Does anybody know how what venture capital investments COMPAQ has made in other businesses, especially businesses which may become "internut" IPO's, thereby giving CPQ an indirect IPO play?
Jimbo was recommending LPGLY the other day, and I have taken a small position (which is showing a loss). But I find it fascinating. Essentially, it is an insurance company which has a subsidiary - Berkley International Capital - which makes venture capital investments in hi-tech companies, most of which will have IPO's. Most of them are internet related. One of them (NETP)is scheduled to be an IPO next week.
As I studied their numerous other holdings I came across one in which COMPAQ is also an investor. Some of you - maybe Steve (Riechers) and John Koligman may remember a group which broke off from BAY NETWORKS before House came. It looks like they may be coming to market soon and COMPAQ (and LPGLY) should benefit.
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From Telecommunications Online "Telecom Startups to Watch"
dgtlmrktplce.com.
10 Telecom Start-Ups to Watch
Ramp Networks
A later-stage Internet and remote access start-up, Ramp Networks of
Santa Clara, Calif., continues to amass venture funding and industry
accolades for its WebRamp family of products. WebRamp M3t was
named Best of Show at last year's NetWorld+Interop. Meanwhile,
venture capitalists and corporations--including Berkeley International Capital Corporation, Venrock Associates, Draper International, and Compaq Computer--have given the company $36 million since its founding in 1993.
The WebRamp Internet access software and hardware holds appeal
for small businesses and telecommuters eager to capitalize on the
benefits of the Internet, but who want to do so cheaply and simply--a
potential market of more than 75 million customers worldwide. The
WebRamp products are distributed in the United States through
national distributors, VARs, and ISPs. In February, Ramp Networks
signed an agreement with InternetReseller.Net in Beaverton, Ore.,
which distributes products and services to value-added ISPs
throughout the United States and Canada. n
Sterling Perrin is a journalist and frequent contributor to
Telecommunications magazine. |
