Participated · Series D · Aug 2023

Pivotal Commware builds a mmWave product ecosystem for extending the wireless edge and increasing coverage for radio access networks, aimed at enabling Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) for mobile network operators. Its product lineup includes the Pivot 5G network repeaters that redirect mmWave signals beyond line-of-sight, Echo 5G subscriber repeaters for indoor penetration through glass, the WaveScape network planning tool, and an Intelligent Beam Management System. The company uses a patented Holographic Beam Forming antenna technology to minimize cost, size, weight, and power consumption. Pivotal offers Pivotal Turnkey Services as an end-to-end solution for planning and deploying FWA and emphasizes low total cost of ownership and fast time-to-revenue for MNOs. The company recently raised $102 million in a Series D to fund aggressive investment in Pivotal Turnkey and to develop next-generation software and hardware, supplemented by capital and cash flow from operations. Pivotal Commware is privately held and headquartered in Bothell, Washington. Pivotal Commware develops communications platforms, systems and applications built on Holographic Beam Forming (HBF) technology to enable cost-effective deployment of 5G millimeter-wave networks for mobile and fixed wireless access. Its product ecosystem includes the WaveScape network modelling tool, Pivot 5G outdoor network repeaters, Echo 5G indoor subscriber repeaters, and an Intelligent Beam Management System (IBMS) for remote management and optimization. The company says HBF antennas increase network speed, capacity and spectral efficiency while minimizing cost, size, weight and power consumption. Pivotal announced the closing of a $50 million Series C led by an affiliate of Tracker Capital Management, with participation from Devonshire Investors, DIG Investment, Thermo, Lux Capital and Bill Gates. Proceeds will be used to expand product support, distribution and R&D across its mmWave ecosystem and to extend offerings into mid-band frequencies including C-Band, CBRS and Band n53. Headquartered in Kirkland, Washington, the company positions itself to scale globally as a 5G telecom infrastructure provider. Pivotal Commware develops metamaterials-based flat-panel antennas and repeater systems intended to boost and extend millimeter-wave 5G signals. Its product lines include the Echo 5G, a customer-installed paddle-like device with an interior "power puck," and the Pivot 5G for operators to extend range and wrap signals around corners. The company demonstrated gigabit-scale indoor transmission rates in recent field trials and plans to begin shipping the Echo 5G to wireless operators in December, with broader appearances expected next year. Pivotal was spun out of Intellectual Ventures in 2016 and is based in Kirkland, Wash.; its prior investors include Bill Gates, DIG Investment, Lux Capital and Thermo Companies. Financially, the company has raised a $17M Series A in 2017 and a $22M Series B that closed last December, and has now secured $10M in convertible-debt financing. The fresh financing is intended to support the product launch and expand headcount, which is approaching 100 employees. Pivotal Commware is a Bellevue, WA–based developer of communications products that use Holographic Beam Forming (HBF). It is the exclusive licensee of metamaterials technology for terrestrial communications markets including cellular, Access-in-Motion (planes, cars, ships, trains and drones) and defense. The company's HBF products have generated significant 4G and 5G interest and been field-tested with Tier 1 operators. Pivotal is working with Globalstar to leverage its technology into future service offerings over Globalstar's terrestrial spectrum. The company was spun out of Intellectual Ventures in 2016. Financially, Pivotal raised $17M in a Series A round with backers that include The Thermo Companies, DIG Investment, Bill Gates, Lux Capital, the family office of Barry Sternlicht and others.

Participated · Equity · Sep 2017

OnBeep is a San Francisco–based startup developing “beautiful wearable communication devices” that let groups talk and collaborate without relying on smartphones. The hardware is designed to replace aging Push-to-Talk solutions and targets use cases such as music festivals, sporting events, vacations, and family outings. Co-founders Jesse Robbins, Greg Albrecht, and Roger Wood lead a 20-person team whose résumés include Apple, Google, Motorola, iRobot, and Amazon. The company has partnered with PCH International’s Access accelerator to move the product into production within the year and expects to unveil a public preview in the fall. Wood’s prior work on iDEN, often described as the first mobile social network, informs the product’s push-to-talk functionality. While the company has not yet shared revenue or user figures, the fresh capital will fund manufacturing and go-to-market efforts.