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SwitchOn Networks

SwitchOn Networks

SwitchOn Networks was a fabless semiconductor vendor that built the first 2.5Gbps classification processor. PMC Sierra acquired SwitchOn networks for $445m, then broadly shipped the SwitchOn technology into a broad array of networking applications that required complex classification of long strings.

  • Founded: 1998
  • Round Partnered: Seed
  • Year Partnered: 1999
  • Fund: Prior Investments
  • Clear Partner(s): Chris Rust
  • Status: Acquired by Public Company
  • Year Acquired: 2000
  • Acquirer: PMC Sierra (PMCS)
  • Acquisition Price: $ 452,020,000
“ Chris Rust led the SwitchOn series A financing round and was a member of our Board of Directors for Sequoia Capital. SwitchOn made the world's first OC48 deep packet classification processor, enabling a new generation of advanced networking services. It was an ambitious program that took an inspired effort by an exceptional team. Chris understands the sacrifices that are required to build a great technology company. He shared our determination to succeed and was a trusted partner in our journey. He helped us with recruiting our independent Director Cliff Meltzer and several key team members. He shared risk with us when others would not and helped us get from an idea to market leadership and a $450 Million acquisition by PMC Sierra. ”
SwitchOn Founder & CEO Moti Jiandani
“ I knew Chris from the early days at SwitchOn Networks. Chris was on the SwitchOn board (from Sequoia Capital), and I enjoyed his knowledge of the market, his being analytical and forthright, and asking the right questions. Have also enjoyed my conversations with him off and on over the past ten years. I highly recommend Chris. ”
Dr. Sundar Iyer, Chief Architect (now CEO Memoir Systems)

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TEAM

  • Nigel Duffy

    Founder

  • Simon Wilkinson

    Head of Engineering

  • Ryan McMahon

    Chief of Staff

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Four of the companies our team co-founded produced over $1.7 billion of market cap from 2 IPOs and 2 acquisitions.

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Before we became VCs, we had already founded 5 successful companies.

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