VC: Prism closes fifth fund for wireless investments

Wireless VC investments this week totaled $288.1 million, up significantly from the $64 million total we reported on June 16. Wireless VC was dominated this month by Prism Venture Partners, which created a new fund dedicated to investing in wireless startups.

VENTURE CAPITAL
COMPANY	AMOUNT/ROUND	LEAD INVESTORS	DESCRIPTION
Prism Venture Partners [1] Westwood, MA	$250M N/A	N/A	Early-stage venture capital group Prism Ventures closed its fifth fund, a $250 million firm that will invest in wireless startups.
PicoChip [2] United Kingdom	$20.5M third round	Scottish Equity Partners	PicoChip has developed scalable wireless chip technology that can be used for a number of technologies, including WiMax, WCDMA, and TD-SCDMA. The company is a member of the 2005 FierceWireless Fierce 15, an annual list of the top emerging wireless companies.
Beceem Communications [3] Santa Clara, CA	$9.6M second round	Walden International, Sequoia Capital and Global Catalyst Partners	Beceem Communication is developing broadband wireless technology.
Airimba Wireless [4] Richardson, TX	$5M third round	Sevin Rosen Funds, Harbert Venture Partners, and Noro-Moseley Partners	Airimba Wireless is a WISP that installs WiFi networks in residential properties and resells access to residents.
Netcordia [5] Annapolis, MD	$3M first round	Novak Biddle Venture Partners	Netcordia makes an automated network diagnostic tool that analyzes VoIP, wireless, VPN, VLAN, and IP networks for enterprise and government users.