News
Issue #2003 - 04 (February 2003)
(Updated Feb. 5, 2003)

ACQUISITIONS, MERGERS & AGREEMENTS

VC Investments in Wireless

1. Flash Networks Raises $6,000,000 in Fourth Round [Holmdel, NJ] - Flash Networks develops mobile data access technology for satellite networks. INVESTORS: Bell Mobility Investments, Giza Venture Capital, T-Mobile Venture Fund, The Challenge Fund

2. HelloSoft snags $11M first round
HelloSoft yesterday said it raised more than $11 million in its first round of funding. The round was led by Venrock Associates and Sofinnova Ventures with participation from Acer Technology Ventures and JumpStartUp Venture. HelloSoft provides wireless networking software for OEMs and chip makers that enable wireless devices to use WLANs, cellular, and Bluetooth networks.

3. 3. SiGe Semiconductor raises whopping $42.8M
In a major coup that provides evidence of investors' confidence in the health of the wireless semiconductor market, Boston, Massachusetts-based SiGe Semiconductor, a supplier of analog integrated circuits for wireless access, cable telephony, and high-speed optical systems, announced it had raised $42.8 million in Series B funding -- the third highest round of financing closed by a fabless semiconductor company during the last year. The lead investor was Boston-based TD Capital Technology Ventures, joined by 3i US and Prism Venture Partners, together with returning investors VenGrowth Capital Partners, CDP Capital, Business Development Bank of Canada, Capital Alliance Ventures, and Canadian Science & Technology Growth Fund. SiGe Semiconductor's integrated circuits are designed using silicon germanium technology to improve performance and battery life, and reduce the size of a wide range of wireless and broadband products, including Bluetooth(TM)-enabled portable devices, WLAN access points, high-speed optical interfaces, global positioning by satellite systems, cordless telephones, and 2G, 2.5G and 3G cellular handsets. In addition to providing evidence of investors' confidence in the sectors, this large funding also shows confidence in the company and its management team. The company has seen success during the past two years, during which the company increased product revenues, extended support and distribution channels, brought its sixteenth product to market, and established new facilities in Hong Kong, San Diego, Boston, and London. In all, SiGe Semiconductor has delivered more than 5 million integrated circuits to customers such as Alps, Arris, Bromax, Gemtek, LG Innotek, Micro-Star, Microtune, Photon, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, and Stratos Lightwave.

Source: Various 
For more information: http://www.venturereporter.com and http://www.hellosoft.com

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: Investments continue in this space. One week does not determine a trend but we see worthwhile startups still get money from VCs who have become wiser now.

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of Securities Exchange act of 1934 in USA. Similar provisions exist in other countries. There is no assurance that the stipulated plans of vendors will be implemented. MobileInfo does not warrant the authenticity of the information. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.