Force10 and Turin merge, pool their capital and clients
Network builder Force10 Networks has merged with Ethernet services provider Turin Networks to create a powerhouse in both spaces, with an impressive list of clients, numbering 1,300 (including eHarmony and Facebook), reports peHUB. More significant than that is the marrying of two significant pots of venture capital. Since their nearly simultaneous founding a decade ago, Force10 has raised $400 million, and Turin $250 million.
Combined under the Force10 name, the new entity, based in San Jose, Calif., will cater to both the commercial data center and service provider markets. The deal is expected to close in March.
VentureBeat last covered Force10 in November, when it rolled out a new line of products for virtual computing, and Turin in September during its last financing round.
The roll call of investors for Force10 includes Advanced Equities, Crosslink Capital, Meritech Capital Partners, Morgenthaler Ventures, Pacesetter Capital Group, Worldview Technology Partners, New Enterprise Associates and US Venture Partners. Turin has received contributions from Bay Partners, Sequoia Capital, Tellabs, Motorola Ventures, Ciena Corp., Millennium Private Equity, DCM, Baker Capital, Tudor Ventures, Advanced Equities and RWI Group.
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About the Author, Camille Ricketts
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