Row 44 provides inflight high-speed Internet connectivity and device-based entertainment to airlines, including live television, streaming Video on Demand and bookable local activities. The company is led by CEO John LaValle and operates development offices in Chicago, London and Las Vegas. Row 44 recently closed a $45M financing to support growth. It intends to use the funding to broaden its offering and expand global infrastructure. The company’s product enables airlines worldwide to offer passengers connectivity and curated content during flights. The financing underscores a push to scale its network and content capabilities. Row44 builds in-flight wireless connectivity that lets passengers browse the internet while flying. The company targets airlines as customers for its onboard wireless service. The investment comes as in-flight wireless has become a de facto standard for long-distance flights. Bloomberg Businessweek estimated in-flight wireless revenue could reach as much as $100 million this year. Row44 competes with Aircell (which provides Gogo), On Air, and the Verizon Airfone. The competitive landscape includes Aircell’s much larger $176 million raise about eight months earlier. Row 44 builds broadband wireless networks to deliver Internet access, video entertainment, cell phone roaming and in-flight communications on commercial aircraft. The system leverages existing satellite networks and uses an 802.11b/g wireless network with a stated speed of 30 megabits per second. Company equipment weighs less than 150 pounds and is FAA certified; Row 44 says it will not interfere with aircraft operations. Row 44 has scheduled commercial trials of its Internet service with Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines this summer. Competitors named in the article include Boeing’s Connexion, Aircell, OnAir, and Verizon Airfone, and Boeing has announced it is discontinuing its service. The company is based in Westlake Village, Calif.

Total raised

$103M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Jun 2012