Venture capital activity in the wireless industry was strong during the first half of the year: $2.7 billion was invested in 203 different companies, according to a recent report from Rutberg. The report found that VC was healthy across the board for wireless: late stage investments saw 30 companies raising more than $20 million each, while early stage investing increased as 91 companies raised under $10 million. The biggest VC transactions that took place during the first quarter were Cardionet's $110 million round, Amp'd Mobile's $108 million round, followed by Plastic Logic's $100 million round. The most active investors in the industry include Intel Capital, Sequoia Capital and Motorola Ventures.
Rutberg found that mergers and acquisition activity is also strong as many venture-backed exits during the first half of 2007 topped $200 million. While the research firm found the IPO market positive on the whole for the industry, most private company CEOs and boards have expressed "healthy levels of caution" for going the IPO route at this time.
For more on the Rutberg and Company report:
- contact the firm at www.rutbergco.com