The networking hardware industry in the US focuses on the manufacture and innovation of equipment that facilitates communication between devices. Companies in this sector design and produce various products, including routers, switches, and access points. With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G technology, demand is booming, driving advancements in speed, efficiency, and security. As businesses increasingly prioritize digital transformation and reliable connectivity, this industry is set for rapid growth, promising exciting developments in connectivity solutions that enhance both individual and enterprise experiences.

The list features a variety of investors in the networking hardware space, including venture capital firms, corporate backers, and private equity groups. Predominantly headquartered in California, these firms range from large-scale operations like Goldman Sachs to startup accelerators like Y Combinator. Founded from 1911 to 2023, they collectively closed 1,000+ deals in 2024, reflecting a robust interest in strategic investments and innovation. This comprehensive overview showcases significant players dedicated to transforming tech solutions within the networking sector.

Top 12 Networking Hardware Investors in the US

1. Intel Capital

• Website: intelcapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 23
• LinkedIn: intelcapital

Intel Capital is a venture capital firm based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 1991. The firm focuses on early-stage technology companies, particularly in areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. Intel Capital provides funding, strategic support, and access to Intel's extensive resources to help startups scale and innovate. Notably, Intel Capital has invested in several companies within the networking hardware space, including Tibit Communications, which raised significant funding to accelerate its 25G ASIC program and scale manufacturing capabilities. They also participated in funding rounds for Maipu Communication and Tejas Networks India, both of which are involved in networking technologies. These transactions highlight Intel Capital's active role in supporting the growth of networking hardware companies.

2. Y Combinator

• Website: ycombinator.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 802
• LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through structured programs, resources like the Startup School, and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable transactions, Y Combinator participated in funding rounds for Hubble Network, which raised $20 million in a Series A round aimed at launching satellites, and also contributed to earlier funding rounds for the same company. This involvement highlights Y Combinator's engagement with companies that are developing innovative networking solutions, particularly in the satellite and communications space.

3. Cisco

• Website: cisco.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: San Jose, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1984
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: cisco

Cisco Systems, Inc., founded in 1984 and based in San Jose, California, is a prominent technology company specializing in digital communications and cybersecurity solutions. Cisco offers a wide range of products, including networking hardware, software, and security services tailored for businesses and organizations across various sectors. Notably, Cisco has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the networking hardware market. For instance, in 2003, Cisco acquired Linksys Group for $500 million, marking its entry into the consumer and small office/home office market. In 2019, Cisco acquired Acacia for $4.5 billion, enhancing its capabilities in optical networking. Additionally, Cisco's acquisition of Exablaze in 2019, which specializes in FPGA-based devices to improve network performance, further underscores its commitment to advancing networking technology. Other acquisitions, such as Jasper Technologies and Synata, also align with Cisco's focus on enhancing digital communication and network solutions.

4. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)

• Website: nea.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1977
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 57
• LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. NEA specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. NEA operates through a collaborative approach, emphasizing long-term relationships with founders. Notably, NEA has made significant investments in the networking hardware sector, including a seed investment in Juniper Networks in 1996 and multiple funding rounds for Actelis Networks, including Series B, C, D, and E rounds from 2000 to 2007. These transactions highlight NEA's active role in supporting companies that develop networking hardware solutions, reinforcing their relevance in this industry.

5. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

• Website: av.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2023
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 258
• LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund, part of Alumni Ventures, is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been involved in notable transactions in the networking hardware space, including a Series B funding round for Enfabrica, which raised $125 million to develop networking chips for AI workloads, and a Series C round that raised an additional $115 million. Furthermore, the fund participated in a Series A funding round for Cornelis Networks, which raised $20 million, indicating its commitment to investing in innovative networking solutions.

6. Goldman Sachs

• Website: goldmansachs.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1998
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 59
• LinkedIn: goldman-sachs

Goldman Sachs is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1998, headquartered in New York, New York. The firm provides a wide range of services, including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. In the context of networking hardware, Goldman Sachs has made notable investments, such as leading a $50 million Series F funding round for Aryaka Networks, which focuses on global networking solutions. They also participated in funding rounds for Tejas Networks and Riverbed Technology, both of which are significant players in the networking hardware space. These transactions highlight Goldman Sachs' active role in supporting and scaling businesses within the networking hardware industry.

7. Qualcomm Ventures

• Website: qualcommventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 18
• LinkedIn: qualcomm-ventures

Qualcomm Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Diego, California, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in early to growth stage technology companies, particularly within the wireless ecosystem. They provide capital and strategic support to startups across various sectors, including automotive, digital health, and IoT. Notably, Qualcomm Ventures has made significant investments in the networking hardware domain, including eero, which raised funds in a Series D round, and Siklu, which has received multiple rounds of funding (Series B, C, and D) to enhance its wireless networking solutions. These transactions highlight Qualcomm Ventures' commitment to supporting innovation in the networking hardware industry, making them a relevant player in this space.

8. Accel

• Website: accel.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1983
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 101
• LinkedIn: accel-vc

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983, based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in investing in startups and early-stage companies primarily within the technology sector. The firm has a global presence with offices in San Francisco, London, India, and China. Accel has made significant investments in the networking hardware industry, including notable transactions such as Arista Networks, which raised funds in a seed round in December 2012, and Peribit Networks, which raised $10.04 million in Series D and $20.5 million in Series C funding in 2003 and 2002, respectively. Additionally, Accel invested $30 million in Trapeze Networks during a Series D round in August 2006. These investments highlight Accel's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the networking hardware space, alongside their broader technology investment strategy.

9. Plug and Play Tech Center

• Website: plugandplaytechcenter.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 253
• LinkedIn: plug-and-play-tech-center

Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In the networking hardware context, they have been involved in several notable transactions, such as GNS3 Technologies, which focuses on network simulation software, and Optigo Networks, which specializes in network management solutions. Their investment strategy emphasizes facilitating partnerships and providing resources to enhance business development, making them a significant player in the technology sector, including networking hardware.

10. Kleiner Perkins

• Website: kleinerperkins.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1972
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 38
• LinkedIn: kleiner-perkins

Kleiner Perkins is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1972. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth companies, providing both capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. With a focus on technology and life sciences, Kleiner Perkins has backed over 900 ventures, establishing itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have made significant investments in the networking hardware sector, including early investments in Juniper Networks during its pre-seed round in 1996 and Extreme Networks in its Series B round in 1997. More recently, they led a Series C financing round for Mist Systems in 2018, a company that develops networking solutions. These transactions highlight Kleiner Perkins' active role in the networking hardware industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.

11. Bessemer Venture Partners

• Website: bvp.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1911
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 78
• LinkedIn: bessemer-venture-partners

Bessemer Venture Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1911, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and investment management services to startups and growth-stage companies across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Bessemer has a notable history of investments in the networking hardware industry, having participated in significant funding rounds for companies such as Ciena, which raised funds in both Series B and Series C rounds in the mid-1990s, establishing itself as a leader in the networking and telecommunications space. More recently, Bessemer was involved in the Series C funding round for DriveNets, which secured $262 million and focuses on cloud-native networking solutions, further demonstrating their commitment to the networking hardware sector. This diverse portfolio showcases Bessemer's ability to identify and support innovative companies in the technology landscape.

12. IQT (In-Q-Tel)

• Website: iqt.org
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 24
• LinkedIn: in-q-tel

In-Q-Tel (IQT) is a not-for-profit venture capital firm founded in 1999, based in Arlington, Virginia. It specializes in investing in technology startups that can enhance U.S. national security. IQT collaborates with various government agencies to identify and support innovative solutions across multiple technology sectors, including software, materials sciences, and networking hardware. Notably, IQT has participated in significant transactions within the networking hardware space, such as its investment in Transcelestial Technologies, a wireless communications provider, and Wirepas, which focuses on connectivity solutions. These investments reflect IQT's strategic interest in advancing networking technologies that align with its mission to support the intelligence community's evolving technological needs.

Networking Hardware Insights: Key Investors in the US

Want to find more investors focusing on the networking hardware industry?

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
• Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
• Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
• ...and much more!