Path operates as a subsidiary of Verizon Communications Inc.
Volicon
Acquisition in 2016
Volicon, Inc. is a provider of enterprise media intelligence solutions tailored for broadcasters, networks, cable operators, and government entities. The company's flagship product, the Observer Media Intelligence Platform, offers a range of tools for content creation, compliance monitoring, advertising verification, competitive analysis, and quality of service monitoring. Additionally, Volicon's Observer Remote Program Monitor enables proactive monitoring and recording of linear, on-demand, and interactive services, while its Video Monitoring Network supports multi-channel video streaming, interactive search, and content analytics. Founded in 2004 and based in Burlington, Massachusetts, Volicon serves various sectors, including broadcast, online media, and OTT services, through partnerships with resellers and distributors. The company operates as a subsidiary of Verizon Digital Media Services, having been acquired in 2016.
CENX, Inc. is a provider of service orchestration solutions for mobile, wireline, cable, and cloud data center service providers, operating in Canada and internationally. Founded in 2009 and based in Ottawa, Canada, the company specializes in automating the lifecycle management of data services across various network infrastructures, including network functions virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN). Its flagship product, the Cortx Service Orchestrator, streamlines the ordering, provisioning, monitoring, and assurance of data connectivity services, significantly reducing manual processes. CENX's offerings encompass mobile backhaul, enterprise connectivity, cloud exchange, and machine-to-machine services. Additionally, the company provides professional services such as data audits, automated access ordering, installation, integration, and technical support, ensuring comprehensive assistance for its tier 1 service provider clients. CENX has established itself as a key player in the Carrier Ethernet market, contributing to industry standards and innovation through its involvement with the Metro Ethernet Forum.
CENX
Venture Round in 2015
CENX, Inc. is a provider of service orchestration solutions for mobile, wireline, cable, and cloud data center service providers, operating in Canada and internationally. Founded in 2009 and based in Ottawa, Canada, the company specializes in automating the lifecycle management of data services across various network infrastructures, including network functions virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN). Its flagship product, the Cortx Service Orchestrator, streamlines the ordering, provisioning, monitoring, and assurance of data connectivity services, significantly reducing manual processes. CENX's offerings encompass mobile backhaul, enterprise connectivity, cloud exchange, and machine-to-machine services. Additionally, the company provides professional services such as data audits, automated access ordering, installation, integration, and technical support, ensuring comprehensive assistance for its tier 1 service provider clients. CENX has established itself as a key player in the Carrier Ethernet market, contributing to industry standards and innovation through its involvement with the Metro Ethernet Forum.
Newlans Inc., established in 2003 and based in Acton, Massachusetts, specializes in programmable analog signal processing solutions for the semiconductor industry. As a fabless company, Newlans develops high-quality, programmable Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) capacitors and components, primarily serving smartphone original equipment manufacturers and radio frequency front-end module suppliers. Its products enable tunable RFFE solutions, addressing the increasing demand for flexible and efficient RF front-ends in 4G LTE devices.
CENX
Venture Round in 2012
CENX, Inc. is a provider of service orchestration solutions for mobile, wireline, cable, and cloud data center service providers, operating in Canada and internationally. Founded in 2009 and based in Ottawa, Canada, the company specializes in automating the lifecycle management of data services across various network infrastructures, including network functions virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN). Its flagship product, the Cortx Service Orchestrator, streamlines the ordering, provisioning, monitoring, and assurance of data connectivity services, significantly reducing manual processes. CENX's offerings encompass mobile backhaul, enterprise connectivity, cloud exchange, and machine-to-machine services. Additionally, the company provides professional services such as data audits, automated access ordering, installation, integration, and technical support, ensuring comprehensive assistance for its tier 1 service provider clients. CENX has established itself as a key player in the Carrier Ethernet market, contributing to industry standards and innovation through its involvement with the Metro Ethernet Forum.
ConteXtream
Series B in 2010
ConteXtream is a privately held software company based in Santa Clara, California, specializing in cloud-based network virtualization technology. It offers a pioneering framework that enables network operators to enhance the performance and profitability of their broadband networks through proven virtualization and grid technologies. The company's Service Delivery Grid is designed to deliver higher network performance at a lower cost per subscriber, allowing operators to customize applications for individual subscribers, thereby creating a highly personalized user experience. ConteXtream's carrier-grade network visualization technology is utilized by Tier-1 operators, facilitating the elastic connection of subscribers to services and enabling the virtualization of functions on standard server hardware, ultimately replacing traditional proprietary systems.
Verizon Ventures
Series B in 2010
Verizon Ventures, established in 2000, is the strategic investment arm of Verizon Communications, a leading broadband and telecommunications company. Based in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Verizon Ventures focuses on investing in early-stage companies operating in network solutions, media, consumer, and business sectors. The firm seeks to connect these startups with Verizon's extensive ecosystem, leveraging its engineering expertise and market insights to accelerate their development. Verizon Ventures' investments align with Verizon's core business, aiming to drive innovation in wireless telecommunications and related services.
Alltel
Acquisition in 2008
Alltel is a telecommunications company based in Rockport, Texas, that offers a wide range of wireless communication services and products for both consumers and businesses. It serves various industries, including transportation, retail, insurance, healthcare, construction, and financial services. Alltel's offerings encompass wireless voice and data communication, postpaid and prepaid calling options, roaming and long-distance services, and diverse data solutions. The company provides additional services such as text and video messaging, digital gaming, radio streaming, internet access, and email. It also delivers business intelligence, field service automation, security, and systems management solutions, along with mobile handsets and accessories. As a subsidiary of Verizon Wireless and AT&T, Alltel plays a significant role in the telecommunications landscape in North America and the Caribbean.
Qwest Wireless Spectrum - Network Assets
Acquisition in 2005
Qwest Wireless Spectrum - Network Assets includes spectrum licenses in 62 markets in 14 western and mid-western states, covering a population of 30.8 million people. These licenses, all in the 1900 MHz PCS frequency range, average nearly 10 MHz per market. The transaction also includes Qwest Wireless' network switching centers, cell sites and related network equipment, which operate on the CDMA standard, the same as the Verizon Wireless network.
MCI Communications was a prominent telecommunications service provider in the United States, specializing in a wide range of communication services for businesses, governments, and individuals. Founded in 1963, the company initially operated microwave relay stations and offered two-way radio services. Through a strategy of mergers and acquisitions, MCI expanded rapidly, becoming the second-largest telecommunications company in the U.S. by 1990. Its services included local and long-distance calling, internet access, voice mail, equipment-managed network services, and data services, which facilitated effective remote collaboration for its clients. However, MCI faced challenges due to U.S. regulatory laws and was ultimately acquired by WorldCom in 1997 in a deal valued at $34.7 million.
GTE Corporation
Acquisition in 2000
GTE Laboratories (now Verizon) is an independent telephone company providing telephone communication services.
GTE, originally known as General Telephone & Electronics Corporation, is a telecommunications provider based in Stamford, Connecticut, established in 1918. The company offers a range of telecommunication products and services primarily in the United States, with operations extending to Canada through subsidiaries such as BC TEL and Quebec-Téléphone. In addition to its telecommunications services, GTE has a history of involvement in manufacturing test, measurement, and control instruments for various applications. These products include data loggers, fiber scopes, force gauges, gas detectors, and various types of meters such as pressure gauges and thermometers. GTE has also engaged in joint ventures, notably an interactive television service prior to its merger with Bell Atlantic.