Participated · Equity · Feb 2019

SmartSky Networks, formed in 2011 and led by CEO Haynes Griffin, operates an air-to-ground inflight internet service. Its core product, SmartSky 4G LTE, uses patented spectrum reuse, advanced beamforming technologies and 60 MHz of spectrum to deliver a low-latency, bidirectional data link. The network is designed to enable in-flight productivity comparable to ground experiences and to support new apps, services, and hardware that will digitize the aviation industry. SmartSky is in the process of rolling out a nationwide air-to-ground network; the inflight connectivity service is slated to be commercially available later this year. The company has raised almost $350M to date and recently closed a new financing. Proceeds from the latest round will be used to continue the ongoing network rollout. SmartSky Networks develops SmartSky 4G LTE, an air-to-ground broadband high-speed wireless data network dedicated to providing airborne internet connectivity. The company is working with aerospace and technology partners to roll out its SmartSky 4G LTE network. It plans to deploy a nationwide network and was preparing to roll out the service later that year. SmartSky has raised approximately a quarter of a billion dollars in equity capital to date. The company is led by Chairman and CEO Haynes Griffin. SmartSky was formed in 2011 and is based in Charlotte, N.C. SmartSky Networks, founded in 2011 and headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is developing the first 4G-LTE based air-to-ground communications network in the U.S. to deliver next-generation in-flight connectivity. The company plans a beta launch of its SmartSky 4G network in late 2015 and a rollout of nationwide commercial service beginning in 2016. SmartSky intends to use proceeds from the financing to conduct an end-to-end system demonstration on a multi-site network and to commence network deployment activities ahead of the commercial rollout. Leadership includes Chairman and CEO Haynes Griffin and a team of senior aviation and telecommunications executives. The company is working with leading aerospace and technology partners as it builds its network. No operating metrics (revenue/users) are disclosed in the article.