skyviewcapital

Fidelis Cybersecurity appoints Cameron Pforr as President

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 16:35:45 GMT

BETHESDA, Md., March 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Effective immediately, Fidelis Cybersecurity, a portfolio company of Skyview Capital, has appointed Cameron Pforr as President, replacing CEO Anup Gosh to lead Fidelis during a period of unprecedented and transformational growth.

Cameron, having formerly served successfully as Fidelis CFO for the past two years, has extensive experience in scaling SaaS platform companies and cybersecurity organizations. He has led several tech luminaries such as Whiptail and its successful exit to Cisco and Permabit which was ultimately acquired by Red Hat. In addition to promoting Cameron, Fidelis also recently hired Eric Moseman as Chief Revenue Officer in January 2022. Eric has held senior executive sales and revenue growth roles at several SaaS companies such as Workday, Central Eyes, Attain and First Advantage. Cameron and Eric look forward to continuing their work at the company to exponentially scale Fidelis within the robust XDR space.

Fidelis Cybersecurity is the industry innovator in Active eXtended Detection and Response (XDR) solutions trusted by Fortune 100 firms and government organizations worldwide. Most recently, Fidelis announced 34 new accounts and over $30 million in sales in its 2nd half fiscal year-end, fueled by Fidelis Elevate®, its Active XDR platform. The Fidelis footprint continues to show impressive growth across US Commercial, US Military Services, Federal Agencies, and Eastern Europe.

In his newly appointed role, Cameron will report to the Fidelis board of directors. "I want to congratulate Cameron in his new role and am excited for the next phase of growth for Fidelis. Fidelis has been at the forefront of technology innovation and will continue to defend enterprises and our client networks vigorously. We are building a company to address the ever-evolving needs and challenging environment of our customers globally," said Alex Soltani, Chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital. "Cameron's impressive track record, depth of operational experience and excitement about accelerating meaningful growth of the business makes him an ideal leader for Fidelis. Finally, I would like to personally thank Anup for his contributions during his tenure as CEO of Fidelis."

Cameron Pforr stated "I would like to thank Alex, the Fidelis board, our employees and most importantly our clients for having the faith in me to lead Fidelis through its next phase of growth. We are looking forward to Q1 being the strongest quarter in the company's history and continuing that momentum throughout the remainder of 2022 and beyond."

About Fidelis Cybersecurity, Inc.

Fidelis Cybersecurity, Inc. is widely recognized as the industry innovator in Active XDR and proactive cyber defense solutions, safeguards modern IT environments with unparalleled detection, deception, response, cloud security, and compliance capabilities. We offer full visibility across hybrid environments via deep, dynamic asset discovery, multi-faceted context, and risk assessment. These features help minimize attackable surface areas, automate exposure prevention, threat detection, and incident response, and provide the context, accuracy, speed, and portability security professionals need to find and neutralize adversaries earlier in the attack lifecycle. Fidelis is dedicated to helping clients become stronger and more secure. Fidelis is trusted by many top commercial, enterprise, and government agencies worldwide. For more information, please visit www.fidelissecurity.com .

Fidelis Cybersecurity is a portfolio company of Skyview Capital .

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Media Contact:

Skyview Capital LLC
Jeff White
Managing Director, Business Development
jwhite@skyviewcapital.com
310-273-6000

SOURCE Fidelis Cybersecurity, Inc.

MeliBio’s honey production, minus the bee, will have you buzzing

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 15:17:02 GMT

MeliBio is turning the 9,000-year-old method of honey production on its head, taking out the bee and injecting precision fermentation and plant science.

Darko Mandich, a former bee-honey industry executive, and Aaron Schaller, a scientist and amateur chef, started the San Francisco-based company in 2020 with the goal of bringing sustainability to the $10 billion global honey market, which Mandich described as “one of the most unsustainable agricultural sectors with broken supply chain and quality issues.”

Mandich explained that his epiphany came while reading a Wired article that reported on how keeping honey bees in bee hives was actually killing the 20,000 wild and native bee species due to the loss of a diversity in the bee population.

“We want to change the food industry in a way that we make food sustainable, nutritious and deliver it at no cost to our dearest animals, in our case, the bees,” he told TechCrunch.

There are some companies already working in the bee space, like Beewise, which is doing automated beehives using precision robotics, and BeeHero , which is tracking the health of bees.

BeeHero’s precision pollination platform wings its way to $19M in new funding

Israeli company Bee-io is also working on a bee-free honey using patent-pending bio processes. However, Mandich touts MeliBio as being the first company to make real honey without bees. The product has been tested in four restaurants in New York with a successful outcome.

MeliBio came up with two ways to make the honey without bees: the first is using plant science to understand how bees access the plants, and what they get from them in order to make the honey.

Second, how to improve upon the molecular composition to scale and make the product. That is where precision fermentation comes in — by identifying the organisms that are good in this application so that it can be used widely, meaning in different ways from drizzling on food to baking with it.

The company has now raised $5.7 million in seed funding to help it expand into foodservice and business-to-business applications. In fact, MeliBio is already collaborating with 30 companies that have signed letters of intent to do validation studies, Mandich said.

Astanor Ventures led the round and was joined by Skyview Capital, XRC Labs, Collaborative Fund, Midnight Venture Partners, Alumni Ventures and Big Idea Ventures.

MeliBio team, from left, Mattie Ellis, Aaron Schaller, Darko Mandich and Benjamin Mason. Image Credits: MeliBio

“We are excited about MeliBio’s approach in building a next generation food technology that connects plant science and precision fermentation,” said Christina Ulardic, partner at Astanor Ventures, via email. “Darko and Aaron are passionate about taking pressure off the commercial honey bee supply chain and consequently improving pollinator diversity. We are quite impressed by their first product.”

The new funding will be deployed into further R&D and scale-up of its microbial fermentation process and into the product’s official launch in April. Mandich also wants to increase the number of full-time employees from four to 10 by the end of the year, which is in addition to 14 contractors.

Though the company is pre-revenue, he believes that will change once the product comes out and MeliBio can focus on fulfilling the letters of intent from multibillion-dollar food companies and restaurants eager to work with them.

Next, Mandich plans to look into the $500 billion ingredients market and how to leverage the company’s precision fermentation technology to share the future of that market.

“By using science as an alternative way, we reduce the pressure on wild and native bees,” he added. “There is a rising demand for honey, but by making it our way, we help bee biodiversity. American companies import honey from all regions of the world, and that process is getting more complicated and the quality is not always guaranteed, meaning it might not be real honey. By making it here, we simplify the supply chain, and with a domestic supplier, there are no late deliveries or quality issues. MeliBio will produce honey in three shifts, 365 days per year and make it a price parody with honey on the market.”

NewNet plans to acquire Nokia Siemens Networks WiMAX business

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 20:51:59 GMT

NewNet Communication Technologies, LLC, a Skyview Capital, LLC portfolio company, announced today that the company plans to acquire the former Motorola Solutions’ WiMAX business from Nokia Siemens Networks. Under the terms of the agreement, NewNet would acquire the complete WiMAX product portfolio, the related employees and assets, as well as active customer and supplier contracts. Approximately 300 Nokia Siemens Networks employees would transfer to NewNet. The companies expect to close before December 31, 2011.

“The addition of the WiMAX business would enhance the breadth of NewNet’s product portfolio, R&D capabilities, customer relationships and our overall market position in providing wireless infrastructure solutions to carriers on a global basis. We are thrilled at the prospect of welcoming a world-class group of WiMAX pioneers and thought leaders to the NewNet team,” said Ron Pyles, president and CEO of NewNet. “NewNet recognizes there is enormous potential in providing outstanding products, support and services to operators who have already invested heavily in WiMAX technologies as well as those who will do so in the future. We are committed to serving the market with an industry leading roadmap and innovative product migration options.”

“We believe that our current WiMAX customers would receive the highest quality products, services and sales support from NewNet,” said Marc Rouanne, head of Network Systems, Nokia Siemens Networks. “This transaction would also provide an excellent opportunity for our WiMAX employees. We have great confidence in NewNet’s plans to become a major WiMAX infrastructure provider. The company has a solid track record in acquiring telecommunication businesses and driving revenue growth.”

“This transaction represents a significant milestone in our strategy of building a strong global presence in the telecommunications marketplace through NewNet Communication Technologies”, said Alex Soltani, chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital. “We are very excited about the WiMAX market opportunity and are fully committed to supporting Ron and his team as they evolve the business into a global leadership position.”

As a part of the transaction the companies expect to transition approximately 300 globally deployed Nokia Siemens Networks employees to NewNet. Many of these employees are based in suburban Chicago, USA and Hangzhou, China. Nokia Siemens Networks and NewNet believe this acquisition would provide transferring employees with attractive professional growth opportunities in a solid, technologically advanced company that has an on-going focus within their core areas of expertise.

Specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of telecommunications services. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company provides a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services. It is one of the largest telecommunications hardware, software and professional services companies in the world. Operating in 150 countries, its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland. For more information please visit www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com .

Talk about Nokia Siemens Networks’ news at http://blogs.nokiasiemensnetworks.com and find out if your country is exploiting the full potential of connectivity at www.connectivityscorecard.org

About NewNet Communication Technologies, LLC

NewNet Communication Technologies, LLC is a leading provider of innovative solutions for next generation mobile and fixed line networks. NewNet enables global telecom operators and equipment manufacturers to rapidly develop and deploy cutting edge, revenue-generating applications that deliver feature-rich, value added services. Recognized as a trusted leader in the carrier applications market for over 20 years, NewNet has been synonymous with telecom product excellence and development expertise. The company is committed to providing unparalleled service to its customers. With installations in major carrier networks in over 70 countries, NewNet’s product offerings include: Mercury, the industry’s most complete purpose-built, mobile multimedia content delivery platform; TraxcomSecure® electronic transaction processing solutions, which deliver services such as mobile payments, e-banking, and e-commerce; and the Total Control PDSN platform, which provides economic delivery of premium mobile data services in CDMA networks. Other products include SS7, the world’s first standards-based signaling platform, and a short message service center (SMSC), which has been deployed in more than 200 wireless networks worldwide. The company is headquartered in the USA, with sales and support teams located around the world. For more information, visit www.newnet.com .

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital, LLC, is a private investment firm headquartered in Beverly Hills, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of “systems critical” businesses in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services, and niche manufacturing. By leveraging its operational capabilities and financial strength, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term value of the companies it acquires. For more information, visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

Safe Harbor Statement

Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this release are forward-looking and may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are based on information available to management at the time, and such forward-looking statements involve judgments. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected timing of the completion of the transaction; the ability to complete the transaction considering the various closing conditions; the benefits of such transaction; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements of expectation or belief; any statements regarding general industry conditions and competition. Forward-looking statements include expressions such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “will,” and similar terms and expressions. These forward-looking statements are made based on expectations and beliefs concerning future events affecting the company and are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to its operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond management control, and that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimated results expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks to both companies that the acquisition of the WiMAX business will not be consummated within the stated time frame because of the inability to satisfy closing conditions including obtaining needed regulatory approvals in various jurisdictions; the requirement that NewNet establish local entities to receive the acquired assets of the WiMAX business; and compliance with local employee related laws as well as, in respect of Nokia Corporation including Nokia Siemens Networks, the risk factors specified on pages 12-39 of Nokia’s annual report Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2010 under Item 3D. “Risk Factors”. Forward-looking statements made in this release, or elsewhere, speak only as of the date on which the statements were made. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for management to predict these events or how they may affect the company or anticipated results. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. In light of these risks and uncertainties, readers should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made in this release may not occur. The companies have no duty or obligation to, and do not intend to, update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or other factors, except as may be required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

News from the Association of Insolvency & Restructuring Advisors

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 22:17:09 GMT

Many corporations are seeking to enhance shareholder value by divesting struggling or non-core divisions. This process is called a “carve-out” (see the last edition of AIRA Journal (Vol. 25 No. 5.) for a previous article on this topic). Buying carved-out business units is more challenging than buying existing standalone businesses and there are a number of unique challenges. Strategic buyers usually have an existing business infrastructure that can be used to run the business. Private equity buyers, on the other hand, need to develop this infrastructure so that the carved-out entity can operate independently. There are a number of carveout specific due diligence issues which should be evaluated to help ensure a successful acquisition, transition, and exit.

To continue reading please follow the link.

Mr. Arastu earned his MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School and B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

About Skyview Capital

Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles specializing in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and consumer products. By leveraging its deep operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 25 transactions whereby it has acted as a partner to corporations and other stakeholders experiencing a strategic transition or liquidity event. To learn more about Skyview, please visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

For more information, contact:
Jeff White, Managing Director Business Development
jwhite@skyviewcapital.com
310-273-6000

Read original article here: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/naeem-arastu-joins-executive-leadership-team-at-skyview-capital-llc-301410647.html?tc=eml_cleartime

After ‘Shark Tank’ Rebuff, Healthy Chocolate Milk Startup Slate Closes $5 Million Seed Round

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 21:10:35 GMT

After ‘Shark Tank’ Rebuff, Healthy Chocolate Milk Startup Slate Closes $5 Million Seed Round

Read original Forbes article written by Douglas Yu here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/douglasyu/2021/10/04/after-shark-tank-rebuff-healthy-chocolate-milk-startup-slate-closes-5-million-seed-round/?sh=684b66c97fed

Boston-based startup Slate, cofounded by friends Manny Lubin and Josh Belinsky to create a healthier version of the classic chocolate milk, hit a rough patch shortly after it started. When the founding duo presented their early prototype on Shark Tank back in 2019, the judges were unimpressed:

“Oh, I do not like that at all!” Mark Cuban was heard yelling after taking a sip. Fellow sharks Kevin O’Leary and Barbara Corcoran also called out the product’s “little funky chicken” element and “distinct dryness,” respectively, during their taste testing.

Those prototype products never made it to the shelves, according to Lubin. After spending a year on reformulation, Slate launched its first commercial product made with 17g protein, nine grams of added sugar and 130 calories per can, and sweetened with a combination of cane sugar and monk fruit.

With Slate growing 300% in sales from 2020 to 2021, more than 60% of which came from e-commerce, Lubin confirms the unenthusiastic feedback from Shark Tank earlier hasn’t really stopped new consumers from trying their lactose-free, ultra-filtered milk product, and the market demand will likely remain strong.

“There are tons of chocolate milk lovers out there,” Lubin said, “and people looking for better protein shake or latte options. So many consumers wanted to try themselves.”

To fuel that continued growth momentum, Slate has just closed $3.3 million, an extended seed round following its earlier $1.7 million fundraise in late 2020, putting the company’s total funding to around $6 million to-date.

This round is led by a group of reputable CPG entrepreneurs and investment groups, including Peter Rahal, founder of RXBar; Halo Top’s cofounder Doug Bouton; Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt’s cofounders Drew Harrington and Amanda Klane; MVMT Watches’ cofounder Jake Kassan; Nick Rellas, cofounder of Drizly; as well as Skyview Capital and Riverpark Ventures. OneRepublic’s lead singer Ryan Tedder and entertainment company JDS Sports also contributed to the round.

Most of these investors, Lubin believes, have been in similar situations when building their businesses and can effectively help Slate expand retail and online footprints. “We feel as though our taste profile and nutritional makeup for 20g protein, zero added sugar and no artificial ingredients is really what sets us apart,” he said.

Slate, which sources dairy from family-owned farms in New York, is currently available in three different varieties: classic chocolate and dark chocolate milk, in addition to an espresso chocolate milk boosted with 150mg of caffeine per can. The newly raised capital will support the launch of its two new flavors in 2022 and continued retail and e-commerce expansion.

These ongoing developments are expected to drive Slate’ revenue increase by 200-300% next year, according to Lubin, who notes retail will account for the majority of the company’s sales by 2021 – around 70% with nearly 4,000 locations under major banners, including Publix, Wegmans, Market Basket, Ahold and Whole Foods WFM 0.0% .

“Along with this, we do everything we can to be a sustainable brand: our products are packaged in 100% recyclable aluminum cans, and we’re actually a certified plastic-neutral brand through partner rePurpose Global. This means, for every pound of plastic we use, we remove it from the planet,” he added. “When we ultra-filter our milk, we also remove some of the water naturally in milk, which gets sent back to our partner farms. The only outside water we use is to clean our machinery.”

Despite the growing hype around dairy alternatives, a category that will grow at an estimated 23% CAGR between 2020 and 2027 to reach at least $5.1 billion in the U.S., according to PitchBook data, Lubin said Slate is not in a rush to jump on the bandwagon.

“We look at other ready-to-drink protein shakes and chocolate milk as other options for our customers,” he stressed. “I think it’s great to see all the innovation in the dairy-free space, but we’ve found that many consumers either still prefer the taste of real milk, or have a combination of real milk and dairy-free options in their diet. We don’t think they necessarily have to be mutually exclusive.”

Commenting on what lessons can be taken for budding entrepreneurs, Lubin said there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to building an emerging consumer brand, but noted how important it is to “surround yourself with people that you can learn from, and hire folks you genuinely enjoy working with.”

“As for Shark Tank,” he added, “we had to learn from it and move on, just like ever other aspect of the business. Every time we see the episode, we can see how far we’ve come, but we’re also reminded we still have a heck of a long way to go.”

Skyview Capital Acquires OSRAM’s Digital Lumens and Encelium Lighting Solutions Business

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 21:18:40 GMT

Skyview Capital Acquires OSRAM's Digital Lumens and Encelium Lighting Solutions Business

LOS ANGELES, CA, September 24, 2021 /24-7PressRelease/ — Skyview Capital, a global private investment firm, announced that it has acquired the Digital Lumens and Encelium businesses from Osram Licht AG. Terms were not disclosed.

Digital Lumens and Encelium’s advanced Lighting Controls solutions provide leading-edge software and hardware to improve and automate the lighting of commercial and industrial facilities. Skyview Capital has formalized the new company, Digital Lumens, Inc., and will invest in this entity to accelerate the growth, innovation, adoption, and support of these solutions.

Digital Lumens has emerged as a leader in the Intelligent Lighting, Advanced Lighting Controls, Smart Devices, and Facility Insights space, selling to hundreds of blue-chip customers globally across multiple industrial verticals, including Manufacturing, Warehousing, Food Processing, and Transportation. Digital Lumens’ lighting and SiteWorx software solutions have helped customers improve workplace productivity, safety, and environmental sustainability by metering utilities, monitoring their entire facility, and observing critical areas.

For over 20 years, Encelium advanced network lighting controls solutions have been transforming healthcare centers, office buildings, educational institutions, and commercial properties with advanced light management systems. Encelium X, its latest and most advanced system, is simple to install and intuitive to use, helping customers make significant leaps in comfort, control, code compliance, and energy efficiency. More information can be found for both brands at www.digitallumensinc.com .

“We are excited to partner with Digital Lumens, Inc. to serve the IoT and Connected lighting markets. We are looking forward to helping the team expand and enhance the business in all ways,” said Alex Soltani, Chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital.

“We now are very well-positioned to grow the Digital Lumens and Encelium business lines. We have innovative software and hardware technology and now the financial backing to help realize our global strategy. There is a significant opportunity to expand our services to new customers and geographies,” said Brian Bernstein, CEO of Digital Lumens.

About Skyview Capital, LLC
Skyview Capital, LLC is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission-critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services, niche manufacturing, and food & beverage. By leveraging its operational capabilities and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. The Los Angeles Business Journal recently recognized Skyview as one of the top 30 private equity firms in Los Angeles. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 30 transactions within its target market verticals. For further information, please visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

About Digital Lumens, Inc.
Digital Lumens, Inc. is comprised of two business units: 1) Digital Lumens which serves the industrial segment, and 2) Encelium which serves the commercial sector.

Digital Lumens helps thousands of industrial facilities around the world operate at peak performance today — and be ready for the future. The innovations start with intelligent LED luminaires and advanced lighting controls, which provide great lighting and energy savings. The SiteWorx facility insights application suite and an array of smart devices help industrial customers know more and do more by metering utilities, monitoring their entire facility, and observing critical areas. These popular solutions deliver significant results and exceptional value right out of the box. And Digital Lumens continually explores and innovates, looking for breakthroughs that make facilities more efficient and sustainable — while keeping people safe and productive.

Encelium has been transforming healthcare centers, office buildings, educational institutions, and commercial properties with advanced light management systems for over 20 years. Encelium lighting control systems make life better and brighter for tenants and occupants while enhancing the experience of lighting designers, electricians, building owners, managers, and many others. Sophisticated capabilities made simple — that’s the Encelium Experience. Digital Lumens, Inc. is based in Boston, MA and is a portfolio company of Skyview Capital LLC. More information can be found at www.digitallumensinc.com

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Read more: https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/skyview-capital-acquires-osrams-digital-lumens-and-encelium-lighting-solutions-business#ixzz7NXwXcho d

ams Osram has sold Digital Lumens, Inc. to Private Equity Firm, Skyview Capital

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 21:13:49 GMT

We discuss the acquisition with Brian Bernstein, CEO, Digital Lumens, Inc. and Ross Ely, Senior Vice President of Portfolio Operations at Skyview Capital.

Los Angeles private equity firm, Skyview Capital, has purchased Digital Lumens, Inc. from ams Osram. The transaction involves the North American lighting and controls brands Digital Lumens and Encelium. In 2011, Osram fully acquired NJ-based Encelium. In 2017, Osram acquired Boston-based Digital Lumens.

In recent years Osram has undergone major shifts in its business, selling off major pieces of its lighting portfolio while becoming part of ams, a global supplier of high-performance sensor solutions.

The transaction closed on Monday September 20. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Our multiple requests for comment to ams Osram were not returned.

Topics we explore:

Why did Skyview capital buy Digital Lumens & Encelium? (0:58)
What changes might Digital Lumens and Encelium customers, agents and other stakeholders see going forward? (1:46)
How will Skyview Capital bring more value to Digital Lumens and Encelium? (3:05)
How do you keep the company focused amidst all of the speculation and changes? (4:28)

Below is the announcement from Skyview Capital:

Skyview Capital has Acquired Digital Lumens and Encelium Business Units to Accelerate Investment in Growth, Innovation, and Market Adoption

LOS ANGELES – Skyview Capital, a global private investment firm, announced that it has acquired the Digital Lumens and Encelium businesses from Osram Licht AG. Terms were not disclosed.

For over 20 years, Encelium’s advanced network lighting controls solutions have been transforming healthcare centers, office buildings, educational institutions, and commercial properties with advanced light management systems. Encelium X, its latest and most advanced system, is simple to install and intuitive to use, helping customers make significant leaps in comfort, control, code compliance, and energy efficiency. More information can be found for both brands at www.digitallumensinc.com .

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital, LLC is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission-critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services, niche manufacturing, and food & beverage. By leveraging its operational capabilities and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. The Los Angeles Business Journal recently recognized Skyview as one of the top 30 private equity firms in Los Angeles. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 30 transactions within its target market verticals. For further information, please visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

About Digital Lumens, Inc.

Digital Lumens, Inc is comprised of two business units: 1) Digital Lumens, which serves the industrial segment, and 2) Encelium, which serves the commercial sector.

Encelium has been transforming healthcare centers, office buildings, educational institutions, and commercial properties with advanced light management systems for over 20 years. Encelium X, its latest and most advanced system, is simple to install and intuitive to use, helping customers make major leaps in comfort, control, and energy efficiency. Encelium light management systems make life better and brighter for tenants and occupants while enhancing the experience of lighting designers, electricians, building owners, managers, and many others. Sophisticated capabilities made simple — that’s the Encelium Experience. Digital Lumens, Inc is based in Boston, MA, and is a portfolio company of Skyview Capital LLC. More information can be found at www.digitallumensinc.com

Fidelis Cybersecurity Wins “Best Product in XDR” in the Global InfoSec Awards during 2021 RSA Conference

Fri, 14 May 2021 21:23:00 GMT

Fidelis Elevate Named Best Product in XDR (eXtended Detection and Response) in the 9th Annual Global InfoSec Awards at #RSAC 2021

Fidelis Cybersecurity , the industry innovator in active eXtended Detection and Response  (XDR) solutions trusted by Fortune 100 firms and governments worldwide, was today named “Best Product in XDR – eXtended Detection and Response” by Cyber Defense Magazine (CDM), the industry’s leading electronic information security magazine.

Fidelis Elevate is an open, extensible platform that has been purpose-built for Active Defense. It enables SOC analysts to engage adversaries earlier in the attack lifecycle, reshape the attack surface and take control of enterprise security to proactively stop threats before they impact business. Fidelis Elevate unifies deception technologies with detection and response across endpoint (EDR), network (NDR) and cloud. This combination allows an organization to detect and trace an attacker’s movement, understand what systems they have compromised, stop their advance, and restore impacted system to normal operations as quickly as possible. The company recently acquired CloudPassage , a pioneer in cloud security and compliance, which will expand its XDR capabilities within the cloud.

“It’s truly an honor that Fidelis Elevate has been recognized by Cyber Defense Magazine as the best XDR product,” said Fidelis Cybersecurity CISO, Chris Kubic. “It’s a crowded marketplace, and this recognition speaks volumes to the innovation and talent across the Fidelis team. Our team has been working hard to advance Fidelis’ mission of delivering innovative, unified solutions that help organizations worldwide detect, respond and neutralize advanced threats.”

“We scoured the globe looking for cybersecurity innovators that could make a huge difference and potentially help turn the tide against the exponential growth in cyber crime. Fidelis Cybersecurity is absolutely worthy of this coveted award and consideration for deployment in your environment,” said Gary S. Miliefsky, Publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine.

Winners of this year’s Infosec Awards are announced at a virtual award ceremony at the #RSAC Conference 2021. To attend the awards, please visit  https://www.rsaconference.com/usa  for more information.

About Fidelis Cybersecurity

Fidelis Cybersecurity combats the full spectrum of cyber-crime, data theft and espionage. A leading provider of threat detection, hunting and response solutions, Fidelis provides full visibility across hybrid environments, automates threat and data theft detection, empowers threat hunting, and optimizes incident response with context, speed and accuracy. Fidelis is trusted by Global 1000s and Governments as their last line of defense.

The Fidelis Elevate™ platform captures rich metadata from across the threat landscape and combines that content to enable real-time and retrospective analysis, giving security teams the platform to effectively hunt for threats in their environment.

For more information go to www.fidelissecurity.com . Fidelis Cybersecurity is a portfolio company of Skyview Capital.

About CDM InfoSec Awards

This is Cyber Defense Magazine’s ninth year of honoring global InfoSec innovators. Our submission requirements are for any startup, early stage, later stage or public companies in the INFORMATION SECURITY (INFOSEC) space who believe they have a unique and compelling value proposition for their product or service. Learn more at www.cyberdefenseawards.com .

About the Judging

The judges are CISSP, FMDHS, CEH, certified security professionals who voted based on their independent review of the company submitted materials on the website of each submission including but not limited to data sheets, white papers, product literature and other market variables. CDM has a flexible philosophy to find more innovative players with new and unique technologies, than the one with the most customers or money in the bank. CDM is always asking “What’s Next?” so we are looking for Next Generation InfoSec Solutions.

About Cyber Defense Magazine

With over 5 Million monthly readers and growing, and thousands of pages of searchable online infosec content, Cyber Defense Magazine is the premier source of IT Security information for B2B and B2G with our sister magazine Cyber Security Magazine for B2C. We are managed and published by and for ethical, honest, passionate information security professionals. Our mission is to share cutting-edge knowledge, real-world stories and awards on the best ideas, products and services in the information technology industry. We deliver electronic magazines every month online for free, and special editions exclusively for the RSA Conferences.

CDM is a proud member of the Cyber Defense Media Group. Learn more about us at https://www.cyberdefensemagazine.com and visit https://www.cyberdefensetv.com and https://www.cyberdefenseradio.com to see and hear some of the most informative interviews of many of these winning company executives. Join a webinar at https://www.cyberdefensewebinars.com and realize that infosec knowledge is power.

Read original article here: https://fidelissecurity.com/newsroom/best-xdr-product-infosec-award/

Fidelis Buys CloudPassage To Better Monitor Cloud Assets

Thu, 13 May 2021 21:28:17 GMT

Fidelis Buys CloudPassage To Better Monitor Cloud Assets

Fidelis was impressed by CloudPassage’s ability to collect telemetry from different parts of the enterprise and deliver cloud security posture management and cloud workload protection from a single platform.

Read original article by Michael Novinson here:
https://www.crn.com/news/security/fidelis-buys-cloudpassage-to-better-monitor-cloud-assets?itc=refresh

May 13, 2021 – Fidelis Cybersecurity has purchased cloud security vendor CloudPassage to broaden the company’s reach around detecting and responding to threats.

The Bethesda, Md.-based extended detection and response (XDR) vendor was impressed by San Francisco-based CloudPassage’s ability to collect telemetry from different parts of the enterprise and deliver cloud security posture management and cloud workload protection from a single platform, according to Fidelis President and CEO Anup Ghosh (pictured) .

“They’re a very good fit for our customer segment, and we think they’ve built the right platform,” Ghosh told CRN exclusively.

Terms of the deal, which closed late Wednesday, weren’t disclosed. CloudPassage was founded in 2009 and employs more than 70 people, all of whom will be joining Fidelis, the company said. CloudPassage Founder and CEO Carson Sweet will become Fidelis’ chief cloud security officer, where Ghosh said he’ll continue to run CloudPassage and serve as the company’s chief spokesperson for cloud security.

The CloudPassage acquisition will fill the missing link in Fidelis’ XDR strategy , Ghosh said, providing visibility into cloud workloads to complement the company’s existing capabilities around network security, endpoint security and deception technology. Fidelis plans to spend the next year creating an integrated offering that marries capabilities from both companies to deliver comprehensive protection.

CloudPassage’s technology makes it possible for customers to discover cloud assets they didn’t even know they had and get reports on exposure associated with those assets, Ghosh said. Once businesses understand their exposure, Ghosh said it’s all about remediation, and customers can take advantage of the synergies between Fidelis’ endpoint technology and CloudPassage’s cloud workload monitoring.

Specifically, Ghosh said CloudPassage provides customers with a front-end interface showing their assets, exposure and paths to remediation across Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. CloudPassage can also be integrated into the software development life cycle to ensure that SaaS applications developed in the cloud comply with regulations, according to Ghosh.

Ghosh said he’s most interested in bringing CloudPassage’s capabilities to the Global 2000, which Fidelis classifies as large enterprises and which makes up the core of the company’s customer base. CloudPassage also initially focused on large enterprises, but in recent years had shifted its focus downmarket to SMBs. Ghosh said he’s looking to reverse this trend and bring CloudPassage back to the enterprise.

CloudPassage has sold some to MSSPs and MDR providers who manage cloud security on behalf of their SMB customers, Ghosh said. But historically, Ghosh said CloudPassage hasn’t had much of a channel focus, with the company’s inside sales team calling customers directly.

Conversely, Ghosh said Fidelis has gotten out of the incident response and managed detection and response spaces so that the company can hand those services-based engagements to channel partners. Fidelis’ channel community includes global systems integrators, regional partners, resellers and MDR providers, according to Ghosh.

Fidelis’ channel partners will have immediate access to CloudPassage’s technology as well as associated training materials, Ghosh said. The company’s internal sales staff will get cross-trained on how to demo CloudPassage’s technology as well as the problems it solves, and Ghosh said that training will be rolled out to channel partners.

From a metrics standpoint, Ghosh said Fidelis is most focused on retaining CloudPassage’s employee base and growing the company’s wallet share inside existing CloudPassage customers. Fidelis also plans to monitor the number of net-new customers the combined company acquires going to market together.

“This is a new day for Fidelis,” Ghosh said. “This is a real opportunity to see Fidelis as an organization that can see across the entire enterprise: endpoint, network and cloud.”

Diego Vergara ’20 and His Unexpected Path to Wall Street SHARE

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 22:44:38 GMT

Diego Vergara ’20 and His Unexpected Path to Wall Street

Diego Vergara '20 has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and learned early on to follow his instincts and seize every opportunity.

"I've just always applied the type of thinking that when there is a problem, I know there's a way to solve it," Vergara says.

His drive and determination have served Vergara, an economics major, well during his time at Pomona College. He has interned at Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan and Deutsche Bank; was a fund manager for Sagehen Capital Management ; developed an app called Split Card, which helps couples divide expenses; and was mentored by Pomona alums in private equity and in the financial technology sector, commonly referred to as fintech.

"I've had so many opportunities, and I'm really grateful for them," he says.

When he was 8 years old, Vergara, his mother and younger sister immigrated to the United States from Colombia, settling in Miami. Their new life got off to a rough start, and after Vergara's mother left an abusive relationship, the family moved into a homeless shelter. At Christmas, there was a room filled with donated gifts, and Vergara remembers that instead of going for a bicycle or soccer ball, he became fixated on a jewelry-making kit filled with beads and elastic.

"I kept thinking, if I could make all those bracelets, that's $100 right there, and I can buy my mom a house," Vergara says. "To me, it was like the only way I could take back control over all these things that were happening. Through entrepreneurship, this was a way to change things and do a little bit better."

Vergara sold the bracelets at school for $1, and using those profits, started buying bracelets at a dollar store, which he broke down and remade, selling the new ones for $5. At the age of 12, he was going to bead stores to buy supplies, and learned how to negotiate prices. After taking jewelry-making classes, Vergara began charging $15 for each bracelet, and once his mom and sister started making earrings to sell, the family had enough money to cover rent for an apartment.

"I was hooked, because I saw I was able to change my life," he says.

During high school, Vergara's attention turned to real estate, and using their savings, the family bought a trailer for $6,000. He watched YouTube tutorials on painting and fixing floors, and then — on his own — sold the mobile home for $22,000. This continued throughout high school, with Vergara's family living in the trailers as he spruced them up and sold them for profit. All the while, he was enrolled in a high school that was inside a community college, so when he graduated, he had a diploma and associate degree.

Vergara was accepted to Pomona as part of the Posse Scholars program, which identifies, recruits and trains students with extraordinary leadership potential, and received a full scholarship.

"I am so thankful," Vergara says. "I don't know where I'd be without Pomona."

Through Sagehen Capital Management, Vergara immersed himself in the world of investment. This experience helped him during his internship at Goldman Sachs, where it was his job to have insights on which businesses had potential. In addition to his internships with Wall Street firms, Vergara also interned for two Pomona alums: Matt Thompson ’96 at Skyview Capital and Caleb Morse, founder of the fintech company Scratch.

Feng Xiao , assistant professor of Chinese, is Vergara's academic adviser, and pre-pandemic they would often meet for coffee to discuss entrepreneurship, with Xiao introducing Vergara to students and alumni in the financial realm. He is impressed by Vergara's ability to listen and learn from others, and admires his persistence, ambition, talent and sense of responsibility.

"He is resilient," Xiao says. "I always say if you know Diego, you know he is the kind of person you can trust."

Vergara found a mentor in Xiao and says he "has been the most supportive person at Pomona and the one that encouraged me to think bigger and apply to firms I thought I could not get into."

Vergara recently accepted a full-time job offer from Goldman Sachs and will be moving to New York City. As a private equity analyst, Vergara will work on co-investments, secondaries and manager stakes, and says his dream is to find a problem that has been vexing the financial world and build a solution.

"I am extremely grateful to Pomona College for giving me so many opportunities and being so supportive every step of the way," Vergara says. "None of this would have been possible without the Posse Foundation ."

Massive hack of US government launches search for answers as Russia named top suspect

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 22:35:51 GMT

Massive hack of US government launches search for answers as Russia named top suspect

US government agencies breached by Russian-linked hackers 01:30

(CNN) Days after several US agencies confirmed their networks were compromised in a massive data breach , federal officials are still struggling to understand the scope of the damage -- highlighting the sophistication and breadth of an ongoing hacking campaign that has been tied to Russia.

House and Senate Intelligence Committee aides received a phone briefing on the hack from administration officials on Wednesday, but the full extent of the breach remains unclear, according to sources familiar with the briefing. The Biden transition team was also briefed on the attack this week, an official from the Department of Homeland Security's cyber arm told CNN. The official declined to provide additional details about what was discussed.

While relevant agencies continue to investigate the incident, the cybersecurity firm FireEye disclosed Wednesday that the malicious software contains a "killswitch" that can be used to shut it down. But even after deactivating the malware, there is a chance that affected systems may remain accessible to the attackers, a FireEye spokesperson said.

At the same time, US officials are already facing mounting pressure to retaliate against Russia, even as they scramble to address the vulnerabilities that were exploited and to formally identify the perpetrator.

'A feeling of dread'

Even as officials continue to grapple with the immediate fallout from the attack, its seriousness is already coming into view, as are the glaring shortcomings of American cyber defenses that were exposed.

News of the intrusions comes at a highly sensitive time, in the middle of a presidential transition. President-elect Joe Biden's transition team has been meeting with the various agencies as it prepares to take over. On Monday, his staff was briefed by officials on the massive intrusion, an official from the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said.

Biden himself would also presumably have been given details in his daily classified briefing.

US officials and cybersecurity experts are warning that the incident should serve as a wake-up call for both the federal government, including the incoming Biden administration, and private sector companies, as foreign actors will undoubtedly conduct similar attacks and improve their tactics in the future.

In the short term, the effort to catalog which agencies were hit and what information may have been accessed or stolen has shaken the nation's intelligence agencies, according to one former Trump administration official, who added that the fallout has led to more than a little finger pointing.

"There is a feeling of widespread dread in the national security community," the former official said.

Why the US government hack is literally keeping security experts awake at night

President Donald Trump has yet to acknowledge the hack despite the rapidly growing list of agencies in his administration that were affected, though the National Security Council and White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany have commented on the breach. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was asked about the intrusion on Monday and acknowledged it was consistent Russian efforts to breach servers belonging to American government agencies and businesses, but would not give any additional details.

The FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence issued a joint statement on Wednesday night confirming they became aware "over the course of the past several days" of "a significant and ongoing Cybersecurity campaign" targeting US government agencies through SolarWinds software.

In the statement, the agencies also said they were coordinating "a whole-of-government response to this significant cyber incident" and noted that "this compromise has affected networks within the federal government."

The FBI is "gathering intelligence in order to attribute, pursue, and disrupt the responsible threat actors," while the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is "engaging with our public and private stakeholders across the critical infrastructure community to ensure they understand their exposure," and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence is "helping to marshal all of the Intelligence Community's relevant resources to support this effort and share information across the United States Government," according to the statement.

CNN has previously reported that the systems belonging to at least three agencies -- the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce and Homeland Security -- were compromised by a vulnerability found in a third-party software vendor's network management tool. The Washington Post reported the Treasury Department was also affected. Other national security agencies, including the Department of Defense, are currently investigating whether their networks may have been affected.

"It's knowable, but it takes a fair amount of forensic work" to know the full extent of the intrusions, former National Security Agency general counsel Glenn Gerstell said. "It's going to take a long time."

"The problem is that until we know exactly what they did and what they had access to, you can't do something other than metaphorically unplug the system," Gerstell added. "That's a big problem, that's not a mitigation, you don't apply a patch and it's fixed."

Uncertainty

That uncertainty only raises the stakes of what is already the most significant government breach in years.

"The United States faces untold numbers of cyber threats from malicious foreign actors, both to the government agencies and private industry, and sometimes both at the same time," the Democratic chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Adam Schiff, said in a statement Wednesday after his panel was briefed on the attack by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the National Security Agency and the FBI.

"The seriousness and duration of this attack demonstrate that we still have enormous and urgent work to do to defend our critical information and networks, that we must move quicker than our adversaries do to adapt," he added.

The intrusions are believed to have begun in the spring, according to forensic analysis by FireEye, which also disclosed its own breach linked to the vulnerability earlier this month.

CNN previously reported that a Russian-linked group, known as APT29, was behind the FireEye hack.

Many of the investigations will try to determine what the hackers did with the information they were able to stealthily access for months. So far, the operation, which bears all the hallmarks of a Russian-backed actor, appears to be a wide ranging espionage campaign intended to compromise as many key public and private sector networks as possible, several cybersecurity experts told CNN.

A firm that helps protect businesses and cities from cyberattacks just got hit by one

The US government's ability to carry out its investigation is uneven and may vary by agency, said Chris Kubic, chief information security officer at Fidelis Cybersecurity and a former top cybersecurity official at the National Security Agency.

"If they don't have the right tools in place, if they aren't collecting the application logs, the system logs that allow them to do the analysis, it can be difficult for them to determine what was exposed," Kubic said.

The sophistication of the almost yearlong spying operation has revealed weaknesses and gaps in a system called Einstein that DHS' Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency uses to protect federal agencies.

Congress is going to want to know "why it's not working as advertised" after allocating billions of dollars for the system, a former senior DHS official told CNN. The system is based on finding known malicious activity, the former official said, but if you "don't know what you are looking for it's a problem."

Einstein wasn't set up to detect the way the actors got in, through a backdoor in software updates, said Gerstell, the senior former NSA official.

"CISA is only a few years old, it's under-resourced, it has deficiencies in its authorities," Gerstell said. "It takes years to build the depth of expertise you need to do the job across the government. This is a multiyear effort, and the bad guys have had years of a head start. I think in some areas the gap is widening rather than closing."

The agency is also lacking Senate-confirmed leadership. Chris Krebs was fired last month after he said the November election was the most secure in American history.

"The workforce will do the best that they can, but that is not a replacement for experience and confirmed leadership. Without Senate-confirmed leadership an agency doesn't have an ability to get a lot of attention at the White House and get the support that they need to have a whole-of-government response," said Carrie Cordero, senior fellow and general counsel at the Center for a New American Security and a CNN legal and national security analyst.

A Pentagon spokesperson said Wednesday that the forensic review of department networks continues but that there is currently nothing definitive to share.

Vice Adm. Nancy Norton, director of the Defense Information Systems Agency, issued a statement later Wednesday saying: "We are aware of the wide-spread and evolving cyber incident. We continue to assess our DOD Information Networks for indicators of compromise and take targeted actions to protect our systems beyond the defensive measures we employ each day. To date, we have no evidence of compromise of the Defense Information Systems Agency."

Meanwhile, the intelligence community "continues to share information with US government agencies what they have learned about the attack" and is "marshaling all of its relevant resources to support this effort and share information across the United States Government," a spokesperson from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told CNN on Wednesday.

Still, the full impact of the breach may never be known, experts tell CNN, pointing to the fact that even if the hackers accessed only unclassified data, such as email addresses, that information can be used to engineer sophisticated phishing campaigns that would likely be impossible to trace back to the current incident.

"One of the big concerns, particularly on the US government side, is that the first thing the attackers went for were email systems," according to Oren Falkowitz, a former NSA official who's the CEO of the cybersecurity firm Area 1.

Email is the largest business application in the world and a significant amount of valuable data can be extracted from the inboxes of government and private-sector employees, he told CNN.

Compromised emails could easily provide a foreign government an edge in diplomatic negotiations or other sensitive dealings, said Kubic.

Additionally, having access to email servers can help attackers, who often want to launch additional phishing campaigns, Falkowitz added. "Once you get access into the email servers, you can masquerade or pretend to be a legitimate user, and now your attacks can be even more sophisticated."

Hackers target 'soft underbelly' of US national security

The malware that enabled the hack was also found in thousands of organizations in the private sector, complicating the analysis. It isn't clear whether the attackers specifically targeted any companies for intrusion. But according to FireEye, many companies in the tech, telecom, consulting and energy sectors were vulnerable because they had installed the legitimate software updates in which the hackers' malicious code was hiding.

That has touched off a scramble at major companies to try to determine if they were hit by the spying campaign, too. On Wednesday, Comcast told CNN it has embarked on an assessment of its systems based on data breach disclosures by the software company at the center of the crisis, SolarWinds.

"As soon as we learned of the SolarWinds incident on Sunday, we quickly activated a series of internal security protocols to mitigate any potential impact," Comcast told CNN in a statement. "We are conducting a thorough internal review, but at this time, we have no reason to believe that any Comcast data or customer data was compromised in connection with the use of SolarWinds products."

Hundreds of other private-sector firms, including many in the Fortune 1000, also had their networks compromised in these hacks, according to Cedric Leighton, a former NSA official and a CNN military analyst who runs his own cybersecurity and defense consulting firm.

And that number is likely far higher, as the breach may affect not only direct customers of Solar Winds but those customers' own clients as well, Jennifer Bisceglie, CEO of Interos, a supply chain risk-management firm, told CNN. "The supply chain is proving out to be the soft underbelly of the global economy. And so we have a lot of customers asking us where SolarWinds is in our extended supply chain."

This story has been updated with a joint statement from the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

CNN's Jeremy Herb, Geneva Sands and Caroline Kelly contributed to this report.

Skyview Capital, LLC Expands Executive Leadership Team

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 21:46:47 GMT

LA-based Private Investment Firm Appoints Dean Estrada as Senior Vice President of Capital Markets.

LOS ANGELES, CA, June 30, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Los Angeles-based private investment firm Skyview Capital ( www.skyviewcapital.com ) has named Dean Estrada as Senior Vice President of Capital Markets.

Estrada joins Skyview with more than 25 years of capital markets, finance and operations experience. He most recently served as COO/CFO at Genos Capital where he helped grow the firm's portfolio from from three portfolio companies to eight in four years. In his new role as Senior Vice President of Capital Markets, Estrada will lead all corporate finance transactions and capital markets activities for Skyview Capital portfolio companies.

Estrada was instrumental in helping a number of high profile companies expand. He has worked with two of the largest privately held firms in Los Angeles as Vice President, Corporate Finance with Platinum Equity and Vice President, Treasurer for Castle & Cooke, Inc. He also has held lead roles in the M&A Finance group with Platinum Equity and was responsible for the financing of European and US based acquisitions. He assisted in establishing a stable of strong banking and finance relationships for Platinum Equity in Europe and the U.S. As Treasurer for Castle & Cooke, Estrada was responsible for all financings for acquisitions and any capital needs of the existing portfolio companies. He was a key advisor to Castle & Cooke, Inc. CEO David Murdock, on strategy and finance. Estrada has also worked with Foothill Capital and Equifax, where he specialized in areas of capital markets, treasury, cash management, investment management, and corporate liquidity.

"With Dean, we are welcoming a proven leader with an impressive track record that will be invaluable as we position Skyview for future growth and success. We are thrilled to have Dean join Skyview's roster of talented professionals" said Alex R. Soltani , Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Skyview Capital, LLC.

Estrada received his BA in Economics from UC Irvine and has attained lifetime status as a Certified Cash Manager. He has been a guest and panel speaker for various conferences with a focus on M&A Finance and Treasury Operations.

Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered In Los Angeles specializing in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and manufacturing. By leveraging its deep operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 25 transactions whereby it has acted as a partner to corporations and other stakeholders experiencing a strategic transition or liquidity event. Visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

Skyview Capital, LLC Expands Senior Operations Leadership Team

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 21:48:08 GMT

LA-based Private Investment Firm Fuels Growth with Expansion of Senior Operations Leadership Team.

LOS ANGELES, CA, June 26, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Los Angeles-based private investment firm Skyview Capital ( www.skyviewcapital.com ) announced that three industry-respected veterans will be joining its senior operations leadership team. The expansion solidifies Skyview's ongoing commitment for continued growth and success.

Joining Skyview Capital's team is Manel Sweetmore as Senior Vice President of Portfolio Operations. Bringing with him over 25 years of diversified operational experience leading private equity and venture backed companies, Sweetmore will be analyzing prospective investment opportunities, supporting equity transactions, and overseeing the management teams of current investments to drive value in the Skyview portfolio companies.

Ross Ely is joining Skyview as Senior Vice President, Portfolio Operations – where he will be responsible for transitioning and overseeing Skyview's portfolio companies. Ely has over 30 years of experience managing private equity-backed portfolio companies, including six years as CEO of portfolio companies owned by Marlin Equity Partners. Ely also held prior leadership positions at Micron Computers as Executive VP of Sales and Marketing and at Apple as Director of Product Marketing for hardware and software products.

Brian Dean also joins Skyview as Senior Vice President, Portfolio Operations. Dean will provide executive oversight and management of portfolio companies in the food and beverage vertical for Skyview. Dean, a graduate of the Chase Manhattan Bank training program turned to the food industry where he was an executive at Best Foods and Sara Lee before turning to private equity. His positions ranged from EVP of Sara Lee Bakery to CMO of Birds Eye Foods to CEO of Ecce Panis, an artisan bread company he ran and sold for J.P. Morgan Partners.

"We're at a critical moment in our growth path and are thrilled to have these three talented and highly experienced professionals join Skyview's senior operations team. As we face this global pandemic and economic crisis, we are confident the growth to our team will drive success within our current portfolio companies and capitalize on the market opportunities ahead" said Alex R. Soltani , Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Skyview Capital, LLC.

About Skyview Capital, LLC
Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered In Los Angeles specializing in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and manufacturing. By leveraging its deep operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 25 transactions whereby it has acted as a partner to corporations and other stakeholders experiencing a strategic transition or liquidity event. Visit www.skyviewcapital.com

Annapolis Grads Write Powerful Pledge to Combat Racism

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 21:50:06 GMT

We challenge every American to take it

32 years ago, almost to this day, I walked across a graduation stage with 1,059 fellow students of the United States Naval Academy’s class of 1988, nominated, as mandated by federal law, from every state — all 50 — including Washington D.C., Guam, Puerto Pico, and the U. S. Virgin Islands.

If any alumni group represents a complete geographic cross-section of the United States of America, it’s us.

We had arrived in Annapolis one by one on a sweltering, humid morning, the day after Independence Day in 1984, teenagers tumbling out of the backseats of our parents’ cars, Greyhound buses, subways, and our first plane rides.

Survival, our common goal, bonding us together.

Seventy-eight percent of the class indeed did survive the ensuing four years of school and training, and it should not surprise anyone familiar with the Naval Academy that its graduates include John McCain , Sunita Williams , David Robinson , Jimmy Carter , Michelle Howard and thousands of other leaders in every discipline across this nation who once called “Mother B” their home.

On Induction Day, like every person in the armed forces before us and each one that will follow, we raised our right hands and vowed to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

Three decades later, we find ourselves (finally) facing a brutal and unjust domestic enemy, a creation of our country’s own history.

We, as classmates, and we as a country, are facing down the enemy of systemic racism and white privilege: an enemy that, regretfully, so many of us never even realized we had — or worse, abetted.

Four Black Naval Academy graduates, now well in their 50s with their own families and careers to focus on, yet still invested in the ironclad relationships that service to our country forges, took the time and initiative to write a pledge for our class.

Their strategy seeks to overcome this domestic enemy not with Tomahawks, not with the latest laser weapons, not with UAVs, but with words and a three-part, actionable pledge.

These four leaders among us challenged all of our classmates to take their pledge.

We, in turn, challenge every American to join us.

I first saw the pledge in our Facebook group where hundreds have already commented and reposted with their own emotional responses and heartfelt reactions.

With the authors’ collective permission, I share it here as part of my personal commitment to part 3, as listed below.

Recent reprehensive comments [of a fellow alumnus] , along with the worldwide call to address racial inequality and police brutality have deeply impacted many of us in ’88.

We have drafted a Pledge that we ask each of you to read carefully and consider acknowledging publicly.

This Pledge is not only about race, but about openly discussing and understanding all our differences as people and offering a deeper level of support for each other in a way that many of us have already come to embrace in our lives.

It is about conversation, engagement, and using our influence to help us be even stronger as a class and better friends.

I pledge to you to do the following:

USNA Induction Day 1984/Photo provided to the author by Michael E. Tabb.

I recognize that we are men and women of action, and only through our actions can we effect a change.

Because it is not enough to only recognize and speak against the mistreatment of our brothers and sisters who served alongside me, I commit to you that I will also engage on your behalf.

What I can do, I will do. I commit to each of you to serve alongside you.

I will take these 3 steps:

1. Listen to my peers.

I will interact intentionally with shipmates and have real conversations about our respective life experiences.

My commitment is not only to hear but also to try to understand. I pledge to listen to my Class of 1988 brothers and sisters.

2. Lead by example.

I will engage to address any displays of injustice and any statements of untruths.

If I am in an environment among friends or peers and something insensitive, derogatory, or untrue is proffered, I will reject it and encourage others to do the same.

I will lead by example. Silence is no longer an option.

What I can do, I will do.

3. Leverage my network.

I will use my sphere of influence, an important extension of me, to the benefit of my classmates and the U.S. Naval Academy.

It is critical that we all affirm our commitment to fairness and integrity, and that we carry out our message to the broadest audience possible.

Now, replace the words “shipmate, Class of 1988, and U. S. Naval Academy” with your vocabulary and the name of your school — whether it be a high school, a small community college, or a large public university.

Alternatively, write in your company’s name, your group’s title, or simply your family’s name.

Make it your own.

Write and take your own pledge.

Take action on part 3 like I’m doing right now. It doesn’t matter if you have only 36 “followers” (like me), or if you have thousands.

Leverage your network and expose your vulnerability by following the example of my classmate below:

At the ripe old age of 53, I suddenly, and somewhat embarrassingly, realized that landmark events like the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act were just another beginning.

They were another tool in the toolbox to help fight the structural injustice and deprivation that had been built into our various systems from the beginning.

It is this realization that made me post to my personal page last week that at some point in your life, people of integrity need to stand up and be counted.

“…people of integrity need to stand up and be counted.”

I stand up to be counted among those who will use their voices to lift up our fellow brothers and sisters until they are treated…from the mind, the heart, and the soul…with the same dignity deserved by all…until they have the same access and opportunity that this thing called the American Dream afforded me.

I take the Pledge.

Gratitude goes out to the USNA Class of 1988 Pledge authors: Michael E. Tabb, Andre Stokes, Darryl Smith, and Kennon Artis, and to classmate Patrick Porter for sharing their deeply personal journeys.

Skyview Capital, LLC Acquires Fidelis Cybersecurity

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 22:55:06 GMT

Skyview Capital, LLC Acquires Fidelis Cybersecurity, Inc. -- Tapping into a $25 Billion Total Addressable Market

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Global private investment firm Skyview Capital, LLC ( www.skyviewcapital.com ) has added to its software technology portfolio with the acquisition of Bethesda, MD-based Fidelis Cybersecurity ( www.fidelissecurity.com ) from a consortium of investors in a stock transaction.

Fidelis Cybersecurity is a leading provider of Network Traffic Analysis and Digital Forensics and Incident Response solutions that enable enterprises and government organizations to detect, hunt and respond to advanced threats that evade traditional security solutions. Fidelis solutions are delivered as standalone network, endpoints and deception products, an integrated platform, or as a 24×7 Managed Detection and Response service that augments existing security operations, threat hunting and incident response capabilities. Fidelis employs over 250 highly skilled professionals, including some of the world's leading cybersecurity experts with specialists from the US Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and Industry.

Fidelis addresses a major challenge faced by enterprises today, which see threats becoming more sophisticated. With Fidelis Elevate, organizations have a streamlined security stack that integrates network, endpoint and deception defenses , automates and orchestrates workflows, and correlates rich metadata across these security layers to ensure continuous visibility across an enterprise's cyber terrain. This allows companies and government organizations to have the necessary visibility to quickly detect, hunt and respond to threats at every step of an attack, keeping their business operations and data safe.

"This is another exciting addition to our portfolio, and we are excited to be partnering with the Fidelis team in further fueling its trajectory," said Alex Soltani, Chairman and CEO of Skyview. "With the ever-increasing complexity of digital environments and the pace of cyber threats across the world, we see an opportunity to build upon Fidelis' impressive technology and solidify its position within the IT security industry. This transaction aligns well with our investment philosophy of targeting and investing in mission critical technology businesses across a wide spectrum of verticals, from telecommunications to cybersecurity."

"We are excited to partner with Skyview Capital and benefit from their ability to help us take the Fidelis platform, which provides unmatched visibility and empowers security teams to rapidly respond to threats, into other markets. We see a great opportunity to continue evolving our solution that will further differentiate us by providing a holistic approach to keeping organizations safe in an increasingly threatening environment," said Nick Lantuh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelis Cybersecurity.

Darryl Smith, Skyview Capital's President of Global Portfolio Operations, said, "The Skyview Portfolio Operations team is working closely with the Fidelis team to ensure a smooth transition into Skyview's portfolio. We are committed to offering any and all strategic and operational support to Fidelis' management team. We have established and look forward to building upon a strong relationship with key Fidelis customers."

Going forward, Skyview will continue to pursue opportunities within the IT security category. "Skyview is committed to realizing the full value of Fidelis as a safeguard against cyber threats, and we are enthusiastic about identifying both organic and inorganic growth opportunities," added Mr. Soltani.

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services, and manufacturing. By leveraging its operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 30 transactions whereby it has acted as a partner to corporations and other stakeholders experiencing a strategic transition or liquidity event. Visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

About Fidelis Cybersecurity

Fidelis Cybersecurity is a leading provider of threat detection, hunting and response solutions. Fidelis combats the full spectrum of cyber-crime, data theft and espionage by providing full visibility across hybrid cloud / on-prem environments, automating threat and data theft detection, empowering threat hunting and optimizing incident response with context, speed and accuracy.

By integrating bi-directional network traffic analysis across your cloud and internal networks with email, web, endpoint detection and response, and automated deception technology, the Fidelis Elevate™ platform captures rich metadata and content that enables real-time and retrospective analysis, giving security teams the platform to effectively hunt for threats in their environment. Fidelis solutions are delivered as standalone products, an integrated platform, or as a 24×7 Managed Detection and Response service that augments existing security operations and incident response capabilities. Fidelis is trusted by Global 1000s and Governments as their last line of defense. Get in the hunt. For more information go to www.fidelissecurity.com .

Jeff White
Skyview Capital, LLC
Head of Business Development
2000 Avenue of the Stars
8th Floor North Tower
Los Angeles, CA 90067
310-273-6000
jwhite@skyviewcapital.com

SOURCE Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital, LLC Expands its Consumer Foods Footprint with the Launch of Passport Foods (SVC), LLC

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 15:29:48 GMT

Read original article here: https://www.accesswire.com/563619/Skyview-Capital-LLC-Expands-its-Consumer-Foods-Footprint-with-the-Launch-of-Passport-Foods-SVC-LLC

Acquisition Continues to Accelerate Skyview Capital’s Investment In New Consumer Product Categories, Innovation and Customer Reach

ONTARIO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 21, 2019 / Reflecting the company’s continuing expansion into new consumer product industries, global private investment firm Skyview Capital, LLC has acquired select assets of leading national ethnic food producer-distributor Passport Global Foods. The business is rebranded as Passport Foods (SVC), LLC. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1978, the California food company is recognized as a premier provider of quality ethnic-style appetizers and cuisines distributed to hundreds of grocery, club and retail accounts nationwide.

Combining traditional flavors with advanced preparation technology, Passport Foods rapidly grew from a local provider to Southern California restaurants to an acclaimed national food producer and distributor with an impressive array of award-winning brands that include Chef’s Signature, Wing Hing, Cantina Fresca, Sophia Fresca, Sophia’s Kitchen, and House of Bee. Passport’s Asian-styled foods encompass Gyoza dumplings, egg rolls, wontons, noodles, and fortune cookies. The company’s Latin American styled foods include Chimichanga, Flautas, and Empanadas. Passport Foods is also responsible for the production of a wide range of deserts and toppings and is gaining industry and consumer recognition for its diverse organic options.

For nearly three decades, Passport Foods has delivered to the table traditional and contemporary recipes perfectly crafted for all customer preferences with uncompromising superior taste. Rooted in generations of Asian and ethnic culinary tradition, Passport Foods has earned an industry-wide reputation for bringing fresh and exciting flavors to the table with passion, authenticity and a contemporary twist. Passport takes inspiration from cultures around the globe to create a wide and varied selection of culinary delights that range from a broad array of authentic traditional offerings to a bold line-up of innovative creative fusions.

“We are extremely excited by the investment as we have deep operational expertise which can help modernize and accelerate growth at Passport Foods,” said Alex Soltani, Chairman of Skyview Capital LLC. “Skyview has executed numerous food, consumer, and distribution transactions. We see a lot of opportunity for this business to operate independently and expand through organic and inorganic growth. The ethnic food sector is rapidly growing yet very fragmented, so we see great opportunity to consolidate the industry.”

“I am excited to work with Skyview Capital going forward, supporting the development of our business,” said Mark Thomson, CEO of Passport Foods (SVC), LLC. “We are very excited by our innovative new products. Our primary goal is to provide the same level of service and innovation to our loyal customers, vendors, and staff. We have a solid platform to deliver high quality, flavorful foods to our valued customers. We live by our motto of Crafting Extraordinary”

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital, LLC is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and niche manufacturing. By leveraging its operational capabilities and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. The Los Angeles Business Journal consistently recognizes Skyview as one of the leading private equity firms in Los Angeles. To date, Skyview has successfully completed nearly 30 transactions within its target market verticals. For further information visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

About Passport Foods (SVC), LLC

Passport Foods (SVC), LLC is a leading producer of globally-inspired foods. The business distributes its variety of entrees and appetizers throughout the United States in the Retail, Food Service, Grocery, Club channels. Passport Global is based in Ontario, CA and is a portfolio company of Skyview Capital, LLC. More information can be found at www.passportfood.com .

CONTACT

Steve Syatt
SSA Public Relations
steve@ssapr.com
(818) 222-4000

SOURCE: SSA Public Relations

Skyview Capital Carves A Niche In Corporate Carve-Outs

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 15:36:12 GMT

Posted Wednesday, June 12, 2019. Read original article here: https://bhcourier.com/2019/06/12/skyview-capital-carves-a-niche-in-corporate-carve-outs/

By Alex Soltani, Chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital has emerged as a recognized global private equity firm, and has earned an international reputation for its specialization in corporate carve-outs.

From its Century City headquarters, Skyview has executed over 30 transactions to date and now closes an average of 3-4 acquisitions per year, focusing on companies within the Technology, Telecom, Services and Consumer sectors. Skyview started investing in carve-out transactions in 2005.

Corporate carve-outs can be the right solution for large companies facing the problem of underperforming subsidiaries. Unprofitable subsidiaries will oftentimes distract from the company’s core business, and it’s often an epiphany for CEO’s when they discover firms such as ours that want to acquire these operations.

Skyview Capital’s approach to carveouts is a win for all parties involved – the parent company, the subsidiary’s employees and investors. Once finalized, the parent can continue to focus on its core business while subsidiary employees enjoy the extra attention afforded their new stand-alone company. The HR department is spared the time and energy associated with employee terminations, and the parent company does not have to incur the related costs or negative public relations impact. And shareholders appreciate the divestiture for two primary reasons: it allows the management team to be laser-focused on delivering value in the core business, and it removes a low margin, low growth, potentially money-losing business from the portfolio.

Skyview structures carve-outs that are customized to meet the specific business objectives of parent companies. The company’s acquisition approach provides the parent with speed and certainty to close, the subsidiary with a focused and experienced owner that supports its growth with extensive operational infrastructure and expertise, and the employees with a new home – a combination that truly resonates with corporate sellers.

The process of purchasing a carveout has many similarities to purchasing a stand-alone business. Carve-out buyers begin by performing due diligence on the carved-out unit, including a review of the division’s finances, management team, sales, and marketing strategy, product roadmap, intellectual property, and off-balance sheet liabilities (e.g. pension obligations, litigation).

Oftentimes, the unit was not operated as a completely stand-alone business by the parent which leads to the carved-out unit not having a full set of standalone financial statements. In some deals, the seller provides a carve-out audit of the unit. Carve-out audits estimate the revenues and costs directly attributable to the business as well as the “corporate allocations” or costs that are part of the services provided by the corporate parent. It is also necessary for the buyer to understand exactly what staff, locations, products, and other assets are included in the transaction (as opposed to being left behind with the corporate seller).

Similar to traditional acquisitions of stand-alone businesses, transactions can be structured as asset or equity purchases. Once terms have been negotiated and closing conditions have been satisfied, the buyer can take ownership of the carved-out division. After the business is legally transferred from the parent to the buyer, then the real work begins as the buyer must stand the business up on its own while at the same time make the necessary changes to the underlying business to bring it to optimal performance.

When a business is carved out of a corporate parent, it oftentimes is delivered without the full back office functionality one would typically find in a stand-alone business. After the deal closes, it is necessary to quickly put these back-office functions into place. Failure to have support functions in place can lead to problems in running and growing the newly carved out business. As part of the terms of sale, the existing parent frequently offers to provide back-office services for a pre-determined period of time via a “Transition Services Agreement.”

These agreements typically run from several months to a year and provide a smoother transition as the long-term, permanent support functions are put into place. It is also necessary for the firm to engage auditors and other professionals to assist with some of the normal back-office compliance.

While the back-office is being built up, it is necessary to develop a budget and longer-term strategic operating plan to provide direction for the business. For example, some parts of the carved-out business may need to be shut down or divested, and the management structure may need to be adjusted. It is helpful to execute the restructuring soon after closing to minimize ongoing disruption to the business.

Once the business has been carved out from the parent and has its supporting departments stabilized, the new company can start to execute its strategic plan. Immediately upon a change of control, it is imperative to clearly communicate to key stakeholders (lenders, vendors, customers, employees) that the business has changed ownership and will continue to operate in ordinary course (if not better). This will help to ensure a smooth transition to operating as an independent entity.

Corporate carve-outs can be beneficial transactions for both the seller and the acquirer. Relative to acquisitions of stand-alone businesses, corporate carveouts pose unique challenges. Understanding and planning for key steps in the process can increase the likelihood of a successful outcome for all parties involved.

NewNet and Bleu Announce Plans to Collaborate on Innovative, Next Generation Payment Applications

Fri, 07 Jun 2019 15:38:08 GMT

Read original article here: https://www.prweb.com/releases/newnet_and_bleu_announce_plans_to_collaborate_on_innovative_next_generation_payment_applications/prweb16360707.htm

CHICAGO (PRWEB) JUNE 07, 2019 — NewNet Secure Transactions and Bleu are working to develop innovative payment systems which offer localized offerings as well as enhanced and lower cost payment routing.

Sesie Bonsi, CEO of Bleu says of the Partnership, “We are pleased to work with NewNet Secure Transactions. NewNet has 20-plus years of experience, serving some of the most established names in electronic payments. Their experience and customer base combined with Bleu’s innovative, next-generation Point-of-sale and payment solutions will bring a new paradigm to the world of payments.”

Krishna Viswanadham, President of Secure Transactions says, “We are excited by this partnership to offer NewNet’s industry leading cloud based STC application for secure routing of transactions from Bleu’s payment accepting solutions with several leading Processors. We see lot of opportunities for integrated payments and value-added loyalty services in multiple financial and non-financial vertical industries.”

NewNet serves some of the largest payment companies in the world and sees an opportunity to work with Bleu on new payment experiences for large enterprise clients, fans, and customers.

The combination of our two companies’ technologies is a disruptive force in payments. NewNet Secure Transactions has a patent pending payment encryption and routing system.

Bleu has developed a patented Bluetooth payment and engagement platform that allows customers and fans to pay anywhere, anytime.

The firms plan on deploying these payment capabilities in early 2020.

About NewNet Communication Technologies
NewNet Communication Technologies is a leading provider of innovative communication and payment solutions. NewNet’s global customer base includes next generation mobile and fixed line networks, secure transaction transport, enabling global telecom operators, acquirers, processors, financial institutions and enterprises to rapidly develop and deploy cutting edge revenue generating applications that deliver feature-rich, value added services. NewNet Secure Transactions (NST) BU offers secure Payment transaction routing, switching, transport solutions. NewNet’s payment systems powers over 25% of all global payment card and digital transactions, worldwide. NST’s latest solution of Secure Transaction Cloud (STC) offers virtualized secure payment applications for transaction transport in cloud with specific Virtual Network Functions for Security, Transaction protocols, P2PE, Tokenization, Host Interfaces, Load Balancing etc. for a wide range of payment types including Internet payments, mobile payments, POS/mPOS based transactions and variety of eCommerce, mCommerce payments with PCI compliant HSMs. More information is available at http://www.securetransactionscloud.com

About Bleu Tech Enterprises
Bleu’s business process management software allows an organization to use a system of integrated applications to manage the business and automate many back-office functions related to technology, financial services and human resources.

Merchant’s have access to the full suite of applications from account & payments, HR, compliance, IT, retail operations, Inventory and CRM.

The Bleu Point of Transaction (PoT) network allows customers to pay wherever, whenever. A universal payment gateway, leveraging Bluetooth and enabling all forms of payment including mobile to mobile and chip cards, and a mobile platform for customer loyalty and engagement.

With each transaction through our patented method, the merchant is able to use in-store analytics and specific payment data to deliver a personalized shopping experience back to the customer.

For more information go to http://www.bleuco.com

About Apptio

Apptio (NASDAQ: APTI) is the business management system of record for hybrid IT. We transform the way IT runs its business and makes decisions. With our cloud-based applications, IT leaders manage, plan and optimize their technology investments across on-premises and cloud. With Apptio, IT leaders become strategic partners to the business by demonstrating value of IT investments, accelerate innovation and shift their technology investments from running the business to digital innovation. Hundreds of customers choose Apptio as their business system of record for hybrid IT. For more information, please visit www.Apptio.com

About Digital Fuel

Digital Fuel, a business unit of Apptio (NASDAQ: APTI), provides Technology Business Management (TBM) software designed to help IT leaders deliver more business value from every dollar spent on IT. To learn more, please visit www.DigitalFuel.com

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and manufacturing. By leveraging its operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 25 transactions within its target market verticals. Visit www.skyviewcapital.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the potential benefits of our acquisition of Digital Fuel SV, LLC, the potential benefits of the acquisition for our customers and Digital Fuel’ customers and the potential benefits of our relationship with VMware. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, among others, our ability to successfully integrate Digital Fuel as an independent business unit, as well as those risks and uncertainties included under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, the Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on October 31, 2017. All information provided in this release is as of the date hereof, and we undertake no duty to update this information unless required by law.

Continuum Global Solutions, LLC Expands Its Growing Call Center Operations With Acquisition of King TeleServices

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 15:43:50 GMT

Read original article here: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/continuum-global-solutions-llc-expands-its-growing-call-center-operations-with-acquisition-of-king-teleservices-300832331.html

LOS ANGELES, April 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Global private investment firm Skyview Capital, LLC has added to its Continuum Global Solutions Contact Center platform with the acquisition of Brooklyn, NY-based King TeleServices from AST Financial . Terms were not disclosed.

Continuum Global Solutions, LLC is an omni-channel contact center platform with more than 15,000 employees in 15 countries worldwide comprising customer care assets recently acquired from Conduent Incorporated (NYSE: CNDT ). King TeleServices will operate as a separate subsidiary under Continuum Global Solutions.

A long-term provider of state-of-the-art contact center services to enterprise and local government customers throughout the United States, King TeleServices employs over 300 trained professionals delivering high quality customer care services 24/7. In addition to such prestigious corporate clients as Publisher’s Clearing House, King maintains a long-standing relationship with the City of New York. King provides services to NYC311, which delivers access to non-emergency City services and information about City government programs to residents.

Beyond contributing incremental revenue and EBITDA to the Continuum Global Solutions call center platform, the King TeleServices acquisition provides an entrée into working with government entities and municipalities. While Continuum Global Solutions will continue to service Fortune 500 corporate clients, King TeleServices will concentrate on the municipal sector.

“We are excited to announce this acquisition, and we are looking to forward to growing the relationship with the City of New York,” said Alex Soltani, Chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital. “Millions of residents in New York City rely on 3-1-1, and we are proud to support this essential public service. By having Continuum and King in our Skyview Portfolio, we can leverage the best call center technologies to serve the call center needs of both corporate and municipal customers.”

Jerry Kinnick, President of Continuum Global Solutions, said, “We are excited to have King TeleServices join Continuum. They have a keen understanding of how to successfully serve the government and municipal sectors. We look forward to sharing best practices between Continuum and King that will further benefit our current and future clients.”

“We see a lot of opportunity to make investments in new technology that improves call efficiency and accuracy,” said Rick Bigelow, Senior Vice President of Skyview Capital. “We are eager to work with King’s current management team to implement a go-to-market strategy focused on both organic and inorganic growth.”

“While King TeleServices has been an important part of our company for many years, this acquisition represents a positive next step in its evolution. As part of Continuum, King can deepen its work in the municipal sector, while AST can focus on its core businesses, including tech-enabled ownership data management and advisory services,” said Marty Flanigan, President & CEO, AST.

“Skyview has the vision and operational experience to grow King into a major call center services provider,” said Rajesh Bajaj, President of King TeleServices.

About Skyview Capital, LLC
Skyview Capital, LLC is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and niche manufacturing. By leveraging its operational capabilities and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. The Los Angeles Business Journal recently recognized Skyview as one of the top 25 private equity firms in Los Angeles. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 25 transactions within its target market verticals. For further information, please visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

About King TeleServices, LLC
King TeleServices is a leading call center business based in Brooklyn, NY. King has a team of over 300 professionals, providing 311 and other call center services to corporate and municipal clients in the United States. King TeleServices is a subsidiary of Continuum Global Solutions, LLC. More information can be found at https://www.continuumgbl.com/king-teleservices .

About Continuum Global Solutions, LLC
Continuum Global Solutions “CGS” customer care services and call centers have been embraced by top companies worldwide. The company’s Fortune-500 clients rely on its vast expertise in customer care management. CGS customer care and call center solutions leverage world class voice, chat, email, and social technologies. Continuum has more than 15,000 employees in major international markets and serves tier-1 clients across multiple industry verticals. More information can be found at www.continuumgbl.com

CONTACT
Steve Syatt, SSA Public Relations
steve@ssapr.com / (818) 222-4000

Skyview Capital Completes the Acquisition of Select Customer Care Assets from Conduent Incorporated

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 16:49:04 GMT

Skyview Establishes Continuum Global Solutions as New Corporate Brand to House Current and Future Customer Care Assets

Read original article here: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skyview-capital-completes-the-acquisition-of-select-customer-care-assets-from-conduent-incorporated-300796107.html?tc=eml_cleartime

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — As previously announced by Conduent on Feb. 4, 2019, Skyview Capital, LLC (“Skyview”), a global private investment firm, announced that it has acquired select customer care assets from Conduent Incorporated (NYSE: CNDT ) and formed Continuum Global Solutions (“Continuum”) to serve as the single brand to house and operate the newly formed business. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

In addition to the portfolio of select standalone customer care assets acquired from Conduent, Skyview Capital is actively pursuing other customer care opportunities to integrate under the Continuum banner. Today, the Continuum business generates approximately $500 million of revenue with a global workforce of approximately 16,000 employees.

Continuum Global Solutions serves as a fully-integrated contact center platform combining advanced digital and cloud technology with highly trained, skilled professionals to manage millions of daily customer interactions. The operations united under the Continuum brand have been recognized for excellence in customer service by both its Fortune 500 client-base as well as from a wide array of prestigious independent third party research firms.

Overseeing management of Continuum Global Solutions will be Darryl Smith, Skyview Capital’s President of Global Portfolio Operations as well as Rod Stoddard, Senior Vice President of Portfolio Operations at Skyview. Jerry Kinnick, who was the senior leader of the business prior to Skyview’s acquisition, will serve as President of Continuum, and brings over 20 years of industry experience to the role. Several other highly experienced leaders will continue with the business as well.

“We are excited to further expand Skyview Capital’s role as a leading force in the customer care industry with the formation of Continuum Global Services,” said Skyview Capital Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alex Soltani. “Continuum begins operations with a global roster of Tier 1 clients in multiple industry verticals serviced by a vast employee base located in key international markets. As always, we remain exceptionally focused on growing this business both organically and through value-added acquisitions which will allow us to provide even a deeper breadth of capabilities and services to our esteemed customer base.”

Said Stoddard: “Our goal is to establish Continuum Global Solutions as a marquee destination for the ultimate in customer care services by uniting Skyview’s proven operational expertise with the skill sets and experience bases that Jerry and his team bring to the table.”

“We are pleased to have Continuum Global Services join the Skyview portfolio, and we look forward to enhancing the business while providing unsurpassed service to our customers. Skyview Capital’s team of operational professionals is excited to join forces with Continuum senior management to help maximize the potential of these world-class contact center solutions,” said Smith.

“I am excited to join with our new partners at Skyview as we work together to deliver world-class customer contact services to our extraordinary customer base and to the many new clients we look forward to welcoming in the near future,” said Kinnick.

About Skyview Capital, LLC:
Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered In Los Angeles specializing in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and manufacturing. By leveraging its deep operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 25 transactions whereby it has acted as a partner to corporations and other stakeholders experiencing a strategic transition or liquidity event. Visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

About Continuum Global Solutions:
Continuum Global Solutions (“CGS”) provides inbound and outbound service offerings across voice (calls and interactive voice response) and non-voice (SMS, chat, social networks, and email) segments. CGS customer care services and call centers have been embraced by top companies worldwide. Visit www.continuumgbl.com .

CONTACT:

Steve Syatt

SSA Public Relations

steve@ssapr.com

(818) 223-1022

Conduent Completes Sale of Portfolio of Select Customer Care Contracts to Skyview Capital

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 16:54:02 GMT

Read Original Article Here: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/conduent-completes-sale-of-portfolio-of-select-customer-care-contracts-to-skyview-capital-300788754.html

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Feb. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Conduent Incorporated (NYSE: CNDT ) today announced it has completed the sale of a portfolio of select standalone customer care contracts to Skyview Capital LLC, subject to delayed transfer of certain assets in some countries pending fulfillment of legal requirements.

The sale was announced on Oct. 1, 2018.

This portfolio is part of the previously announced plan to divest $1 billion in revenue associated with non-core assets. The completion of this transaction concludes that divestiture plan.

About Conduent
Conduent creates digital platforms and services for businesses and governments to manage millions of interactions every day for those they serve. We are leveraging the power of cloud, mobile and IoT, combined with technologies such as automation, cognitive and blockchain to elevate every constituent interaction, driving modern digital experiences that are more efficient, helpful and satisfying.

Conduent’s differentiated offerings touch millions of lives every day, including two-thirds of all insured patients in the U.S. and nearly nine million people who travel through toll systems daily. Whether it’s digital payments, claims processing, benefit administration, automated tolling, customer care or distributed learning – Conduent serves a majority of the Fortune 100 companies and more than 500 government entities. Learn more at www.conduent.com .

Note: To receive RSS news feeds, visit www.news.conduent.com . For open commentary, industry perspectives and views, visit http://twitter.com/Conduent , http://www.linkedin.com/company/conduent or http://www.facebook.com/Conduent .

Conduent is a trademark of Conduent Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.

SOURCE Conduent Incorporated

Skyview Capital, LLC Sells Two Units Of NewNet To ZephyrTel

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 17:12:26 GMT

ZephyrTel Acquires NewNet’s Messaging and Interact Units As Skyview Capital Continues To Own and Operate NewNet’s Broadband and Payment Processing Operations

Read original article here: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skyview-capital-llc-sells-messaging-and-interact-units-of-its-wholly-owned-newnet-to-zephyrtel-300777858.html

CENTURY CITY, Calif., Jan. 14, 2019 / PRNewswire / — Global investment company Skyview Capital, LLC ( www.skyviewcapital.com ) has sold the mobile messaging and Interact business units of its wholly-owned NewNet Communications Technologies to ZephyrTel (ZT), an ESW Capital software company dedicated to serving the global telecommunications industry.

Skyview will continue to own and operate NewNet’s Broadband and Payment Processing business units, which serve high-profile telco and enterprise clients worldwide.

Skyview Capital formed NewNet by merging its text messaging company acquisitions into a single fully-integrated video/audio/text mobile text messaging platform.

“We recognized the potential of mobile messaging for consumer and B2B applications early on and pursued a strategy that would create a successful mobile text messaging company,” said Christopher Aye, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions for Skyview Capital.

Skyview Capital’s exiting of the two NewNet business units follows the recent sales of its other communications industry portfolio companies VoltDelta Contact Center Solutions, which was also acquired by ESW Capital and NewPace RCS Mobile Software, which Skyview sold to Samsung.

To meet the requirements resulting from the expansion of its portfolio acquisitions, Skyview Capital added to the company’s Operational, Business Development and M&A management teams as well as established a Dallas office.

“Skyview’s operational management and infrastructure – including product development, rebranding, sales and marketing and research and development – contributed to the successful sale of NewNet’s Messaging and Interact business units to ZephyrTel,” added Aye.

“A recognized force in global telecommunications, ZephyrTel is the perfect new home for the NewNet Mobile and Interact business units, which are certain to become significant components to ZephyrTel’s solutions portfolio,” said Alex Soltani, Chairman & CEO of Skyview Capital, LLC.

“Our acquisition of both VoltDelta and NewNet’s Messaging and Interact units will deliver impressive telecoms technology platforms as well as an additional portfolio of blue-chip customers that will help accelerate ZephyrTel’s growth trajectory and ability to further support global Telecoms operators in their digital transformation strategies,” said Mike Shinya, Chief Executive Officer, ZephyrTel.

About Skyview Capital, LLC:
Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered In Los Angeles specializing in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and niche manufacturing. By leveraging its deep operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed more than 25 transactions within its target market verticals. Visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

Skyview Capital Sells Two Units Of NewNet to ZephyrTel

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 17:03:53 GMT

Read original article here: https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-news-wire/PRNews_20190114LA23016/skyview-capital-llc-sells-two-units-of-newnet-to-zephyrtel.html

CENTURY CITY, Calif., Jan. 14, 2019/PRNewswire/ — Global investment company Skyview Capital, LLC ( www.skyviewcapital.com ) has sold the mobile messaging and Interact business units of its wholly-owned NewNet Communications Technologies to ZephyrTel (ZT), an ESW Capital software company dedicated to serving the global telecommunications industry.

Skyview will continue to own and operate NewNet’s Broadband and Payment Processing business units, which serve high-profile telco and enterprise clients worldwide.

Skyview Capital formed NewNet by merging its text messaging company acquisitions into a single fully-integrated video/audio/text mobile text messaging platform.

About Skyview Capital, LLC:

Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered In Los Angeles specializing in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and niche manufacturing. By leveraging its deep operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed more than 25 transactions within its target market verticals. Visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

CONTACT:

Steve Syatt

SSA Public Relations

Steve@ssapr.com

(818) 222-4000

Behind Skyview Capital’s carve-out expertise is Founder and Chairman, Alex Soltani, and a team of more than 20 professionals in operations, business development and deal execution.

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 16:40:22 GMT

By California Business Journal Staff.

What is a carve-out? Well, it’s an intriguing and innovative option for companies investigating strategies for non-core, potentially underperforming or unprofitable subsidiaries. Only a handful of companies specialize in this space. One of them is Skyview Capital, a Century City, Calif.-based investment firm.

Behind the company’s carve-out expertise is Founder and Chairman, Alex Soltani, and a team of more than 20 professionals in operations, business development and deal execution. Soltani formed Skyview Capital following his tenure at Los Angeles-based private Platinum Equity, a multi-billion dollar private-equity firm specializing in corporate divestitures, public-to-private transactions and private sales. Soltani previously headed up All Digital Communications, a nationwide B2B wireless telecommunications provider where he forged alliances with several of the largest national wireless carriers.

With its unique carve-out strategy, Skyview Capital closes an average of 3-4 transactions per year. The firm has completed nearly 30 transactions in technology, telecommunications, business services and niche manufacturing sectors since its inception in 2005.

“When large companies consider options for non-core, potentially underperforming subsidiaries, the best solution could very well be the sale of that business, otherwise known as a corporate carve-out,” Soltani says. “Non-core, potentially unprofitable subsidiaries can distract from the core business; it often is an epiphany for CEOs when they discover firms such as Skyview that want to acquire these operations.

Skyview sources opportunities through direct ongoing communication with senior executives at Fortune-1000 companies and smaller enterprises. At the same time, Skyview receives consistent inbound leads from investment banks, accountants and lawyers. Trade shows and conventions are another resource for discovering ‘carve-out’ opportunities.

Examples of recent Skyview Capital carve-out deals include Continuum Global Solutions, a global customer contact center business acquired from Conduent, Incorporated; SchoolKidz, a nationwide, award-winning school and emergency kit company acquired from Staples, Inc.; and Digital Fuel, an IT business management software business acquired from VMware, Inc.

“Acquiring carved-out business units can be more challenging and nuanced than buying existing standalone businesses,” Soltani says. “Buyers that are not carve-out specialists oftentimes don’t possess the necessary infrastructure to operate the new stand-alone business and will need to rely on the corporate parent for legal, human resources, finance/accounting and other services. It is rare that private equity buyers have the knowledge and experience base to understand the potential pitfalls associated with the many challenges and nuances inherent in operating a newly carved-out business.”

Since Skyview Capital’s focus is carve-outs, the company is able to execute these transactions in ways that result in a win for all parties involved – the parent company, the subsidiary’s employees and investors. “Our parent company is better positioned to focus on its core business and potentially avoids the negative public relations impact of shutting down a business,” Soltani says. “The subsidiary’s employees will receive the resources and attention necessary to optimize the business and the HR department is spared the time and energy associated with employee terminations. Shareholders are supportive of the divestiture because it frees the management team to focus on delivering value to the core business and potentially removes a lower margin, lower growth, potentially money-losing business from the portfolio.”

The stages involved in a Skyview Capital carve-out include identifying the deal opportunity, conducting due diligence on the business, structuring the transaction, finalizing deal documentation as well as the Transitional Services Agreement (TSA), and closing the transaction.

Skyview then “stands up” the business while building out the corporate back-office operations. As a private-equity buyer that has focused on acquiring non-core businesses for 15 years, Skyview is able to structure carve-outs customized to meet the specific business objectives of parent companies. “Companies engaging with Skyview Capital on carve-out transactions quickly come to recognize the substantial advantages inherent in working with the Century City firm,” Soltani says.

“We bring leadership and management in all areas of operations to support the full back office functionality required to operate a stand-alone business. Our operational teams help stabilize new carve-outs, work in tandem with company executives to ensure a smooth transition, and then develop as well as execute a strategic plan.”

Investment giant aims for telecom carve-outs with new Dallas oﬃce

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 17:10:01 GMT

Los Angeles investment giant Skyview Capital is opening a new office in Dallas to capture some potential carve-outs from med ia and telecom companies in the region.

Running the office will be Darryl Smith , a former Marine Corps captain and a private equity veteran. He will be in charge of overseeing the operations and improvements of the companies the firm invests in.

He’s currently helping combine call centers that the firm acquired from business process services company Conduent (NYSE: CNDT) earlier this month. With the deal, Skyview is getting in on $500 million in contracts generated by the call centers last year.

The deal is a staple of what Skyview does: carve out units from giant companies that aren’t essential to the overall business.

Skyview then dedicates resources the previous owner wasn’t willing to in order to ramp up production.

Smith spoke with the Dallas Business Journal about how the firm’s goals in Dallas.

SKYVIEW

Skyview Capital’s Darryl Smith will oversee the operations of Skyview’s portfolio companies.

What about the Dallas market was attractive for Skyview to open an outpost here?

Deal flow. You have a lot of the Fortune 500 in Dallas. Skyview targets large companies to get the spin outs. We will talk to some of the companies here that might be looking to get rid of noncore divisions.

That fits our model perfectly, especially in telecom. From a finance perspective and raising capital, there are a number private equity firms and family offices here, too.

What’s the biggest hurdle for growing a company that an investor has provided capital to?

It’s people. We are all fighting the war for talent. It is and will remain getting the best folks for our teams. When we do these carve-outs, setting up IT infrastructure and back office systems, it’s always challenging. We’re good at it, but we learn every day. Not every private equity firm can do carve-outs because they don’t have the expertise that we do.

If Amazon comes here, how much harder will it be to find talent?

Initially, it’s going to be tough. It’s a lot of people. It’s going to suck up a lot of talent in the market. I was in Seattle recently and talked to people who worked for Amazon in the past. It’s a great company, but it’s not for everyone.

You’ve done some work on the defense contracting space. Has it surprised you how much private equity is piling into that part of the market? Will it continue or have we peaked?

I think people believe there is a lot of growth opportunity there. We’ve seen a few companies that provide services or products to defense divisions of larger companies. It’s probably going to be going to a tier one or tier two provider that we would look at.

Will Skyview look to Texas for any future deals?

We’ve got to build relationships with the folks in Dallas. We’ve already started down that path. It’s just a matter of developing those and expanding them as we grow our office and our presence and get a little clearer on all the things we want to do in the market. (We will) start to think about who joins our team and when. It’s going to be a business development-led effort.

Jon Prior

Staff Writer

Dallas Business Journal

Skyview Ventures backs healthcare tech firm Pr3vent

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 17:06:34 GMT

Read original article here: https://www.pehub.com/2018/10/skyview-ventures-backs-healthcare-tech-firm-pr3vent/

Palo Alto, California-based Pr3vent, a healthcare technology company, has raised an undisclosed amount of funding. The investor was Skyview Ventures, the early and growth stage investment arm of global private investment firm Skyview Capital LLC.

L.A. investment giant opens Dallas office

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 16:59:09 GMT

By Jon Prior – Staff Writer, Dallas Business Journal

Read original article here: https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2018/10/04/l-a-investment-giant-opens-dallas-office.html

Los Angeles investment giant Skyview Capital has opened a Dallas office and has brought on a local private equity executive Darryl Smith to oversee the operations and improvements of the companies the firm invests in.

Skyview Bets on Cold Brew

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 16:58:08 GMT

Read original article here: http://labusinessjournal.com/news/2018/nov/30/skyview-bets-cold-brew/

Beverly Hills investment firm Skyview Capital, run by Platinum Equity alum Alex Soltani, is pumping $6 million into Kitu Life Inc., a cold brew coffee startup out of New York City.

Soltani said in an interview that Skyview aims to close the venture-capital funding round before the end of the year. The $6 million will be used to nurture the coffee purveyor’s growth.

Soltani first came in contact with Kitu Life after reality TV investment show Shark Tank panned the three brothers who own it. He invested $1.5 million in seed money in the company in April, about two months after it fell out of favor with the Shark Tank crew.

Kitu Life’s products include Super Coffee and Super Creamer, a prepackaged cold brew coffee drink and a creamer, both of which are low in calories.

Soltani is an eclectic investor who came into the spotlight in 2015 when he paid $32 million for the Beverly Hills home of record producer, rapper and entrepreneur Dr. Dre.

He’s also getting ready to close on his biggest private equity acquisition for 14-year-old Skyview − a carve out from Florham Park, N.J.-based Conduent Inc. that was announced Oct. 1. The deal encompasses a portfolio of customer service contracts Conduent owned that generated $500 million in revenue in 2017 and employs 16,000 workers worldwide. Soltani declined to disclose financial details of the transaction.

Growing asset

Soltani’s Skyview Capital provided the first round of seed money to Kitu Life in April after founders and brothers Jake, Jim and Jordan DeCicco got the cold shoulder on reality television. Their request for a $500,000 investment was denied by “sharks” Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, Lori Greiner and billionaire and Dallas Mavericks basketball team owner Mark Cuban.

Jared Cohen, Skyview’s senior vice president of capital markets, who said he’s closed more than $10 billion in transactions in his career as an investor, happened to be watching TV when the DeCicco brothers made the pitch.

He knew Kitu Life’s chief financial officer, William Finkelstein, and contacted him to learn more about the cold brew startup Shark Tank rejected.

The company had been valued at $10 million at the time of the DeCicco brothers’ appearance on Shark Tank, Chief Executive Jim DeCicco said in an interview. Kitu Life was valued at $50 million in the $6 million round scheduled to close this month, he said.

According to Soltani, the company was generating about $75,000 a month in sales in January. Following Skyview’s investment, and with some advisory from the firm, Kitu Life now is expected to surpass $1 million a month in sales for November 2018, Soltani estimated.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, CLICK HERE .

Skyview Capital’s Insatiable Desire

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 16:56:06 GMT

By: Michael Douglas Carlin

Read original article here: http://www.skyviewcapital.com/app/uploads/2019/02/Skyview1.pdf

“Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it … he who doesn’t … pays it.” – Albert Einstein

A 22-year-old kid with an insatiable desire for success carried around the Forbes 400 and memorized every detail of the wealthiest Americans. As a recent graduate of UCLA and an entrepreneur, he sent in his resume to Platinum Equity and got a telephone call from Platinum Equities’ human resources that would change his life. Alex Soltani knew that he wanted to work for Tom Gores to learn the ropes of private equity, and the formula for creating tremendous cash on cash returns.

Moving to work for a company could be perceived as a step down for Soltani that had founded All Digital Communications, a nationwide B2B wireless telecommunications firm, where he forged long-term alliances with the largest national wireless carriers that would prove invaluable to his future. As he tells the story, “Sometimes you have to take two steps back for a substancial leap forward.”

Soltani’s step forward included impeccable timing, joining Platinum Equity just as its business model was beginning to shift. From 1995 to 1998, Platinum was focused on transactions in the under $50 million range, but moved upstream relatively quickly. When Soltani joined Platinum in 2001, the company was in full swing handling large transactions. As Soltani’s primary responsibilities during his 13 months at Platinum involved sourcing new investment opportunities, he studied the best practices involving how to structure deals, how to streamline operations and how to exit the transaction with sizable profits. The final months of Soltani’s employment with Platinum saw the firm transitioning to a fund-like structure environment which resulted in crowding out the financing of smaller deals.

During these months at Platinum, Soltani saw over a dozen deals that had no ability to be consummated at the firm given its larger investment mandate. It was this recognition that inspired the establishment of Skyview Capital, and Skyview became the first of a number of private equity firms created by former Platinum executives.

Without Platinum’s infrastructure, the first two years were not easy, but Soltani persevered and ultimately closed his first transaction in 2005 with the support of a group of high-net-worth individuals that appreciated the strategy of buying mismanaged non-core, non-strategic assets of a public company.

After a very signficant 2010 successful exit, Soltani was able to fund his deals through his own internally-generated capital, building a sizeable war chest to fund Skyview’s next opportunities.

When consistently many of the deals generated north of 700% cash on cash, it doesn’t take long to employ the magic of compound interest in assembling internal capital to fund transactions.

Now Skyview has over 20 professionals that have operational, business development and deal execution expertise in various fields to augment the firm’s capabilities. Alex Soltani still has that insatiable desire for success and he still treats the Forbes 400 as his bible, always looking for gaps in America’s business community that will provide Skyview Capital with future opportunities. He currently is looking at a number of industry sectors that he sees as prosperous avenues for cash on cash returns. He has become quite skilled at harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit of a company’s founder to provide him or her substantial tools to amplify their collective business opportunities.

While he has graduated to bigger deals, Soltani remains adamant that the firm also continue closing deals in the $50-100 million-dollar range that created so much wealth for investors, company founders, and Skyview Capital. Skyview essentially became the replacement in the marketplace for deals that were previously done by Platinum Equity from 1995 – 1999 under $100 million range.

Skyview’s diversified portfolio includes the rideshare platform Hop Skip Drive, ready-to-drink Super Coffee, AI healthcare provider Pr3vent, data analytics platform Onpoint Global – just to mention a few, that all have tremendous market upside. One of those companies currently has two million in revenue but projected to grow to twenty million in 2019 with contracts, financing, and operational enhancements provided by Soltani and Skyview. Another new transaction brings aboard a highly scalable BPO/Call Center Management business whose 2017 revenues approximated $500 million with a worldwide workforce of over 15,000 dedicated employees.

In a few years, Soltani may soon see his own name on the Forbes 400 that has a lower rung of the 2.9 trillion dollar ladder, at 2.1 billion in net worth. We will all be watching with great interest as we see Soltani climb up that list by continuing to add value to companies harnessing the magic of compound interest utilizing his prescient investment instincts.

For five years Soltani and Skyview have been located at the prestigious 2000 Avenue of the Stars building. Moving here was like coming home to Soltani who attended nearby UCLA and previously worked in the 2049 building on Century Park East.

Pr3vent, Inc. Completes Series A Financing Led By InFocus Capital Partners

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 16:51:57 GMT

InFocus Partners’ Investment to Accelerate Development of Pr3vent’s Breakthrough Artificial Intelligence Eye Screening Tool for Newborns

Read original article here: businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190212005307/en/

PALO ALTO, Calif.–( BUSINESS WIRE )– Pr3vent, Inc ., a healthcare AI company developing machine vision for detecting eye disease in newborns, has closed a Series A financing led by InFocus Capital Partners, a venture capital fund specializing in the identification, capitalization and development of breakthrough and disruptive opportunities in the ophthalmic space. The announcement comes on the heels of a successful seed round in October 2018 led by the joint investment of Skyview Ventures and Trousdale Ventures.

As many as nine percent of newborns have pathology related to eyes, which, if left untreated, can have a life-long negative impact on vision.1 To date, scalable technology capable of examining millions of newborns has not been available. Pr3vent’s screening tool is the first AI-based system designed to protect against vision loss in babies. The company’s breakthrough technology detects abnormality from non-invasive images of the baby’s retina with an algorithm that instantly identifies pathology and can trigger examination and treatment when it is most effective.

According to market research firm Frost & Sullivan, healthcare leaders believe artificial intelligence will be a game changer this year. By the end of 2019, the firm predicts the market for healthcare IT applications using artificial intelligence is likely to reach $1.7 billion, a 68.5 percent increase of compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2022.

“InFocus Fund I is proud to lead the current round of funding for Pr3vent. We value the company’s innovative AI platform and understand the importance of helping it succeed,” stated Ron Weiss, MD, managing partner of InFocus Capital Partners. “Their creation is at the forefront of AI technology in ophthalmology, and we believe it will help prevent avoidable vision loss in children.”

“We are committed to building the future of AI in ophthalmology and changing the way healthcare providers detect, diagnose and treat eye disease in children,” says Pr3vent Co-founder Darius Moshfeghi. “InFocus Capital Partners’ Series A financing will help accelerate the processes of developing our revolutionary imaging system for early detection of preventable vision loss in newborns.”

“This financing round puts Pr3vent in a strong position to create a profitable AI solution in the ophthalmic space,” says CEO Jochen Kumm. “Machine vision and AI will contribute significantly to the future of the field, and we are thrilled that our AI system will help newborns.”

About InFocus Capital Partners
InFocus Fund I is a venture capital fund specializing in the identification, capitalization and development of breakthrough and disruptive opportunities in the ophthalmic space. The leadership and advisory team at InFocus consists of clinical ophthalmologists and key opinion leaders, ophthalmic business professionals, clinical research experts and seasoned finance executives who are well-positioned to understand and evaluate life-science investments. InFocus takes an active role in supporting investment portfolio companies throughout their life-cycle by tapping into the varied skill-sets of its team members and engaging its broad network of industry leaders and strategic partners.

About Skyview Ventures
Skyview Ventures is the venture capital initiative of global private investment firm Skyview Capital, LLC. Skyview Ventures partners with talented entrepreneurs, investing in early stage, disruptive businesses, where the Skyview team can leverage industry experience, its vast professional network, and its operational and financial wherewithal. Current areas of focus include Digital Media, IoT, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Telecom and Software, Social Media, Fintech, HealthTech, Biotech and Consumer Products. To learn more, please visit www.skyviewcapital.com/ventures .

About Trousdale Ventures
Trousdale Ventures, LLC Ventures is a privately-held investment firm with an ownership portfolio that encompasses a variety of companies involved in technology, IT management, food manufacturing, lifestyle consumer products, entertainment and child development products.

About Pr3vent, Inc.
Pr3vent, Inc. (pronounced “prē-vent”) is a Palo Alto, Calif.-based healthcare technology company co-founded in 2017 by noted medical field veterans Jochen Kumm, PhD and Darius M. Moshfeghi, MD. Their combined expertise in deep learning, ophthalmic markets and telemedicine for retinal disease helped develop an AI platform for early detection of preventable vision loss in newborns. The company’s first product will be an autonomous scalable AI system for detecting abnormality in newborn retinas. More information about Pr3vent, Inc. can be found at www.pr3vent.com .

Reference
1 Reference: Tang, He, Na Li, Zhan Li, Meiju Zhang, Meirong Wei, Changbing Huang, Jihong Wang, et al. “Fundus Examination of 199 851 Newborns by Digital Imaging in China: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study.” British Journal of Ophthalmology 102, no. 12 (December 1, 2018): 1742–46. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjophthalmol-2018-312366 .

Contacts

Joe Duraes
Nobles Global Communications
joe@noblesgc.com
917.687.6419

Corporate Carve-Outs: An Option For Maximizing Shareholder Value

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 16:46:26 GMT

Alex Soltani, Founder & CEO of Skyview Capital, LLC, explains how corporate carve-outs can be beneficial for both sellers and buyers.

By Alex Soltani

When large companies face the problem of underperforming subsidiaries, the best solution could very well be the sale of that business, otherwise known as a corporate carve-out. Unprofitable subsidiaries can distract from the core business, and it’s often an epiphany for CEO’s when they discover firms such as ours that want to acquire these operations.

Professionally-executed corporate carve-outs are a win for all parties involved: – for the parent company, the subsidiary’s employees and for investors. Once finalized, the parent can continue to focus on its core business while subsidiary employees enjoy the extra attention afforded their new stand-alone company. The HR department is spared the time and energy associated with employee terminations, and the parent company does not have to incur the related costs or negative public relations impact. And shareholders appreciate the divestiture for two primary reasons: it allows the management team to be laser-focused on delivering value in the core business, and it removes a low margin, low growth, potentially money-losing business from the portfolio.

Headquartered at 2000 Avenue of the Stars in Century City, Los Angeles, Skyview Capital currently maintains a team of over 20 investment professionals in addition to its portfolio roster of 17,000 employees. Founded in 2005, Skyview has executed over 30 private equity transactions and now closes an average of 3-4 acquisitions per year, focusing on companies within the Technology, Telecom, Services and Consumer sectors.

As a private equity buyer that has focused on acquiring non-core businesses for the last ~15 years, Skyview is experienced in structuring carve-outs that are customized to meet the specific business objectives of parent companies. Our acquisition approach provides the parent with speed and certainty to close, the subsidiary with a focused owner who is ready and willing to support its needs, and the employees with a new home, a combination that truly resonates with corporate sellers.

Acquiring carved-out business units is more challenging and often more nuanced than buying existing standalone businesses. Businesses purchased as part of a carveout often rely on the corporate parent for administrative and corporate services such as legal, human resources and finance/accounting. In addition, these businesses often rely on the underlying technology infrastructure of the corporate parent and, at times, even share customers with other business divisions of the parent company. It is rare that private equity buyers have the knowledge and experience base to understand the potential pitfalls associated with these challenges and nuances.

The process of purchasing a carveout has many similarities to purchasing a stand-alone business. Carve-out buyers begin by performing due diligence on the carved-out unit, including a review of the division’s finances, management team, sales and marketing strategy, product roadmap, intellectual property, and off-balance sheet liabilities (e.g. pension obligations, litigation).

Oftentimes the unit was not operated as a completely stand-alone business by the parent which leads to the carved-out unit not having a full set of standalone financial statements. In some deals, the seller provides a carve-out audit of the unit. Carve-out audits estimate the revenues and costs directly attributable to the business as well as the “corporate allocations” or costs that are part of the services provided by the corporate parent. It is also necessary for the buyer to understand exactly what staff, locations, products, and other assets are included in the transaction (as opposed to being left behind with the corporate seller).

As referenced above, when a business is carved out of a corporate parent, it oftentimes is delivered without the full back office functionality one would typically find in a stand-alone business. After the deal closes, it is necessary to quickly put these back-office functions into place. Failure to have support functions in place can lead to problems in running and growing the newly carved out business. As part of the terms of sale, the existing parent frequently offers to provide back-office services for a pre-determined period of time via a “Transition Services Agreement.” These agreements typically run from several months to a year and provide a smoother transition as the long-term, permanent support functions are put into place. It is also necessary for the firm to engage auditors and other professionals to assist with some of the normal back-office compliance.

While the back-office is being built up, it is necessary to develop a budget and longer-term strategic operating plan to provide direction for the business. For example, some parts of the carved-out business may need to be shutdown or divested, and the management structure may need to be adjusted. It is helpful to execute the restructuring soon after closing to minimize ongoing disruption to the business.

Corporate carve-outs can be beneficial transactions for both the seller and acquirer. Relative to acquisitions of stand-alone businesses, corporate carveouts pose unique challenges. Understanding and planning for key steps in the process can increase the likelihood of a successful outcome for all parties involved.

Read original article here: https://csq.com/2019/03/alex-soltani-corporate-carve-outs-an-option-for-maximizing-shareholder-value/#.XIl4LS2ZOqB

King Teleservices partners with Continuum Labs to develop innovative Contact Center Solutions.

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 16:33:22 GMT

Read original article here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/king_teleservices_partners_with_continuum_labs_to_develop_innovative_contact_center_solutions/prweb16382312.htm

King Teleservices, a Continuum Global Solutions LLC company, today announced that it has partnered with Continuum Labs to develop contact center technologies for the municipal/public sector industry.

King provides Call Center services to enterprise and local government customers in the United States. Based in Brooklyn; King’s customer base includes the City of New York and Publisher’s Clearing House. King has had a long stand standing relationship with the City of New York as a provider of 3-1-1 call center services to its residents. King provides services to clients in the municipal, financial industries. King has experience with surveys, outbound calling, public health notifications. King has experience with voice, text and omnichannel contact center technologies.

Gur Saran Das, who leads Continuum Labs in Bangalore, India says “We are excited to partner with R

ajesh Bajaj’s team at King Teleservices. We see opportunities to improve efficiency through automation technologies.”

“We are excited to have King work with Continuum Labs. Gur Saran Das’ global team is helping to develop internal and external tools for King Teleservices. Areas that they are assisting include Robotic Process Automation, agent recruitment and retention, and other tools for automating contact center workflows,” said Rick Bigelow, Senior Vice President of Skyview Capital.

“We are excited to work with The Continuum Labs team to find novel solutions to digitize the call center. King has a long history of being able to leverage data we gather through our operations and successfully optimize delivery of service on behalf of our clients. The additional automation technologies that Continuum Labs adds to our mix will help us further our mission of delivering cost effective customized solutions that generate marked improvements in customer service satisfaction that our clients have come to appreciate and seek from us as their experts in the field of service delivery through the contact center channel, ” said Rajesh Bajaj, President of King TeleServices.

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital, LLC is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and niche manufacturing. By leveraging its operational capabilities and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. The Los Angeles Business Journal recently recognized Skyview as one of the top 25 private equity firms in Los Angeles. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 28 transactions within its target market verticals. For further information, please visit http://www.skyviewcapital.com .

About King Teleservices, LLC

King TeleServices is a leading call center business based in Brooklyn, NY. King has a team of over 300 professionals, providing 311 and other call center services to corporate and municipal clients in the United States. More information can be found at https://www.continuumgbl.com/king-teleservices .

About Continuum Global Solutions, LLC

Continuum Global Solutions “CGS” customer care services and call centers have been embraced by top companies worldwide. Our Fortune-500 clients rely on our vast expertise in customer care management. CGS customer care and call center solutions leverage world class voice, chat, email, and social technologies. We have over 15,000 employees in major international markets and serve tier 1 clients across multiple industry verticals. More information can be found at http://www.continuumgbl.com .

NewNet Secure Transactions Cloud Expands Service Offering

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 01:50:06 GMT

Read original article here: https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/newnet-secure-transactions-cloud-expands-service-offering-1027764459

CHICAGO (November 28, 2018) – NewNet Secure Transactions Cloud is expanding its global sales initiatives for its patent pending solutions. STC (Secure Transaction Cloud) is a virtualized system for transmission and processing of payment transactions. Through STC’s secure M2M network, SIM cards from any Carrier can now communicate securely from POS (payment terminal) to Acquirers in the $3 Trillion electronic payments industry.

NewNet STC’s patent pending technology offers new security mechanisms coupled with the agility of systems operating in the cloud and, consequently, eliminating high infrastructure costs. STC’s key benefits include high security, fast time to market, lower cost of ownership, versatility, and industry protocol support.

This has been a growing demand in an increasingly competitive market, where start-ups are causing strong disruption of the most traditional models in the industry.

“We are actively growing our sales team globally and launching trials with leading telcos, financial services companies, processors, and payment gateways. We have been serving some of the largest financial services players for over twenty years with our server-based gateways. Our new cloud-based solution will allow incumbent and new entrant financial services companies to offer innovative cloud payment solutions,” said Rick Bigelow, CEO of NewNet and Senior Vice President of Skyview Capital. The suite of services can be viewed via the You Tube video: https://youtu.be/EPlhD_0dZ-g .

North American Sales Director Bob Alvarez recently joined NewNet STC and says “I am excited to bring the NewNet STC solutions to the marketplace. STC serves an important niche in the global electronic payments ecosystem.”

“The STC application offers the complete solution. It connects the end points of a financial transaction, from the equipment operating a SIM card protected through secure connections until the final transaction authorization with the financial services systems,” said Devarajan Puthupparambil, Head of Business, NewNet’s Secure Transactions BU.

NEWNET Secure Transaction is a wholly owned portfolio company of Private Investment Firm, Skyview Capital ( www.skyviewcapital.com ).

About NewNet

NewNet Communication Technologies is a leading provider of innovative communication and payment solutions. NewNet’s global customer base includes next generation mobile and fixed line networks, global telecom operators, acquirers, processors, financial institutions and enterprises, and we offer state of the art solutions to rapidly develop and deploy cutting edge revenue generating applications that deliver feature-rich, value added services. NewNet Secure Transactions (NST) BU offers secure Payment transaction routing, switching, and transport solutions. NewNet’s payment systems power over 25% of all global payment card and digital transactions, worldwide. NST’s latest solution of Secure Transaction Cloud (STC) offers virtualized secure payment applications for transaction transport in cloud, with specific Virtual Network Functions for Security, Transaction Protocols, P2PE, Tokenization, Host Interfaces, and Load Balancing for a wide range of payment types including Internet payments, mobile payments, POS/mPOS based transactions and a variety of eCommerce, mCommerce payments with PCI compliant HSMs. More information is available at www.securetransactionscloud.com .

About Skyview Capital, LLC:

# # #

Contact: (For NewNet Secure Transactions Cloud)

Bob Alvarez, Regional Sales Director

bob.alvarez @newnet.com

(For Skyview Capital)

Steve Syatt

SSA Public Relations

steve@ssapr.com

Skyview Capital Acquires Select Assets of Prynt Corporation Mobile Printing and Augmented Reality Business

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 01:52:50 GMT

Read original article here: https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/skyview-capital-acquires-select-assets-of-prynt-corporation-mobile-printing-and-augmented-reality-business-2018-11-13

Skyview Capital to Acquire Assets of Prynt Corporation to Accelerate Investment in Growth, Innovation and Market Penetration

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Global private investment firm Skyview Capital ( www.skyviewcapital.com ) today announced that the company has acquired selected assets of Prynt Corporation ( https://www.prynt.co/#/?_k=9iytea.co ) through QuickerPics LLC. Terms were not disclosed.

Currently in distribution in thousands of online and physical retailers worldwide, Prynt reimagines how digital content is shared in the physical world with the first-ever smartphone printer/case. In addition to transforming smartphones into a portable instant camera, groundbreaking Augmented Reality (AR) technology adds a hidden video within the photo that is revealed with the Prynt app, magically bringing Prynt photos to life. Featured in leading technology magazines, gadget blogs and social media influencers, Prynt is poised to revolutionize how the world shares smartphone photography.

“Skyview Capital brings deep operational expertise which can help modernize and accelerate growth at Prynt,” said Alex Soltani, Chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital. “Skyview has executed numerous tech-enabled and ecommerce transactions. We see a lot of opportunity for this business to operate independently and expand through organic and inorganic growth. The mobile printing sector is very fragmented, so we see an opportunity to consolidate the industry. Prynt fits at the intersection of Skyview’s capabilities in consumer electronics, software, ecommerce, and mobile solutions.”

Matt Thompson, Senior Vice President at Skyview Capital, said: “I am extremely pleased with the acquisition of select Prynt Corporation assets and look to continue serving its hundreds of thousands of print users. We are particularly excited by Prynt’s innovative AR and IP surrounding its extraordinary print case and are committed to adding more capabilities and enhancing the product’s value for all of our customers.”

“We are excited to continue the growth and expansion of the Prynt brand and see vast opportunities for photo printing and augmented reality. We intend to grow organically and protect and monetize our valuable IP,” said Rick Bigelow, Chief Executive Officer of QuickerPics, LLC and a Senior Vice President at Skyview Capital.

About Skyview Capital, LLC: Skyview Capital, LLC is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and niche manufacturing. By leveraging its operational capabilities and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. The Los Angeles Business Journal recently recognized Skyview as one of the top 25 private equity firms in Los Angeles. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 28 transactions within its target market verticals. For further information, please visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

About Prynt Corporation: Prynt Corporation is changing the way digital content is shared with the company’s acclaimed smartphone printer/case. Prynt photos embed short videos that are revealed through the Prynt app, magically bringing pictures to life. Prynt products are available online and through prestigious retailers worldwide. QuickerPics, LLC is owner of the intellectual property and Prynt brands.

CONTACT:(For Skyview Capital)

Steve Syatt

SSA Public Relations

steve@ssapr.com

(818) 222-4000

Skyview Capital Acquires Select Assets of Prynt Corporation Mobile Printing and Augmented Reality Business

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 17:05:33 GMT

Read original article here: https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/skyview-capital-acquires-select-assets-of-prynt-corporation-mobile-printing-and-augmented-reality-business-2018-11-13

CONTACT:(For Skyview Capital)Steve SyattSSA Public Relationssteve@ssapr.com(818) 222-4000

Skyview Capital, LLC Signed An Agreement With Conduent Incorporated to Acquire a Portfolio of Select Customer Care Contracts

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 16:00:58 GMT

Read original article here: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/skyview-capital-llc-signed-agreement-180900835.html

Skyview Capital is creating Continuum Global Solutions (“CGS”) as New Corporate Brand for its World-Class Customer Care Contact Center Platforms

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — As previously announced by Conduent on Oct. 1, 2018, global private investment firm Skyview Capital, LLC and Conduent Incorporated ( CNDT ) have entered into a definitive agreement, for Skyview Capital to acquire a select portfolio of Conduent’s standalone customer care contracts. This portfolio, which generated approximated $500 million in revenue in 2017, has a worldwide workforce of approximately 16,000 dedicated employees.

Skyview Capital expects to unite the customer care call center platforms under the brand Continuum Global Solutions, with Darryl Smith, President of Global Portfolio Operations and Rod Stoddard, Senior Vice President of Portfolio Operations, overseeing all areas of CGS’s operations.

The planned acquisition of a portfolio of Conduent’s standalone customer care contracts exemplifies Skyview Capital’s investment model of purchasing non-core businesses from Fortune 1000 companies whose performance can be significantly enhanced by the investment company’s operational expertise.

Conduent managers associated with this portfolio of contracts will join Skyview and continue to lead the daily operations of this business.

Said Stoddard: “Continuum Global Solutions or CGS customer care services and call centers have been embraced by top companies worldwide who have come to rely on their vast expertise in customer care management for unparalleled consumer interaction performance. We are extremely pleased with the plan to bring together these successful contact center services with the support and operational expertise of Skyview Capital.”

“Skyview Capital is committed to discovering high performing divisions of companies that we can acquire and position for even greater marketplace growth. The planned CGS customer care and call center solutions represent world class products that boast many of the largest companies in the world as clients. We look forward to the prospect of adding our operational capabilities toward realizing the full potential of these outstanding contact center solutions,” said Darryl Smith, President, Global Portfolio Operations for Skyview Capital, LLC.

“With approximately 16,000 global employees in major international markets worldwide and a global roster of tier 1 clients in multiple verticals, we are truly excited about the breadth and scope of services that this business is expected to seamlessly provide under our stewardship at Skyview. We look forward to the prospect of launching each of these category-leading contact center customer care platforms under the Continuum Global Services banner and joining forces with their management team to help fuel their continuing growth,” said Alex Soltani, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Skyview Capital, LLC.

The transaction, which is subject to certain regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2018.

About Skyview Capital, LLC:
Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angelesspecializing in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and niche manufacturing. By leveraging its deep operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed more than 25 transactions within its target market verticals. Visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

CONTACT:

Steve Syatt

SSA Public Relations

steve@ssapr.com

(818) 223-1022

Skyview Capital, LLC’s Skyview Ventures Completes Seed Round Investment in Pr3vent, Inc.

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 00:55:57 GMT

Read original article here: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skyview-capital-llcs-skyview-ventures-completes-seed-round-investment-in-pr3vent-inc-300732127.html

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Skyview Ventures http://www.skyviewcapital.com/home/ventures/ , the early and growth stage investment arm of global private investment firm Skyview Capital, LLC, has completed its seed round investment in Pr3vent, Inc. (“Pr3vent”). Pr3vent is a Palo Alto, California-based healthcare technology company founded by noted medical field veterans Jochen Kumm, PhD and Darius M. Moshfeghi, MD.

Further expanding Skyview Ventures’ interests in disruptive biotechnology companies, the seed round financing will accelerate Pr3vent, Inc.’s development of the company’s revolutionary eye screening diagnostic service designed expressly for newborns.

Skyview is joined in the investment by Phillip Sarofim and his private equity/venture capital firm Trousdale Ventures, LLC (formerly PS Ventures). The joint investment by Skyview Capital and Sarofim’s Trousdale Ventures in Pr3vent marks the continuation of the two firms’ collaboration with select start-up and first phase companies.

Pr3vent’s breakthrough technology introduces an Artificial Intelligence algorithm that provides early diagnosis and intervention to help allow for eye problems to be more effectively treatable by existing modalities.

The investment in Pr3vent marks Skyview’s eighth venture investment since launching the firm’s asset class in January 2017, signifying its aggressive and robust activity within this sector to date, and further aligning it with the firm’s deep expertise in technology and biotechnology, software, and differentiated consumer products and solutions. Additional Skyview Ventures early and growth stage investments include KangarooTime, HopSkipDrive, BuyitInstalled, Kitul SuperCoffee, SilkTech, and OnPoint Global.

“We are very excited to partner with Darius and Jochen and help bring this remarkable, potentially life enhancing diagnostic tool to the forefront of pediatric healthcare. It has long been common practice for immediate newborns to be screened for hearing, and now as a direct result of the successful research by Pr3vent principals, Dr. Kumm and Dr. Moshfeghi, it is finally possible to screen for vision when infants are first born as well. We see the Pr3vent technology platform as a true game-changer in healthcare diagnostics,” said Alex Soltani, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Skyview.

“I am pleased to join side by side with Skyview Capital in completing our Pr3vent investment. The work of principals Dr. Kumm and Dr. Moshfeghi is truly groundbreaking and has a tremendous potential of impacting the eye health of infants worldwide,” said Phillip Sarofim, President and Chief Executive Officer of PS Ventures.

“We are excited to partner with Skyview and take Pr3vent to the next level. Pr3vent’s AI screening platform will improve health outcomes first in newborns and then in other healthcare use cases,” said Dr. Kumm, Chief Executive Officer of Pr3vent.

“We are thrilled to have Skyview Capital join as our first institutional investor. Their knowledge and contacts in the software and cloud services sector complement our strengths in deep learning, pediatric eye diseases, and the screening market. We hope to leverage our combined expertise for operational and strategic advantage,” said Pr3vent partner Dr. Moshfeghi.

Dr. Kumm has worked in computation and AI at the Stanford Genome Technology Center, IBM Watson Life Sciences, insightAI, Pathogenica, and Roche Pharma. He has a BA from Harvard and a PhD in Biological Sciences from Stanford.

Dr. Moshfeghi is the Director of Retina at the Byers Eye Institute, Horngren Family Vitreoretinal Center, Stanford University School of Medicine. His career has focused on expanding care to pediatric eyes using telemedicine. He currently serves on the Telemedicine Working Group for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He serves on several corporate boards including 1800 Contacts, dSentz, and Promisght. He leads the Scientific Advisory Board for Visunex Medical Systems, Co. Ltd which makes a pediatric camera used for pediatric eye screening.

About Skyview Ventures

Skyview Ventures is the venture capital initiative of global private investment firm Skyview Capital, LLC. Skyview Ventures partners with talented entrepreneurs, investing in early stage, disruptive businesses, where the Skyview team can leverage industry experience, its vast professional network, and its operational and financial wherewithal. Current areas of focus include Digital Media, IoT, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Telecom and Software, Social Media, Fintech, HealthTech, Biotech and Consumer Products. To learn more, please visit www.skyviewcapital.com/ventures .

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital, LLC is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and manufacturing. By leveraging its operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed more than 30 transactions within its target market verticals. To learn more, please visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

Trousdale Ventures, LLC

Trousdale Ventures, LLC Ventures is a privately-held investment firm with an ownership portfolio that encompasses a variety of companies involved in technology, IT management, food manufacturing, lifestyle consumer products, entertainment and child development products.

About Pr3vent, Inc.

Pr3vent, Inc. is a healthcare IT company currently developing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning screens for ophthalmic newborn conditions. The Company’s [patented] algorithms and screening service is being developed for applications in newborn eye screening. More information on the Palo Alto, CA based Pr3vent, Inc. can be found at www.pr3vent.com .

Conduent Announces Agreement to Sell Portfolio of Select Customer Care Contracts

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 00:58:07 GMT

Read original PRNewswire article here: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/conduent-announces-agreement-to-sell-portfolio-of-select-customer-care-contracts-300721555.html

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Conduent Incorporated (NYSE: CNDT ) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell a portfolio of select standalone customer care contracts to Skyview Capital LLC, a privately held investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif.

This portfolio, which generated approximately $500 million in revenue in 2017, is part of the previously announced plan to divest $1 billion in revenue associated with non-core assets. Once this transaction closes, it will conclude that divestiture plan. This divestiture amplifies Conduent’s ability to focus on higher value-added, platform-enabled Business Services.

Moreover, this divestiture is aligned with Conduent’s strategy to reposition the company and redeploy its capital on technology investments in growing its core businesses.

The transaction, which is subject to certain regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2018.

UBS Investment Bank is serving as financial advisor and Sheppard Mullin is serving as legal counsel to Conduent.

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About Conduent

Conduent creates digital platforms and services for businesses and governments to manage millions of interactions every day for those they serve. We are leveraging the power of cloud, mobile and IoT, combined with technologies such as automation, cognitive and blockchain to elevate every constituent interaction, driving modern digital experiences that are more efficient, helpful and satisfying.

Conduent is a trademark of Conduent Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.

SOURCE Conduent Incorporated

Skyview Capital, LLC Appoints Rod Stoddard Senior Vice President Of Portfolio Operations

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 01:00:29 GMT

Read original article here: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/skyview-capital-llc-appoints-rod-185000348.html

Stoddard Takes Senior Executive Role in Helping Evaluate and Oversee Skyview Capital’s ExpandingRoster of Investments

CENTURYCITY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2018 / Reflecting its growth as a leading global private investment firm, Los Angeles-based Skyview Capital ( http://www.skyviewcapital.com/ ) has named noted industry executive Rod Stoddard as Senior Vice President of Portfolio Operations.

Based in Skyview Capital’s Century City headquarters, Stoddard will assume a lead role in analyzing prospective investment opportunities, overseeing the management teams of current investments, and monitoring overall strategy and operational performance of the company’s private equity portfolio companies.

Stoddard brings over two decades of operating knowledge and industry expertise to his new post with Skyview Capital, including leadership positions in the technology and internet sectors, publicly traded companies, and venture capital and private equity companies. Prior to joining Skyview Capital, Stoddard served as President of three noted companies including GoDaddy’s premium hosting subsidiary, Media Temple; information services leader, Martindale-Hubbell; and leading e-commerce platform, US Search.com.

Stoddard’s track record is distinguished by a number of high-profile company growth expansions and select turnarounds. As President of Media Temple, Stoddard reversed a 3-year declining trend while launching an entirely new cloud solution that experienced 100% year over year growth under his leadership. During his tenure as President of Martindale-Hubbell, he re-engineered the company, increased its projected profitability by 4x and created the largest legal network online. As President of US Search.com, Stoddard led the business to emerge among the top 10 most popular e-commerce companies in the country. Stoddard also served as Vice President of Product and Business Development for Internet Brands which operates a number of e-commerce sites in vertical markets and ran his own company, Blue Water Ventures, where he built a multimillion dollar business.

Stoddard earned his MBA from The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and BA from UC Santa Barbara. He resides with his wife, Leila, and three children in Manhattan Beach.

“We are thrilled to have Rod join Skyview’s roster of talented professionals. He brings to Skyview Capital an impressive track record of success in driving profitable growth and building high performing management teams, as well as a network of strategic relationships built over a distinguished career. A seasoned executive with tremendous operating experience as a President, CEO and COO of nationally recognized companies, Rod’s skills and expertise will be invaluable as we support our portfolio’s continued growth and development,”; said Alex R. Soltani, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Skyview Capital, LLC.

About Skyview Capital,LLC

CONTACT

Steve Syatt
SSA Public Relations
steve@ssapr.com
(818) 223-1022

SOURCE: Skyview Capital, LLC

https://www.accesswire.com/511834/Skyview-Capital-LLC-Appoints-Rod-Stoddard-Senior-Vice-President-Of-Portfolio-Operations

Skyview Capital Acquires SchoolKidz.com from Staples, Inc.

Sat, 17 Mar 2018 01:11:54 GMT

Skyview Capital to acquire market leading school kit provider with a focus on accelerating growth, innovation and market penetration

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) MARCH 16, 2018

Skyview Capital (“Skyview”), a global private investment firm, today announced that it has acquired SchoolKidz.com (“SchoolKidz or the Company”) from Staples, Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

SchoolKidz.com provides kitting solutions for elementary and middle-school students through various parent (PTA/PTO), school and charitable organizations. The SchoolKidz Teacher Tailored offering provides school supply kits to over 3,000 schools nationwide.

SchoolKidz also operates KitsforKidz.org , a program serving non-profit organizations. Organizations select KitsforKidz to provide essential goods for both educational and humanitarian purposes. During some of the recent natural disasters, SchoolKidz provisioned thousands of kits to those in need.

Following Staples’ acquisition of SchoolKidz.com ten years ago, the Company emerged as a leading provider of school supply kits as well as an innovator in providing kits to non-profit organizations. With financial and operational support from Skvyiew, Schoolkidz.com will continue to build on its position as a market leader.

“We are very pleased to announce the closing of SchoolKidz.com, a technology-enabled market leader in kitting solutions for educational and charity-based organizations nationwide”, said Alex Soltani, Chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital. “Skyview’s deep operational expertise will help modernize and accelerate growth of this new investment. Financial support from Skyview will enable the Company to expand its existing product portfolio as well as gain even greater market share through consolidation of a fragmented industry. We are excited about our partnership with the existing management team and look forward to providing them with the tools necessary to efficiently and aggressively grow this business.”

Rick Bigelow, Senior Vice President at Skyview and Executive Chairman of Schoolkidz.com, said “I am excited about the acquisition of SchoolKidz and look forward to continuing to serve our thousands of PTA/PTO and Charity organizations. We are committed to working with the SchoolKidz team to enhance the Company’s existing capabilities, bolster its leading market position via follow-on acquisitions, and, ultimately, deliver the best in class products to our customers.”

“I am excited to work with Skyview Capital going forward as the President of SchoolKidz, supporting parent and non-profit organizations as we have for nearly two decades,” Jim Mulder, former Executive Director under Staples and current President of Schoolkidz. “Our goal as an organization is to continue to provide the highest quality product and level of service that our customers have become accustomed to, with no disruption to their programs.”

About Skyview Capital, LLC
Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services, and manufacturing. By leveraging its operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 25 transactions whereby it has acted as a partner to corporations and other stakeholders experiencing a strategic transition or liquidity event. Visit http://www.skyviewcapital.com .

NewNet Communication Technologies Showcases Revolutionary Cloud-based Secure Payment Transaction Solution at GSMA MWC Barcelona

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 16:10:47 GMT

Read original article here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2018/02/prweb15236709.htm#!

CHICAGO, IL (PRWEB) FEBRUARY 26, 2018

NewNet Communication Technologies is pleased to announce its presence at GSMA Mobile World Congress , the world’s largest mobile industry gathering. NewNet will be exhibiting its powerful cloud-based payment transaction solution, Secure Transaction Cloud (STC) , at Booth #8.1K61 in Hall 8.

NewNet’s STC solution is a virtualized payment transaction application designed for public, private or hybrid cloud use. It allows for faster migration to cloud-based infrastructures for a broad spectrum of payment ecosystems, network operators and telecommunication companies. With advanced data security, point-to-point encryption and tokenization for facilitating the end-to-end security of payment transactions, the STC is a highly secure alternative to costly legacy Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) and switching hardware.

Available on Amazon Web Services (AWS) Marketplace , NewNet’s STC empowers MNOs, Cloud Service Providers, and Payment Service Providers for Internet and mobile payment transactions.

The Secure Transaction Cloud (STC) virtualized payment transaction solution is demonstrated at NewNet’s Booth at GSMA Mobile World Congress. The demo will be featured on Spire Payments ’ Point of Sale (POS), Smartphones, Tablets and Laptop based transactions conducting mobile and Internet payments.

To ensure seamless migration from legacy infrastructures, NewNet’s STC provides a carrier grade payment solution with a comprehensive set of features and benefits:

High security
Faster completion of transactions
Scalability with rapid creation of additional instances
Assured performance
Economic deployment with pay per use models
Reliability for seamless continuous usage of critical functions

“NewNet’s STC solution enables Mobile Network Operators and Cloud Service Providers with one of the most innovative and advanced payment applications available on the market today. Migration from legacy infrastructures is seamless, we are able to exceed payment security requirements while at the same time realize it significant cost savings.” said Devarajan Puthupparambil, Head of NewNet’s Secure Transactions Division. “This new delivery platform from NewNet presents the MNOs and CSPs with a powerful solution to generate new revenues from the ever expanding mobile and internet payment segments”.

NewNet’s team of experts will be on hand at GSMA Mobile World Congress (Booth #8.1K61) to explain the features of the Secure Transaction Cloud (STC), show demos and discuss successful implementations. To arrange an onsite meeting, please email Devarajan.puthupparambil@newnet.com

NewNet’s STC solution can be accessed at AWS Marketplace here:
https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/B076D9HY55

Additional Resources

About NewNet Communication Technologies

NewNet Communication Technologies is a leading provider of innovative communication and payment solutions. NewNet’s global customer base includes next generation mobile and fixed line networks, secure transaction transport, enabling global telecom operators, acquirers, processors, financial institutions and enterprises to rapidly develop and deploy cutting edge revenue generating applications that deliver feature-rich, value added services. NewNet Secure Transactions (NST) BU offers secure Payment transaction routing, switching, transport solutions. NewNet’s payment systems powers over 25% of all global payment card and digital transactions, worldwide. NST’s latest solution of Secure Transaction Cloud (STC) offers virtualized secure payment applications for transaction transport in cloud with specific Virtual Network Functions for Security, Transaction protocols, P2PE, Tokenization, Host Interfaces, Load Balancing etc. for a wide range of payment types including Internet payments, mobile payments, POS/mPOS based transactions and variety of eCommerce, mCommerce payments with PCI compliant HSMs

Apptio, Inc. Completes Acquistion of Digital Fuel From Skyview Capital

Fri, 02 Feb 2018 16:15:37 GMT

Read original article here: https://www-geekwire-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.geekwire.com/2018/apptio-acquires-former-vmware-spinoff-digital-fuel-42-5m/amp/

Bellevue, WA. (February 2, 2018) – Apptio, Inc . (NASDAQ: APTI), the business management system of record for hybrid IT, today announced it has completed the acquisition of Digital Fuel SV, LLC, a provider of IT business management (ITBM) tools. With the acquisition of Digital Fuel from global investment firm Skyview Capital, Apptio further extends its leadership of the $6 billion Technology Business Management (TBM) market. Today’s acquisition broadens Apptio’s customer base across both strategic and enterprise segments in the Global 10,000 and adds new product capabilities.

With this move, Apptio’s cloud-based applications will help more than 550 licensed customers manage, plan and optimize their technology investments across on-premises and hybrid IT environments. This acquisition will also provide opportunities to deepen Apptio’s integrations with leading financial, service management, systems management, and public and private cloud vendors. Now, Apptio’s more than 800 employees are solely focused on helping CIOs, IT finance leaders, and infrastructure and operations professionals manage the business of IT.

“Since Apptio’s founding in 2007, we’ve been deeply committed to creating a long lasting software category relevant to every organization, regardless of size or geography,” said Sunny Gupta, CEO of Apptio. “We are invested in the ongoing success of Digital Fuel customers and our combined customer base will have access to the most advanced innovation in TBM. Additionally, our partnership with the nonprofit TBM Council will provide unparalleled industry support to help ensure every customer’s success.”

Digital Fuel was founded in 2000 as a service level management provider and expanded in 2008 to include IT financial management solutions. In 2011, Digital Fuel was acquired by VMware and integrated with VMware’s cloud management and infrastructure products to help provide customers with transparency and control over costs and quality of IT services. In 2016, Digital Fuel was acquired by private investment firm, Skyview Capital.

As part of the Apptio family, Digital Fuel will operate as an independent business unit with continued support and investment for the Digital Fuel product line. Digital Fuel customers will also have the ability to leverage new product innovation from Apptio’s product family. Apptio customers will also benefit from existing Digital Fuel product capabilities, including service level management and a deep integration with VMware vSphere and cloud management solutions.

Alex Soltani, Skyview Capital Chairman says, “We are very excited about this transaction. We feel the combination of Digital Fuel and Apptio will create the leading platform for TBM globally.”

More detail on this news will be provided on Apptio’s 4th quarter earnings conference call, scheduled for Monday, February 5, 2018. Further call information can be found here .

About Apptio

About Digital Fuel

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and manufacturing. By leveraging its operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 25 transactions within its target market verticals. Visit www.skyviewcapital.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Meet the new leader of Digital Fuel: Mark Jancola

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 02:23:55 GMT

Read original article here: https://www-apptio-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.apptio.com/blog/meet-new-leader-digital-fuel-mark-jancola?amp

When I sat down with Mark Jancola earlier this month, he was just transitioning to his new role as VP and GM of Apptio’s Digital Fuel business. Mark is well known at Apptio, having built the product engineering team, product offerings, and technical operations necessary to take the company from initial startup to one of the fastest growing enterprise software companies in history.

If you haven’t met this engaging leader, here’s what you need to know.

Mark, what excites you most about the coming together of these two companies, Apptio and Digital Fuel?

My excitement is really driven by our customers and how much MORE value and leverage they will get from this technology business management superpower. I look forward to the new conversations we can have with them.

What I feel most energized by is the idea that we now have two very smart and experienced teams working to offer powerful costing, planning, benchmarking, and insights solutions that engage and delight our customers. This is a meaningful multiplier of TBM knowledge that will be applied to customers and offered to the market.

What makes you uniquely qualified to assume the leadership helm at Digital Fuel?

I think it’s a combination of factors. I grew up with the customer as we introduced and evolved TBM so I bring that experience and knowledge to the table. I also helped build the Apptio product portfolio and know it intimately.

But really, though I have a developer’s background, the unique benefit I bring is that I lead by developing people. And when you bring two companies together, especially two companies that have competed in the past, the ability to connect people and teams, to make them feel welcome, and to encourage and support their high-performance capabilities is key to leadership success.

During times of transition, it’s critical to maintain the focus on what really matters—the customer. Over time, as our teams integrate, strong leadership will keep everyone focused on moving the ship forward.

How has your engineering background prepared you for this role?

The bottom line is that engineers have a very organized thought process and are oriented toward preventing problems. When we encounter challenges, we are supremely focused on deconstructing and solving them in a rational way. And we are very clear and direct when we communicate this information.

Candidly, there are so many different facets of the Digital Fuel product line around which Apptio had made assumptions. And the reverse is also true: there are things that the Digital Fuel team perceived about Apptio that will change as we become more transparent with each other. As the leader of this merging team, I will help identify and deconstruct these things so that we leverage our strengths as we move forward.

How do those two sets of skills, the pragmatic system thinker and the people person, come together to benefit this team?

It’s just experience. I’ve been in the industry for almost 30 years, and I’ve been a part of so many teams. Big and small, from five-person teams to very large groups that span the globe. Experience bringing those folks together to meet common objectives and produce customer-worthy solutions has fused those skills together in a very positive way.

How do you define your leadership style?

My style is all about context. We set goals for what we want to do but without an understanding of how that impacts our team, the business, and the customer, it’s difficult to deliver on those goals. I’m here to make sure the context is clear because knowing where you are and where you want to go is a critical foundation for the actions that we take.

I guess you could say my style is transparency. I’m a great listener and I’m willing to invest the time to really understand the strengths of the team. Why? Because in my experience, this always leads to new ideas, inspiration, and product innovation.

As an organization gets larger, there can be a temptation for the enterprise to tamp down inspiration. How do you keep innovation top of mind?

That’s a true statement. The larger an organization grows, the bigger the chance an “old way/new way” dilemma can develop. Fear of trying something new or doing something differently can limit a team. I have a couple of strategies for minimizing this:

Provide as much autonomy as possible at the team level. To develop leaders in each area of the business, you’ve got to support accountability and encourage leaders to own their areas of expertise. The smaller the team, the more nimble and open to new ideas they can be.

Create safe spaces for new ideas. It’s important to have an ongoing forum where small teams can contribute their ideas in a flat operating model. In other words, you don’t want ideas that just flow up the management chain and get sifted out. Instead, it’s important to let ideas come out around a table, where everyone can evaluate them.

That’s the crux of it. People need to feel they can experiment and try new things, so that sense of autonomy needs to be embedded in the culture. The teams I’ve led at Apptio are all composed of six people or less—designed to operate independently yet maintain a federation to achieve large-scale outcomes.

We also encourage “hackathon” events to allow people to take time out of their regular schedules to explore new ideas.

What do you think will be the biggest game-changer for technology teams in the next few years?

Self-modifying software. Software technology is evolving fast—so fast that soon it will be common for code to modify itself or generate new code on the fly based on real-time inputs and analysis. We’re seeing the front end of this with the AI/machine learning phenomena.

Here are the things I believe will enhance our offerings over the next few years:

Machine learning. Everyone’s working to understand AI and strategic automation that better leverages data and provides insights to customers. A great (hypothetical) example might be the correlation between dynamic provisioning of cloud compute in a financial services company and a rise in interest rates. Machine learning helps us understand the relationship between IT spend and business impact.

Smarter analytics. Establishing a positive feedback loop allows you to continually evaluate what people do with your software and work to provide new levers to improve products and processes. This constantly inspires changes to what you do and how you do it.

Agile processes. Agile development has really changed the way products and services are delivered. At its core, agile is about breaking down work into small chunks so that you can prioritize and deliver more nimbly. This change has been profound, and now we’re trying to solve the “transparency” challenge of aligning the delivery of incremental value to long-range goals. How can you be sure you are on track to meet an annual objective during each two-week sprint cycle? We want to help customers adapt to these changes and excel at their jobs in this new paradigm.

Customer focus. Understanding how customers use products and extract value from them continually shapes the game, providing ongoing pressure to evolve and be better at what you do. The more you know about the customer and the processes that are running their businesses, the better positioned you are to leverage technology advances to provide solutions that really address their goals and objectives.

What is the primary advantage of the Digital Fuel acquisition for the marketplace?

Whenever you combine two like-minded teams that are considered best in the field, it raises the bar for everyone. That’s what we’ve done here. Think about what outstanding advances a team with this level of depth and skill can bring to the TBM market. What you will see is even more innovation and expanded capabilities for customers.

How do Apptio and Digital Fuel’s product offerings complement each other?

Digital Fuel brings Service Level Management capability to the Apptio market, which has some natural synergies with Apptio Vendor Insights. We are excited to explore the opportunity to enhance this product offering.

For IT costing, Digital Fuel has innovated some exciting ways to get data into the system and we look forward to bringing that to customers. In turn, Apptio brings unparalleled expertise in data modeling to Digital Fuel customers.

There are many opportunities to leverage each other’s strengths as we unify our functional capabilities and innovate in new directions.

Tell us something about yourself that isn’t on your resume.

You might not know that for many years, I was a competitive road cyclist, participating in races throughout the Pacific NW and even across the U.S. I once trained for a week in Spain with Tour de France winner Stephen Roche. That was a phenomenal experience and something I will never forget.

I still ride but today I’m more into wakeboarding. In the summer, I spend as much time wakeboarding as my schedule will allow. In fact, we have an Apptio club that meets on the dock at 6am in the summertime to do a couple of runs before we head to work. It’s a great way to start the day.

My “not-so-secret” secret is that I am a family guy at heart. Although two of my three kids (twins!) are about to graduate from college, the “Dad” hat is always the one I’m going to choose first. I’m game for any activity with my kids, anytime, anywhere.

More questions for Mark? Email him here or find him on LinkedIn .

GrowthCap’s Top 40 Under 40 Growth Investors Of 2017

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 02:15:23 GMT

GrowthCap’s Top 40 Under 40 Growth Investors Of 2017

ALEX SOLTANI

Firm: Skyview Capital

Title: Founder and Chairman

Alex founded Skyview 13 years ago, prior to which he worked at Platinum Equity. Since inception, Skyview has completed over 30 transactions and has exited 13 of its portfolio companies. With a heritage of executing complex corporate carve-outs in the enterprise software and telecom space, Alex has developed significant expertise in driving operational best practices and accelerating growth through strategic add-on acquisitions. For example, Skyview acquired Syncplicity in 2015 at a point when it was burning a significant amount of cash. Within 18 months, Skyview assisted in rightsizing the business, optimizing sales and marketing, and accelerating revenue growth. Skyview successfully sold Syncplicity to Axway in February of 2017. Alex recently launched Skyview Ventures which focuses on earlier stage disruptive technology investments.

“I enjoy working with businesses that we feel have untapped yet significant potential; we like to think of ourselves as a hybrid financial/operational resource that founders, management teams and stakeholders alike can leverage for growth. Although it can be a significant undertaking, there is a deep sense of satisfaction that comes with taking a historically stagnant, mature, or underperforming business and unlocking its true inherent potential. At Skyview, we provide a unique and differentiated solution to large multinational corporations, business owners and any stakeholders who need help realizing value in their business. Many publicly traded companies within the Fortune 2000 community enjoy working with us because of our ability to quickly execute on some very complex corporate carve-outs with minimal disruption to their internal processes, employees and customers. We also work closely with founders and management teams to identify organic growth initiatives by driving operational best practices, while also combing for add-on strategic acquisitions to further accelerate that development.” – Alex Soltani, Skyview Capital

ZephyrTel Welcomes Three New Companies into Its Portfolio of Software Products Serving the Global Telecommunications Sector

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 02:09:36 GMT

Read Original Article Here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180710005025/en/ZephyrTel-Welcomes-New-Companies-Portfolio-Software-Products

LONDON–( BUSINESS WIRE )–ZephyrTel, a new ESW software company, dedicated to serving the global Telecommunications and Cellular industry, is pleased to announce it has acquired three new companies into its portfolio – VoltDelta, PeerApp and Mobilology, effective immediately.

ZephyrTel is building a world class Telco Practice, which provides a multi-solution and services proposition to the global Telco industry.

The firm’s objective is to offer Software and SaaS solutions across a Telco company’s IT estate; from infrastructure right across to customer experience. This, coupled with its high level of industry domain expertise, will enable ZephyrTel to offer consultancy on both business strategy, and technology execution.

Having already acquired several Telecom software companies, ZephyrTel is currently adding to its portfolio, at pace. Its newly acquired products will be marketed by their valued, familiar product names and sit under the ZephyrTel corporate brand. The company’s ambition is to build a Telco Software Group of circa $1 Billion in the medium term.

The software company will be utilising ESW’s state of the art software development and performance improvement processes, to offer the industrys’ highest levels of installation stability and throughput. Additionally, 24/7 support, and high quality global Services coverage, will enable ZephyrTel to deliver enhanced levels of business value for technology investment.

The firm aims to offer the lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and superior Customer Value through its established, “tried and tested”, Customer Value programmes.

ZephyrTel CEO, Mike Shinya, commented; ‘”We see a great opportunity to serve the global telecommunications software market, from smallest to the largest of companies. The acquisition of VoltDelta, PeerApp and Mobilogy will significantly strengthen our portfolio. It is a great privilege to bring these organisations and their customers, to the ZephyrTel family.”

About VoltDelta

VoltDelta delivers cloud and premise-based, multichannel contact centre solutions, intelligent automation and data-driven contact management to optimize the customer journey. VoltDelta rapidly tailors and integrates its solutions to enable customers to increase revenue, boost retention and reduce operating costs while taking advantage of proven scalability and reliability. VoltDelta is part of NewNet Communication Technologies. For more information, please visit: www.voltdelta.net .

About PeerApp Ltd

Founded in 2004, PeerApp delivers award-winning open content caching solutions, including content localisation and caching, live streaming delivery, application and data acceleration, smart traffic management, QoE enhancement and congestion relief across all networks. Local content delivery solutions help operators generate new revenue opportunities. For more information, visit www.peerapp.com .

About Mobilogy

Mobilogy, formerly Cellebrite Mobile Lifecycle, is a world leader in providing Operators, Retailers and Aftermarket Service (AMS) Providers, with advanced mobile lifecycle solutions to enhance the customer experience, improve satisfaction, reduce cost, and generate revenue. With delivery channels in-store, on-device, and over the web, mobile retailers can take advantage of Mobilogy’s full suite of mobile lifecycle solutions: diagnostics, phone-to-phone content transfer, backup, restore and wipe, automated phone buyback, and application and content delivery. In addition, Mobilogy offers retailers monitoring, statistics and analysis of all activities. Mobilogy’s global leadership is demonstrated through its deployment of over 150,000 units at more than 200 mobile operators and retailers globally, representing well over 100,000 stores and handling hundreds of millions of transactions per year. For more information, visit www.mobilogy.com .

Contacts

ZephyrTel
Mike Shinya
CEO
mike.shinya@zephyrtel.com
or
Martyn Lambert
SVP Products & Marketing
martyn.lambert@zephyrtel.com

Back-to-school in a box: Parents keep it simple with supply kits

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 02:04:34 GMT

Read original article here: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-back-to-school-supply-kits-0805-story.html

Jenny Driscoll has fond memories of back-to-school shopping as a kid: picking out the perfect folders, decorating new notebooks.

She’d been looking forward to sharing the experience with her son before his first day of kindergarten five years ago at his new school in west suburban Hinsdale — until she took a closer look at his supply list.

Jenny Driscoll has fond memories of back-to-school shopping as a kid: picking out the perfect folders, decorating new notebooks.

Ever since, she’s purchased all-in-one supply kits for her kids, now in fifth and second grades. Driscoll isn’t alone. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. consumers who have the option to purchase a kit from their child’s school or parent teacher organization have done so at least once, and most are repeat buyers, according to a 2017 report from market research firm The NPD Group.

Fans of the kits praise the convenience of filling a child’s backpack without spending hours tracking down folders with the requested combination of pockets, prongs and colors. Other parents question how good a deal they’re getting or say their kids still like browsing the aisles at traditional school supply destinations themselves.

Those retailers, including big-box stores and office supply chains, are competing with convenience-focused services of their own. But supply kit vendors say they’ve got one edge the big chains can’t fully match: a local school’s endorsement.

“It goes back to consumer confidence,” said Jennifer Thompson, owner of DeKalb-based school supply kit vendor The Write Stuff. “A parent may question themselves on something at Target. We make it easy.”

Supply kit companies take teachers’ lists and work with vendors to secure the items. They take online orders and assemble individual student kits over the summer before shipping them to schools or students’ homes by the first day of class.

Prices vary considerably depending on the school — some use it as a fundraiser and add a markup to the quoted price, while others treat it as a service for parents. A student’s age matters too. At Hinsdale’s Monroe, which works with Oswego-based Shane’s Kits, for instance, kindergarten kits cost $40, while fifth-graders’ parents pay $70.

The kit concept isn’t new. Woodridge-based SchoolKidz, which Los Angeles private equity firm Skyview Capital purchased from Staples earlier this year, was founded in 1995. Initially, the company planned to sell supply kits to families online, but e-commerce hadn’t yet taken off, so SchoolKidz shifted its focused to schools, said Jim Mulder, the company’s president.

SchoolKidz also has a division that provides kits to not-for-profit organizations and a separate business selling individual kits to consumers, but the school list kits make up the bulk of the business. The company works with thousands of schools, Mulder said.

Over the years, the items in those kits have changed. Floppy disks are out, and earbuds and flash drives are in, Thompson said. More schools request general classroom supplies like copy paper and paper towels, which she and Mulder chalk up to tighter budgets.

Both also said their companies handle more of the legwork of running supply kit sales, like collecting online orders and payments — work that used to fall to school volunteers running in-person or mail order sales.

“The simpler we can make it (for schools), the more appealing it is,” Thompson said.

Fans of the programs point to convenience.

“Parents don’t want to have to hassle with it at the end of the summer,” said Peggy Brink, who organizes the supply kit program for the North Shore’s Wilmette Junior High School. Brink is among the two-thirds of families she estimated buy kits, purchased from Colorado-based EduKit. “And when you go to Target or another store, you end up buying a lot of other things while you’re there.”

But Michael Millar, of Wilmette, said he and his family will handle supply shopping themselves this year, though they’ve purchased kits in the past. His daughter, who will be an eighth-grader at Wilmette Junior High, enjoys choosing her own supplies. Cost is a factor too, Millar said.

“Because it’s a convenience, it seems like there’s a convenience fee attached to it,” he said.

Officials at Wilmette Junior High and Monroe say their kit sales have a small fundraising component. Monroe’s parent teacher organization uses input from parents and teachers to decide how to use the money, Driscoll said.

The kits seem to be most popular at more affluent schools and in major cities where parents are more willing to pay a little extra to save time, said Ana Serafin Smith, a spokeswoman for the National Retail Federation.

About 40 percent of Chicago parents who participated in Deloitte’s annual back-to-school survey planned to buy pre-configured supply kits, said Bobby Stephens, a senior manager in consultancy Deloitte Digital’s retail practice. That’s above the national and Midwest rate.

Overall, families earning between $50,000 and $100,000 per year were the most likely to say they planned to buy kits, including those purchased through schools and school supply bundles bought from other retailers, Stephens said.

“That combination of convenience and price lets them get what they need (for basic items), then be more selective about others,” he said.

Supply kit vendors aren’t the only ones making the convenience pitch.

Out of the roughly $685 that families with children in elementary through high school planned to spend on back-to-school items this year, only about $122 will go to items like notebooks, pencils and backpacks, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual back-to-school survey.

“It’s not just about supplies; parents need to get clothes and other things that still require a trip to the store,” said Alexis DeSalva, senior retail and e-commerce analyst at market research firm Mintel. “Retailers like Target and Walmart are using that to their advantage.”

Some retailers post schools’ lists online, and Target and Office Depot will let parents add all available items on a child’s list to their cart with a single click.

For now, companies selling kits selected by the school have an edge when it comes to offering parents a stamp of approval, DeSalva said.

But she said she wouldn’t be surprised to see more big retailers trying to partner with schools and inch closer to the kit service, even if it wouldn’t make financial sense to work as closely with individual schools as companies like The Write Stuff and SchoolKidz do.

Both companies say they haven’t yet felt the impact of big chains’ efforts to mimic their approach. The Write Stuff is working with more schools than ever: nearly 300 across 32 states, Thompson said.

Mulder, the SchoolKidz president, said he’s skeptical that a general retailer would make school supplies enough of a priority to match the level of service dedicated supply kit vendors provide.

“We have a more immediate, intimate relationship with schools,” he said. “Walmart and Target just aren’t getting to that level of conversation.”

lzumbach@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @laurenzumbach

ZT Acquires Both Mobile & IoT Messaging and Interact Business Units From NewNet

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 01:47:53 GMT

LONDON–( BUSINESS WIRE )–ZephyrTel, a division of ESW Capital focused exclusively on global telecommunications operators, is pleased to announce it has acquired the Interact and Mobile Messaging business units of NewNet Communication Technologies with immediate effect. The acquisition will integrate the Mobile Messaging, Invigorate Rating and Charging Platform and the Nimblevox Cloud IVR technology into the ZephyrTel rapidly growing Telecoms Cloud Portfolio.

ZephyrTel has built a world-class telecommunication Cloud software company to provide software solutions and services to the global telco industry. The company’s primary objective is to provide carrier-grade Cloud applications and Cloud enablement products. The goal being to deliver industry-leading throughput, robustness, scale and value to its customers at the pace they need. ZephyrTel is currently serving the telecommunications industry worldwide with software products for retail, infrastructure, mobile, cloud enablement, and customer experience.

The acquisition of NewNet’s Mobile Messaging and Interact business units follows ZephyrTel’s plan to provide value and enhanced throughput to telecom businesses worldwide through strategies that surround the Business Support Systems (BSS) and the rapid deployment of Cloud native solutions. NewNet products will be marketed by their current name under the ZephyrTel corporate brand in the same manner as Mobilogy, PeerApp, VoltDelta and Vasona, its existing portfolio of telecom software products. In brief, the new products in the family are:

The NewNet Lithium and messaging products allow for the transmission of video, sound and text between mobile devices to both people and systems together with Machine to Machine (M2M) communications, a key component for Internet of Things (IoT) platforms.
Nimblevox, the Cloud and On-Premise Interactive Voice Response (IVR) platform which provides customers with enhanced customer experience through inbound and outbound voice services.
Invigorate, the real-time Rating and Charging system is currently used across the globe to provide services to over 20 million subscribers. Invigorate allows operators to rapidly package, promote and discount services based on customer unique preferences, whilst promoting the use of additional revenue-generating applications.

ZephyrTel will be utilising ESW’s state of the art software development and performance improvement processes to offer the industry’s highest levels of installation stability and throughput to NewNet’s customers. Additionally, the company will provide 24/7 support and high-quality global services coverage to deliver enhanced levels of business value for technology investment.

ZephyrTel CEO, Mike Shinya, commented: “We have made multiple acquisitions this year and now NewNet continues to add to our growing and extensive solutions portfolio. Now we are very well placed to serve the global telecommunications software market, from the smallest to the largest of companies. The acquisition of NewNet will significantly strengthen our portfolio in the area of innovative mobile communications and customer service, and we are delighted to bring both NewNet and its customers into the ZephyrTel family.”

For more information about ZephryTel, please visit www.zephyrtel.com .

– ENDS –

About NewNet Communication Technologies

NewNet is one of the premier global providers of next-generation mobile technology solutions offering over 25 years of expertise across four businesses: mobile messaging, payment security, interactive voice communications and broadband wireless. Dedicated to innovation, NewNet provides operators and enterprises with a broad range of solutions that are designed to optimize global communication opportunities. NewNet solutions are available in a variety of applications including on-site, hosted, cloud and managed solutions. NewNet is a portfolio company of Skyview Capital. More information is available at www.newnet.com .

About ZephyrTel

Launched at the start of 2018, ZephyrTel has rapidly scaled up to reach $70M in revenue in a very short space of time. With more than 5,000 installations and 4,000 engineers in over 50 countries around the world, the firm is today installed in 75% of the leading telco carrier brands and continuously extending its telco product range. ZephyrTel is currently serving the telecommunications industry worldwide with software products for retail, infrastructure, mobile, cloud, and customer experience. More information is available at www.zephyrtel.com .

Contacts

For further information please email
Mike Shinya, CEO mike.shinya@zephyrtel.com

Martyn Lambert, Chief Marketing Officer, martyn.lambert@zephyrtel.com

Paula Elliott, Managing Director, C8 Consulting paula@c8consulting.co.uk

Skyview Ventures Makes Significant Investment in Silk Technologies, Ltd.

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 22:39:58 GMT

Skyview Ventures is excited to announce its Series A investment in Silk Technologies, a highly innovative biotech company with patented technology that uses silk protein to develop biological drugs designed to treat eye disease.

LOS ANGELES ( PRWEB ) NOVEMBER 08, 2017

Skyview Ventures, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of global private equity firm Skyview Capital, LLC is pleased to announce its Series A investment in Silk Technologies, Ltd (“SILKTECH”). This highly innovative biotech company has patented technology that uses silk protein to develop biological drugs designed to treat eye disease. Their lead drug candidate, SDP-4, has a dual mode of action. Pre-clinical findings have demonstrated that SDP-4 has potent anti-inflammatory activity that target known causes of Dry Eye Disease. In addition, SDP-4 significantly improves the wetting properties of ophthalmic formulations, which is essential for enhancing comfort during use. More notably, this inherent, enhanced wetting property of SDP-4 is achieved without increased viscosity, which can blur vision.

Skyview Ventures has committed $11.2 Million to support development of SDP-4 through Phase-2 proof of concept studies.

Dry Eye Disease is a multi-billion dollar market estimated to effect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, with at least 30+ million of those people in the United States. Dry eye is a disease of the tears and ocular surface that results in discomfort, visual disturbance, and tear film instability and which often limits vision. Inflammation is known to be a major causal contributor. Typical discomfort symptoms associated with dry eye include burning, stinging, grittiness, foreign body sensation, tearing, ocular fatigue, pain and of course, dryness. Although several current Dry Eye therapies exist, the market continues to demand a more robust and effective form of treatment. The SDP-4 drug is uniquely designed to address both the underlying inflammation as a result of the disease while providing the patient greater relief from their symptoms than currently available treatment options provide.

Alex Soltani, Skyview Ventures’ Chairman & CEO, stated, “Skyview Ventures has had great success partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs and helping disruptive, market-changing, companies achieve their maximum potential, and we believe this recipe for success will again be replicated through our investment and partnership with SILKTECH. SILKTECH and its highly savvy team has developed a novel product to solve a significantly growing problem which still has yet to find an appropriate and consistently effective solution. We are confident that the SILKTECH therapeutic which combines novel wetting attributes with potent targeted anti-inflammatory properties will provide a significant improvement to existing prescription Dry Eye therapies in the market today. Dry Eye impacts tens of millions of patients in the United States alone, and as a result the opportunity for disruption of this market is truly substantial. I, for one, suffer from this condition and I am looking forward to seeing this product quickly advance and become available for the benefit of the general population.”

Brian Lawrence, Ph.D., SILKTECH’s co-founder and CEO, says, “We are thrilled to have Skyview Ventures as our Series A investment partner. They are an optimal partner for SILKTECH given their enthusiasm for the Dry Eye space and their strong track record of success for investing in markets that require innovative approaches. In addition to capital, Skyview Ventures will provide SILKTECH with enhanced operational bandwidth that will be critical in accelerating our technology to the marketplace.” Dr. Lawrence has a Ph.D. from the Biomedical Engineering Department at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY), and has been devoted to developing the use of silk protein to treat eye disease for the past 12 years. SILKTECH team members will be speaking at the Ophthalmology Innovation Summit preceding the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting on November 9th in New Orleans, LA.

Richard Lindstrom, M.D., a leading Ophthalmology expert who is on the SILKTECH Medical Advisory Board and a practicing Ophthalmologist and founder of Minnesota Eye Consultants, states, “SDP-4 offers a very novel approach to treating Dry Eye symptoms. It provides several modes of action to address this serious problem.”

Brian Levy, O.D., M.Sc, Chairman of SILKTECH, and a leading Ophthalmology industry expert who served as Chief Medical Officer for Bausch + Lomb and Aerie Pharmaceuticals says, “We are excited to have the Skyview Capital team join us at SILKTECH. The need for more effective Dry Eye therapies continues and the SDP-4 biologic offers a compelling solution.”

Emmett T. Cunningham, Jr, MD, PhD, MPH, an internationally recognized ocular inflammatory disease expert and leading venture investor in the sector will join the SILKTECH board of directors and states, “SILKTECH’s SDP-4 represents an exciting and potentially disruptive treatment approach to several, common ocular surface disorders, including dry eye.”

Paul Karpecki, OD, a leading expert in the field of dry eye disease, who is on the SILKTECH Board of Directors commented that, “The field of protein-based treatments for dry eye is significant and could represent one of the key mechanisms to managing this vast disease. SDP-4 is a prime example of how this silk protein may affect lubrication, inflammation and ocular surface healing.”

Matt Thompson, Skyview Ventures Senior Vice President says, “Dry Eye syndrome is a massive, under-diagnosed health issue. The current products on the market have significant adverse side effects and provide limited relief. This research was built on solid underlying science and has been funded to date by Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards from both the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense. Our investment will help accelerate their growth, resulting in new products for consumers entering the market in the next several years.”

The Silk Technologies board of directors includes Dr. Brian Levy, Alex Soltani, Dr. Brian Lawrence, Bill Mower, Dr. Emmett Cunningham, Jr and Dr. Paul Karpecki.

About Skyview Ventures

Skyview Ventures is a wholly owned division of Skyview Capital, LLC. Skyview Ventures partners with talented entrepreneurs who are developing highly-disruptive technologies in a variety of different markets and industries. Skyview Ventures invests in early stage businesses, where the team can leverage industry experience and its vast relationships. Current areas of focus include Digital Media, IoT, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Telecom and Software, Social Media, Fintech, HealthTech and Biotech. Skyview Ventures is based in Los Angeles, California. http://www.skyviewcapital.com/ventures

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and manufacturing. By leveraging its operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed more than 25 transactions within its target market verticals. Visit http://www.skyviewcapital.com .

About Silk Technologies, Ltd.

Silk Technologies, Ltd is a biotech company focusing on innovating and developing silk-derived protein (SDP) products for ophthalmic applications. The Company’s patented SDP material is being developed for applications in treating dry eye disease, ocular inflammation, wound healing and tear film health. More information on the Plymouth, MN based Silk Technologies, Ltd. can be found at http://www.silk-tech.com .

Digital Fuel Announces Growth Initiatives

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 22:06:33 GMT

Read original article here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2016/10/prweb13795548.htm

LOS ANGELES, CA (PRWEB) – Digital Fuel SV, LLC (“Digital Fuel”) co-sponsored the IQPC IT Financial Management Conference in San Francisco on October 24th and 25th.

Digital Fuel is the leader in the rapidly growing IT Business Management (ITBM) sector, which provides software solutions that help CIOs, IT Managers, and Finance Managers oversee IT spending and budgets. ITBM provides IT leaders with capabilities to manage their costs and services while also demonstrating the value provided.

During the IQPC IT Financial Management Conference and in their show booth, Digital Fuel has announced several growth initiatives. The initiatives include:

Aggressive Hiring — Digital Fuel has hired additional Product and Sales staff including Brett Arnott, Director of Product Marketing and Management. Brett had previously worked in the Digital Fuel unit at VMware. Brett says of his new role, “I’m very excited to join the new Digital Fuel. I see a lot of opportunities to service Fortune-1000 and SMBs with their IT Business Management needs.” Digital Fuel is also actively hiring additional Sales professionals to ramp up customer growth.
New Logo and Branding — Digital Fuel commissioned a new logo that has been deployed on digitalfuel.com and on social media.
New Software release in fourth quarter 2016 — The new release will include improved usability, new branding, enhanced pdf export capabilities, and upgraded reporting.
Additional Channel Partners. Digital Fuel is actively bringing on additional Channel Sales partners to expand sales initiatives globally.
Inorganic Growth. Digital Fuel is also evaluating acquisition opportunities to add new capabilities and adjacent technologies.

Since acquisition, Digital Fuel has brought on several key team members. Rick Bigelow has joined as Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. Rick was previously CEO of Skyview Capital Portfolio Companies Mimio LLC and Integrated Microwave Technologies.

Digital Fuel has emerged as an industry leader in the ITBM sector, selling to blue-chip enterprise customers across multiple end markets including Financial Services, Government, Education, and Healthcare. The business has helped customers optimize their IT spend and realize significant cost savings, while being more responsive to internal customer needs. Digital Fuel provides Cost Transparency, Service Level Management, and IT Benchmarking modules. Digital Fuel sells software licenses, SaaS subscriptions, and professional services to Fortune-1000 enterprises globally. Digital Fuel provides the granularity and accuracy which other systems lack. This level of detail allows enterprises to reliably perform customer chargebacks, budgeting & planning, accurate cost optimization insights, and robust IT Financial management activities.

“We are excited to grow the features and functionality of the Digital Fuel product suite. We are aggressively targeting new use cases for our software to help our customer base meet their financial and IT goals” said Rick Bigelow, chief operating officer and general manager of Digital Fuel.

“Digital Fuel will be releasing exciting new usability and modularization features over the coming quarters addressing key needs in the market segment, and further positioning us as the technology leader in the space” said Jason Nienaber, SVP of sales and marketing at Digital Fuel. “We are seeing strong demand from our Service Integrator and Reseller partners, including a significant interest from new channels who want to be part of our strategy to scale globally with regional focus. There is a growing need for our solution in the Enterprise and SMB space when you appreciate the pressure they face to optimize IT portfolios, and respond swiftly to Cloud strategies.”

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and manufacturing. By leveraging its operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 25 transactions within its target market verticals. Visit http://www.skyviewcapital.com .

About Digital Fuel SV, LLC

Digital Fuel is an IT Business management (ITBM) tool that provides transparency and control over the costs of cloud environments and quality of IT services. Its suite of products allow businesses to optimize costs and sourcing across internal virtual infrastructure/private cloud and public cloud. Infrastructure teams use Digital Fuel to understand the costs of supplying private and public cloud environments, while CIOs and IT executives can understand the costs of supplying IT services.

For additional information, please contact Public Relations at Digital Fuel
(925) 997-2557
PR(at)digitalfuel(dot)com

Stay connected with Digital Fuel by following our LinkedIn Account at https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-fuel

Skyview Ventures Invests in Buy It Installed, Inc.

Tue, 01 Aug 2017 21:43:53 GMT

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, August 1, 2017 / EINPresswire.com / — Skyview Ventures is excited to announce its investment in the A-Round of Buy It Installed , Inc. This software-enabled-services company has invented a process that fully automates the integration of installation services throughout the supply chain, enabling online retailers to dynamically connect consumers with qualified installers. For consumers, the Buy It Installed solution means simple, “one-click” access to professional installation services: Consumers simply push a button and get the products they are buying installed. For retailers, the Buy It Installed button means an enhanced consumer experience that leads to exponential sales growth. A large percentage of consumers are ready to make an online purchase, but they are turned off by the need to separately find an installer. By packaging the online order with installation, the Buy It Installed button dramatically increases the close rate on transactions. This helps retailers increase both sales and customer satisfaction, while reducing product returns.

The investment in Buy It Installed will be used to further develop the service platform, recruit additional team members, and harness the existing large customer demand. Skyview Ventures is investing in this round alongside Tech Coast Angels , the ACE Fund, and families core to the venerable Crosspoint Venture Partners.

Skyview Capital Ventures has relevant experience in the Mobile, Software as a Service, Cloud-based customer support, and eCommerce segments through previous investments in NewPace, Headsprout, Mimio, LSSiData, Kangarootime and Syncplicity.

Alex Soltani, Skyview Capital’s CEO, says “Skyview Ventures has had great success helping disruptive companies in the software and E-commerce sectors. E-commerce has become a major sales channel globally and providing coordinated installations is a logical next step. Buy It Installed has a great team, and this additional capital will help them scale into a major player in this E-commerce logistics space.”

Todd Banhidy, Buy It Installed’s founder, says, “We are very excited to have Skyview Ventures participate in this round. Skyview brings relevant technical and operating experience, and a great camaraderie as the first institutional investors in this round.”

Matt Thompson, Skyview Capital Ventures Senior Vice President says, “We are looking forward to partner with Todd Banhidy and the Buy It Installed team. We see a huge market in finishing the eCommerce last foot’ of completing the assembly and installation of the items. There are so many times when I choose not to purchase an item because I don’t know who will install it. We expect Buy It Installed to define this market segment which is at the intersection of eCommerce, Artificial Intelligence, big data, and mobility.”

About Skyview Ventures

Skyview Ventures is a wholly owned division of Skyview Capital LLC. Skyview Ventures partners with entrepreneurs in Southern California who are developing disruptive technologies. Skyview Ventures invests in early stage businesses, where the team can leverage industry experience and its vast relationships. Current areas of focus include Digital Media, IoT, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Telecom and Software, Social Media, Fintech, HealthTech and Biotech. Skyview Ventures is based in Los Angeles, California. www.skyviewcapital.com/ventures

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and manufacturing. By leveraging its operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed more than 25 transactions within its target market verticals. Visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

About Buy It Installed, Inc.

Buy It Installed™ is a button integrated into a retailer’s e-commerce site which enables a consumer to buy their product with manufacturer certified service nationwide. Having automated the complex human system that is installed sales, they are the first to successfully serve large retailers at a massive scale. More information on the Irvine, CA based Buy It Installed, Inc. can be found at www.buyitinstalled.com

Matt Thompson
Skyview Ventures
310-273-6000
email us here

Skyview Ventures Invests in Kangarootime Inc

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 21:46:27 GMT

Read original article here: http://www.einnews.com/pr_news/390663521/skyview-ventures-invests-in-kangarootime-inc

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, July 5, 2017 / EINPresswire.com / — Skyview Ventures LLC is excited to announce its investment in the Seed Round of Kangarootime . Kangarootime is a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions for early learning centers. The Kangarootime suite of products allows childcare centers and other educational centers to digitize their operations. The Kangarootime suite allows parents to check their children in and out of the center, pay tuition electronically, view and share photos, complete student paperwork and interact with teachers. The tool also helps childcare centers manage their compliance issues, improve staffing oversight, and increase and automate revenue and collections.

This investment in Kangarootime will go to help accelerate their growth into new school organizations in the United States and abroad. Skyview Ventures is investing alongside Mucker Capital and Tech Coast Angels in this round.

Skyview Ventures has relevant experience in the mobile, EdTech and cloud-based software segments through previous investments in NewPace, Headsprout, Mimio, LSSiData, and Syncplicity.

Scott Wayman, Kangarootime CEO, says, “We are very excited to have Skyview Ventures participate in this round. Skyview brings a lot of relevant financial, technical, and operating experience. We are building the first cloud-based enterprise-capable platform for early education, and having the operating expertise of Skyview behind us is an invaluable asset. Another appeal of teaming up with Skyview was that their team consists of real entrepreneurs. As we work with the large franchise businesses in early childhood education, having former operators like Skyview in our corner is a real asset.”

Matt Thompson, Skyview Ventures LLC Senior Vice President says, “We are looking forward to partnering with Scott Wayman and the Kangarootime team. We first met Scott at the Founders Institute pitch session two years ago and have been impressed with his progress. Early education and day-camps are sectors ripe for digital disruption. As a parent, I am tired of all of the duplicative paper forms. We see Kangarootime both growing the market and taking share.”

Chris Aye, Skyview Capital COO, says “We are excited to help Kangarootime on their journey. They have a great foundation and this additional capital will help them scale the business.”

About Skyview Ventures LLC

Skyview Ventures LLC is a wholly-owned division of Skyview Capital LLC. Skyview Ventures partners with entrepreneurs in Southern California who are developing disruptive technologies. Skyview Ventures invests in early stage businesses, where the team can leverage industry experience and its vast relationships. Current areas of focus include Digital Media, IoT, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Telecom and Software, Social Media, Fintech, HealthTech and Biotech. Skyview Ventures is based in Los Angeles, California. www.skyviewcapital.com/ventures

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and manufacturing. By leveraging its operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed more than 25 transactions within its target market verticals. Visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

About Kangarootime, Inc.

Kangarootime is a leader in the education software market and is based in Long Beach, California. Kangarootime provides a suite of software tools including Tuition Collection Manager, Child Checkin and Checkout, Messaging and Picture Sharing and Employee Management. Kangarootime serves preschool, elementary school, elder care, and day-camp market segments.

Matt Thompson
Skyview Ventures
310-273-6000
email us here

Dale Quayle Named CEO of Digital Fuel

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 21:48:53 GMT

LOS ANGELES, CA (PRWEB) JUNE 26, 2017 – Digital Fuel announced that Dale Quayle has been named as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. As CEO, Quayle will focus on continuing to grow market share worldwide and to accelerate a strategic shift to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Quayle has a long track record of innovation and business success as President and CEO of Interset and President and CEO of Integrien, which was acquired by VMware in 2011. Quayle’s 35-year career also includes senior positions at Hewlett Packard and Trinagy.

“Dale is the right CEO to take Digital Fuel to its next phase of growth, customer expansion and innovation” said Alex Soltani, Skyview Capital CEO and Chairman. “His successful track record in leading enterprise software companies through rapid growth and his ability to capitalize on emerging opportunities makes him the right candidate for the job.”

Together with the Digital Fuel leadership team, Quayle will focus on four priorities:

Strengthening customer intimacy by enhancing the current culture of customer relationship and success to ensure Digital Fuel’s success
Accelerating product innovation, ensuring that our market leading products continue to meet and exceed rapidly changing market and customer needs. This includes increasingly leveraging new technologies and forming innovative new partnerships
Establishing market leadership through education, community and best practices that can be adopted throughout the industry.
Maintaining value for customers by providing the lowest total cost of ownership and therefore the greatest return on investment

“I am very excited to join Digital Fuel, which has built such great momentum in the market place,” said Dale. “Enterprises are embracing the power of IT innovation within all functions of the organization, and solutions like Digital Fuel help manage and aid these companies to make informed and timely decisions on their IT spend particularly in complex cloud technology implementations. Digital Fuel is in the forefront of this transition and is poised for aggressive growth. I am very pleased to be joining the Digital Fuel team and look forward to accelerate the growth.”

About Digital Fuel

Digital Fuel develops software solutions that help organizations deliver more business value from every dollar spent on IT. We provide the only solution where IT leaders plan, manage and optimize the cost, quality and business value of IT service investments in one single system of record. IT and business leaders use Digital Fuel’s solutions for 100% of IT spend, private, public and hybrid cloud and for corporate shared services and revenue generating services. Digital Fuel maximizes the return on investment for hundreds of customers worldwide by providing low total cost of ownership (TCO). To learn more, please visit http://www.digitalfuel.com .

Press Contact
Digital Fuel Media
PR@digitalfuel.com
(925) 997-2557

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and manufacturing. By leveraging its operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 25 transactions within its target market verticals. To learn more, please visit http://www.skyviewcapital.com

Skyview Contact:
Shrikar Kasturi
Sr. VP – Mergers & Acquisitions
Skyview Capital, LLC
skasturi@skyviewcapital.com

Skyview Capital to Launch Venture Investing Initiative: Skyview Ventures

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 21:53:20 GMT

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, April 4, 2017 / EINPresswire.com / — Founded in 2005 to focus on operationally challenged corporate carveouts in the lower middle market, Skyview Capital (“Skyview”) has built a deep and talented, multi-disciplinary team of seasoned in-house professionals. Since inception of the firm, Skyview has generated exceptional cash-on-cash returns. In the last several years, the Skyview team has had great success with technology carve-outs and buyouts. Selected recent portfolio company exits include the sales of:

• Headsprout Educational Software to Cambium Learning (NASDAQ: ABCD)
• Mimio Educational Hardware to Boxlight
• IMT Microwave to xG Technologies (NASDAQ: XGTI)
• NewPace Rich Communications Services business to Samsung
• LSSI Data to Neustar (NYSE: NSR)
• Syncplicity to Axway (AXW.PA)

On the heels of these successes, and seeking to leverage the team’s expansive skill set and experience base in investing in as well as operating growth-oriented technology and telecommunications businesses, Skyview Capital has launched Skyview Ventures. Skyview Ventures is an internally managed pool of partners’ capital that will invest in high growth companies in Southern California. Focusing on Seed, Angel, A, B &C investment rounds, Skyview Ventures will target technology sectors in which Skyview Capital has a strong angle due to relevant experience and relationships. Areas of focus include Internet of Things (IOT), Enterprise Software, Digital Media, Virtual Reality, Telecom and Mobile Infrastructure, Consumer Technology, Biotech/Healthtech, and FinTech..

“Historically within our portfolio companies, we opportunistically have evaluated and incubated startup ventures. Now we are very excited to formalize our activities in the venture realm. Over the last several years, we have generated exceptional returns on our technology- and telecom-related investments, and in doing so, have built our team to the point where we are now well-positioned to pursue this new avenue. Through our business development team, we have significant technology deal flow. With our in-house operations team, we have experience scaling highly successful technology businesses. We strongly believe we bring a differentiated skill set and new point of view to the venture world” said Alex Soltani, Chairman & CEO of Skyview Capital and Skyview Ventures.

Matt Thompson, Senior Vice President at Skyview Capital, will be coordinating investment activities for Skyview Ventures. Matt has 20 years of investing and operating experience with Technology, Consumer, Software, and Healthcare startups and larger enterprises. Matt is an active and connected member of the Angel and Venture Capital communities in Southern California. Matt says of Skyview Ventures, “We are really excited to invest in the Southern California startup ecosystem. We see significant opportunity to help entrepreneurs realize their vision. The Skyview Capital platform allows us to hit the ground running and accelerate these new ventures. We believe that our industry expertise, operational capabilities and experience in the corporate carveout world will allow us to bring a fresh perspective to our portfolio companies.” Matt Thompson will be working with Edward Zyszkowski, Skyview Chief Technology Officer, to source and evaluate new technologies for Skyview Ventures. Mr. Zyszkowski has served as a founder, CEO, CTO, investor and corporate advisor to industry-transforming technologies.

About Skyview Ventures

Skyview Ventures is a wholly-owned division of Skyview Capital LLC. Skyview Ventures partners with entrepreneurs in Southern California who are developing disruptive technologies. Skyview Ventures invests in early stage businesses, where the team can leverage industry experience and its vast relationships. Current areas of focus include Digital Media, IoT, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Telecom and Software, Social Media, Fintech, HealthTech and Biotech. Skyview Ventures is based in Los Angeles, California.

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and manufacturing. By leveraging its operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed more than 25 transactions within its target market verticals. Visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

Matt Thompson
Skyview Ventures
310-273-6000
email us here

Skyview Capital sells Syncplicity to Axway

Fri, 24 Feb 2017 22:59:10 GMT

LOS ANGELES, CA – February 24, 2017 – Skyview Capital today announced that it has completed the sale of Syncplicity, a leading enterprise file sync and share (EFSS) solution that provides users with the experience and tools they need for secure collaboration, to Axway (Euronext: AXW.PA). Skyview Capital acquired Syncplicity from EMC Corporation in 2015.

Under Skyview Capital’s ownership, Syncplicity has emerged as the leader of the hybrid enterprise file sync and share (EFSS) market. In 2016 the company successfully secured and deployed a number of key large accounts highlighted by the largest EFSS deployment in the world with Siemens AG for 350,000 employees. Syncplicity’s solutions are deployed in a wide range of industries including retail, manufacturing, financial services, higher education, and health sciences. In 2016, Syncplicity was positioned as a leader in the Forrester Wave™: Enterprise File Sync And Share Platforms, Hybrid Solutions, Q2 2016 . Syncplicity is also positioned as a visionary in the Magic Quadrant for Enterprise File Synchronization and Sharing . Syncplicity was ranked number 1 for IT Modernization by the Gartner EFSS critical capabilities report.

“We are exceptionally proud to have partnered with Syncplicity during a time when the entire organization delivered remarkable operational, technological, and financial results,” said Alex Soltani, Chairman of both Syncplicity and Skyview Capital. “Part of our underlying thesis in acquiring Syncplicity was its unique and market differentiating, hybrid cloud approach which has proven to be instrumental to global enterprises in their digital transformation efforts. Axway and Syncplicity present a highly complementary fit which will only further enhance value to customers, and we remain confident in Syncplicity’s continued growth strategy and unique position in the market. Finally, this initial investment and current exit represents yet another strong return for Skyview Capital, further solidifying our consistent ability to significantly increase value in the companies which we acquire.”

Union Square Advisors served as the exclusive financial advisor to Skyview Capital in this transaction.

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and manufacturing. By leveraging its operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 25 transactions within its target market verticals. Visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

About Syncplicity

Syncplicity is the leading hybrid enterprise file sync and share and mobile collaboration solution that provides users with the experience and tools they desire and gives IT the security and control it needs, while significantly reducing infrastructure cost. Some of its customers include Siemens AG, Texas A&M University, EMC Corporation, State of Indiana, the Associated Press and the Boston Red Sox. Visit www.syncplicity.com .

About Axway

Axway (Euronext: AXW.PA) is a catalyst for transformation. With Axway AMPLIFY™, our cloud-enabled data integration and engagement platform, leading brands better anticipate, adapt and scale to meet ever changing customer expectations. Our unified, API-first approach connects data from anywhere, fuels millions of apps and delivers real-time analytics to build customer experience networks. From idea to execution, we help make the future possible for more than 11,000 organizations in 100 countries. To learn more about Axway, visit www.axway.com .

Press Contact

Matt Oehlmann

Moehlmann@skyviewcapital.com

(310) 273-6000

Axway announces the acquisition of Syncplicity

Wed, 22 Feb 2017 23:03:47 GMT

Leader in secure collaboration and file sharing to join Axway in advancing the digital workplace without borders

PARIS – February 22, 2017 – Axway (Euronext: AXW.PA), a catalyst for transformation, today announced the all-cash acquisition of Syncplicity, a leading enterprise file sync and share (EFSS) solution that provides users with the experience and tools they need for secure collaboration. With the acquisition of Syncplicity, Axway will be able to further enhance the Axway AMPLIFY™ platform to transform the way modern enterprises collaborate and innovate across digital ecosystems and further heighten engagement with customers, employees and partners

Syncplicity, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, was founded in 2007 and was owned by global investment firm Skyview Capital. More than 25,000 businesses and individuals across a wide variety of verticals rely on Syncplicity’s enterprise-grade file sync and share solutions to get more business value from their data within applications, databases or files, whether stored on-premise or in private or public clouds.

“As businesses continue to collaborate using cloud-based tools, it’s imperative that file exchanges and synchronization between individuals is a secure and seamless experience,” said Jean-Marc Lazzari, CEO at Axway. “Together, Axway and Syncplicity will create a one stop shop for digital shared services.”

“Syncplicity’s EFSS expertise and product excellence will complement Axway MFT solutions perfectly by encouraging and supporting greater collaboration among employees, partners and customers,” said Jonathan Huberman, CEO at Syncplicity. “The Syncplicity team is proud to join Axway to create the best possible outcomes for our customers.”

The details of the transaction are not made public.

To learn more about the acquisition and what it means for your business, click here .
Follow @Axway for additional information.

About Axway

About Syncplicity

Syncplicity is a leader in secure file sharing and collaboration solution. Over 25,000 businesses and individuals rely on us to deliver secure solutions with exceptional performance. We are proud to employ Silicon Valley’s best talent—people who are dedicated to, and even a bit obsessed with, redefining file sharing and revolutionizing the way we work. By leveraging our resources and inspiring our employees, we will continue to reinvent enterprise file sharing and collaboration through rapid product release and innovative design. To learn more about Syncplicity, visit www.syncplicity.com .

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and manufacturing. By leveraging its operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 25 transactions within its target market verticals. Visit www.skyviewcapital.com

Press Contacts

Sylvie Podetti
Financial Communications, Axway
spodetti@axway.com
+33 (0)1 47 17 22 40
Patrick Gouffran
Investor Relations, Axway
pgouffran@axway.com
+33 (0)1 40 67 29 26

xG Technology, Inc. Pays Off Debt from IMT Acquisition

Tue, 17 Jan 2017 23:14:41 GMT

Read original article here: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xg-technology-inc-pays-off-debt-from-imt-acquisition-300391777.html

SARASOTA, Fla., Jan. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — xG Technology, Inc. (“xG” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: XGTI, XGTIW), a leader in providing critical wireless communications for use in challenging operating environments, announced today that the Company has paid off debt incurred from the acquisition of Integrated Microwave Technologies (“IMT”) and earlier than required in the original acquisition agreement.

xG completed the $3MM acquisition of IMT on January 29th, 2016 using debt financing from the seller, Skyview Capital, LLC (“Skyview”). xG subsequently recorded a bargain purchase gain on the acquisition of approximately $2.7MM after receiving an independent valuation of the assets acquired. The original agreement required payoff of the debt over the following eighteen months. xG made the final payment on the outstanding debt and, as such, the obligation to Skyview has now been paid in full.

Roger Branton, CFO said, “We wish to formally thank Skyview and its principals for their professionalism in working with us over the past year on the transaction.”

About xG Technology, Inc.

Founded in 2002, xG Technology has developed technologies that enable always-available, always-connected and always-secure voice, broadband data and video communications. The company’s brand portfolio includes xMax and Integrated Microwave Technologies (IMT).

xMax is a patented all-IP, software-defined cognitive radio network that delivers mission-assured wireless connectivity in any RF environment. It provides a solution to the challenges of interoperability, survivability and flexibility in expeditionary and critical communications networks. xMax incorporates advanced optimizing technologies that include spectrum sharing, interference mitigation, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and software defined radio (SDR), making it ideal for wide area, as well as rapid emergency communication deployment in unpredictable environments and during fluid situations. xMax offers solutions for numerous industries worldwide, including military, emergency response and public safety, telemedicine and critical infrastructure.

IMT is a leading provider of mission-critical video solutions, advanced digital microwave systems and engineering, integration, installation and commissioning services serving the Broadcast, Sports & Entertainment and MAG (Military, Aerospace & Government) markets. Since its inception, IMT has focused on building a product portfolio that incorporates a high level of performance, reliability and build quality, extended operating ranges and compact form factors. IMT’s product lines include digital broadcast microwave video systems, compact microwave video equipment for licensed and license-free sports and entertainment applications, and wireless video solutions designed for use by state, local and federal police departments. More information on IMT can be found at www.imt-solutions.com .

Based in Sarasota, Florida, xG has over 100 patents and pending patent applications. xG is a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market (symbol: XGTI ) For more information, please visit www.xgtechnology.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Statements contained herein that are not based upon current or historical fact are forward-looking in nature and constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s expectations about its future operating results, performance and opportunities that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These statements include but are not limited to statements regarding the intended terms of the offering, closing of the offering and use of any proceeds from the offering. When used herein, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “upcoming,” “plan,” “target”, “intend” and “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to xG Technology, Inc., its subsidiaries, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.

For More Information

Daniel Carpini
xG Technology
daniel.carpini@xgtechnology.com
(941) 953-9035

SOURCE xG Technology, Inc.

Samsung’s Rich Communications Service Is Compatible With Other RCS Clouds

Sun, 01 Jan 2017 22:55:49 GMT

HIGHLIGHTS

The RCS services support required Android Marshmallow and later
Samsung’s service and Google’s Jibe use same Universal Profile
Samsung acquired the RCS arm last year

Read original Gadgets360 article by Shekhar Thakran here: https://m-gadgets-ndtv-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/m.gadgets.ndtv.com/telecom/news/samsungs-rich-communications-service-is-compatible-with-other-rcs-clouds-1665016?amp=1&akamai-rum=off

Samsung has announced that the company is expanding its Rich Communications Services (RCS) with its recently-acquired NewNet Communication Technologies RCS arm. The South Korean company has said that its RCS service is a complete end-to-end solution that includes an interconnectivity hub among operators and a third-party monetization platform.

The company says that its RCS cloud service will allow mobile network operators to quickly launch the service and “avoid the costly and time-consuming efforts of building their own network infrastructure,” in its press release. As per Samsung, its RCS hub will support and simplify the interconnectivity between itself, RCS-enabled operators, and third-party RCS clouds to allow for the same service ubiquity for users as SMS and MMS.

Apart from the provision of interconnectivity hub, Samsung’s RCS service includes RCS-enabled devices, native/ downloadable device clients, and cloud-based RCS application servers.

“Samsung’s RCS solution is compliant with the latest GSMA RCS specifications. As a standards-based solution, it will be a true messaging evolution post SMS/MMS, making it possible to achieve a global footprint very quickly,” the company said in its release .

The company is currently working with several network provider partners including Deutsche Telekom, KT, SK Telecom, T-Mobile, and Vodafone to improve the availability of the RCS messaging. “To suit each partner’s specific needs, the solution is offered not only as a full packaged partnership but also in a variety of modular options. More partners are expected to join in the near future,” it said.

As per the company, its RCS solution will be supported by the Samsung smartphones running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or later. “The GSMA aligned the mobile industry behind a single, Universal Profile for advanced RCS messaging and we have already seen a number of significant operator launches,” Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer at GSMA, was quoted as saying.

Since Samsung’s service is using the same Universal Profile as Google’s Jibe service is, presumably users on both platforms will be communicate with each other once the services are implemented fully, points out Android Police.

Google recently announced that the company has partnered with 27 carriers and device manufacturers available worldwide, who have now launched RCS (Rich Communications Services) for Android users with the search giant.

Skyview Capital Launches Skyview Ventures to Invest in Tech Startups

Sun, 01 Jan 2017 22:50:16 GMT

The New Digital Fuel Recognized in Most Recent Gartner and Forrester IT Business Management Reports

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 23:10:29 GMT

Read original article here: https://world.einnews.com/pr_news/354576177/the-new-digital-fuel-recognized-in-most-recent-gartner-and-forrester-it-business-management-reports

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, November 21, 2016 / EINPresswire.com / — Digital Fuel SV, LLC (“Digital Fuel”) has been recognized in the most recent Forrester report on Technology Business Management (TBM) Solutions and the most recent Gartner report on IT Financial Management (ITFM).

Digital Fuel is a leader in the rapidly growing IT Business Management (ITBM) sector, which provides software solutions that help CIOs, IT Managers, and Finance Managers oversee IT spending and budgets. ITBM provides IT leaders with capabilities to manage their costs and services while also demonstrating the value provided.

On September 29, 2016, Gartner released its Market Guide for IT Financial Management , where Digital Fuel was recognized as a pure play vendor in the ITFM sector.

On October 31, 2016, Forrester released its Vendor Landscape report on the TBM Solutions market , where the new Digital Fuel is mentioned as a TBM vendor with broad focus in the marketplace.

Brett Arnott, Digital Fuel Director of Product Management and Product Marketing says of the recent coverage, “Establishing our new independent identity as Digital Fuel is extremely important for our success. So we are excited to be recognized by these respected analysts. Expect to see much more of the Digital Fuel brand as we build awareness in this dynamic marketplace.”

Digital Fuel will be issuing IT Business Management Suite Version 8.5 in December 2016. Brett Arnott says of the release, “This release is very important because it is our first release as Digital Fuel. With this release, we demonstrated the speed at which we can bring new solutions to market. We will maintain this new pace to quickly bring highly valuable and innovative solutions to our current and future customers.”

Digital Fuel has emerged as an industry leader in the ITBM sector, selling to blue-chip enterprise customers across multiple end markets including Financial Services, Government, Education, and Healthcare. The business has helped customers optimize their IT spend and realize significant cost savings while being more responsive to internal customer needs. Digital Fuel provides Cost Transparency, Service Level Management, and IT Benchmarking solutions. Digital Fuel sells software licenses, SaaS subscriptions, and professional services to Fortune-1000 enterprises globally. Digital Fuel provides the openness, certainty and flexibility which other systems lack. This allows enterprises to perform customer chargebacks, budgeting & planning, and cost optimization with confidence and credibility.

Digital Fuel COO and General Manager, Rick Bigelow, says of the release, “Digital Fuel is investing time and resources to make the product and user experience world-class. We have a big opportunity to grow Digital Fuel in 2017 so we are considering many options that will help us accelerate our growth.”

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and manufacturing. By leveraging its operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 25 transactions within its target market verticals. Visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

About Digital Fuel SV, LLC

Digital Fuel is an IT Business management (ITBM) tool that provides transparency and control over the costs of cloud environments and quality of IT services. Its suite of products allows businesses to optimize costs and sourcing across internal virtual infrastructure/private cloud and public cloud. Infrastructure teams use Digital Fuel to understand the costs of supplying private and public cloud environments, while CIOs and IT executives can understand the costs of supplying IT services.

For additional information, please contact Public Relations at Digital Fuel at (925) 997-2557 or via email at PR@digitalfuel.com .
Stay connected with Digital Fuel by following our LinkedIn Account at https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-fuel

Brett Arnott
Digital Fuel
925 997 2557
email us here

Skyview Capital’s NewNet Communication Technologies to sell its RCS Business to Samsung

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 22:09:13 GMT

SEOUL, Korea & MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – November 15, 2016 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (“Samsung”) today announced its acquisition of NewNet Communication Technologies’ RCS Business (now being operated as “NewPace”) a leading provider of Rich Communication Services (RCS) infrastructure and services. NewNet Communication Technologies, BV is a portfolio company of global private investment firm Skyview Capital. The acquisition reinforces Samsung’s commitment to RCS as mobile networks transition to all IP-based networks and services.

Founded in 2009 as NewPace Technology Development Inc., the RCS Business provides Software Development, Systems Operations, and Applications support to a world-wide base of customers. Having developed large-scale VoIP offerings and implemented global Instant Messaging products, the NewPace team has substantial experience in telecommunications development and operations, and services a wide variety of global clients with tenured expertise in delivering robust, high availability and scalable telecom solutions.

“We have enjoyed working with the RCS team during a time of significant transition within the industry,” said Alex Soltani, Chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital. “This transaction is a testament to our investment thesis of identifying best in class technologies and transforming them into highly strategic platforms within the markets they serve. We hope for continued success under Samsung’s ownership.”

About Skyview Capital

Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and manufacturing. By leveraging its operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 25 transactions within its target market verticals. Visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The Company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, cameras, digital appliances, medical equipment, network systems, and semiconductor and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com .

About NewNet Communication Technologies, BV

NewNet Communication Technologies, BV provides next generation mobile technology solutions. The company offers mobile messaging, secure transaction processing, interactive voice response, real time charging and rating, and broadband wireless and network optimization solutions. Additionally, it provides product and custom application development, installation, training, and network engineering and management services. NewNet Communication Technologies BV is a wholly owned portfolio company of Skyview Capital. Visit www.newnet.com .

For additional information, please contact Shrikar Kasturi at (214) 797-8623 or via email at skasturi@skyviewcapital.com.

Skyview Capital Acquires VMware’s vRealize Business Enterprise and IT Benchmarking Solutions

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 21:20:10 GMT

LOS ANGELES, September 12, 2016 – Skyview Capital, a global private investment firm, today announced that it has acquired the VMware vRealize® Business™ Enterprise (formerly known as Digital Fuel IT Financial Management) and IT Benchmarking (formerly known as iTHC) business including customer relationships, core employees responsible for the products and the associated intellectual property (IP) of the products from VMware. Terms were not disclosed, but VMware does not expect this transaction to have a material impact on VMware’s financial statements.

VMware vRealize Business Enterprise and IT benchmarking solutions provide transparency and control over costs and quality of IT services. Skyview Capital has formed a new company— Digital Fuel SV, LLC —around the acquired products and team, and will invest in this entity to accelerate the growth, innovation, adoption and support of these solutions. VMware has an equity investment in Digital Fuel SV LLC and will work with the company to provide ongoing support and services for the customers through the transition. VMware retains vRealize Business for Cloud, a separate product line developed in-house and introduced in October 2014.

vRealize Business Enterprise and IT Benchmarking are leading solutions in the rapidly growing, billion dollar IT Financial Management (ITFM) sector, that provides software tools that help CIOs, IT Managers and Finance Managers that manage IT spending and budgets. ITFM provides IT leaders with tools to manage their costs and services while also demonstrating the value provided by the IT function.

Following VMware’s acquisition of Digital Fuel five years ago, VMware emerged as a leader in the ITFM sector, selling to customers across multiple verticals including Financial Services, Government, Education and Healthcare. vRealize Business Enterprise and IT Benchmarking solutions have helped customers optimize their IT spend and realize significant cost savings, while being more responsive to internal customer needs.

“The ability to understand IT costs and risks has become a top priority for senior executives around the globe, and Digital Fuel is well positioned to address their needs. With VMware’s continued minority interest and our operationally hands-on leadership approach, we expect to drive meaningful value for our customers, partners, and employees globally. We look forward to making near-term strategic acquisitions to expand Digital Fuel’s product and service offerings, while enhancing its value proposition in the industry,” said Alex Soltani, Chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital.

“With our increased focus on customer adoption of the private cloud and extending our support for multi-cloud environments, it was key to identify the right home for our IT Financial Management product lines and team,” said Ajay Singh, senior vice president and general manager, Cloud Management Business Unit, VMware. “We expect Skyview Capital will accelerate the innovation and investment in the vRealize Business Enterprise and IT benchmarking solutions to the benefit of our mutual customers. During the transition, we will work with Digital Fuel to provide customers with on-going support and services.”

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and manufacturing. By leveraging its operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 25 transactions within its target market verticals. Visit www.skyviewcapital.com.

Contact

Shrikar Kasturi
Sr. VP – Mergers & Acquisitions
Skyview Capital, LLC
(214) 797 8623
skasturi@skyviewcapital.com

VMware, vRealize, and vRealize Business are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions.

Skyview Acquires Digital Fuel from VMware, Inc.

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 21:17:29 GMT

LOS ANGELES, September 12, 2016 – Skyview Capital (“Skyview”), a global private investment firm, announced that it has acquired the VMware vRealize® Business™ Enterprise (formerly known as Digital Fuel IT Financial Management) and IT Benchmarking (formerly known as iTHC) business from VMware. Skyview has formed a new company under the name Digital Fuel SV, LLC (“Digital Fuel”). VMware has invested in Digital Fuel and will continue to provide on-going support and services for mutual customers through a transition period.

Digital Fuel is a leader in the rapidly growing IT Financial Management (ITFM) sector, which provides software tools that help CIOs, IT Managers, and Finance Managers oversee IT spending and budgets. ITFM provides IT leaders with tools to manage their costs and services while also demonstrating the value provided by the IT function.

Following VMware’s acquisition of the business five years ago, Digital Fuel has emerged as an industry leader in the ITFM sector, selling to blue-chip enterprise customers across multiple end markets including Financial Services, Government, Education, and Healthcare. The business has helped customers optimize their IT spend and realize significant cost savings, while being more responsive to internal customer needs.

“With our increased focus on customer adoption of the private cloud and extending our support for multi-cloud environments, it was key to identify the right home for our IT Financial Management product lines and team,” said Ajay Singh, senior vice president and general manager, Cloud Management Business Unit of VMware. “We expect Skyview Capital will accelerate the innovation and investment in the vRealize Business Enterprise and IT benchmarking solutions to the benefit of our mutual customers. During the transition, we will work with Digital Fuel to provide customers with on-going support and services.”

Terms were not disclosed, but VMware does not expect this transaction to have a material impact on VMware’s financial statements.

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and manufacturing. By leveraging its operational resources and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 25 transactions within its target market verticals. Visit www.skyviewcapital.com.

About Digital Fuel

Digital Fuel is an IT financial management (ITFM) tool that provides transparency and control over the costs of cloud environments and quality of IT services. Its suite of products allow businesses to optimize costs and sourcing across internal virtual infrastructure/private cloud and public cloud. Infrastructure teams use Digital Fuel to understand the costs of supplying private and public cloud environments, while CIOs and IT executives can understand the costs of supplying IT services.

For additional information, please contact Matt Oehlmann at (310) 273-6000 or via email at moehlmann@skyviewcapital.com

VMware, vRealize, and vRealize Business are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions.

CIOReview Selects VoltDelta for 100 Most Promising Oracle Solution Providers

Mon, 01 Feb 2016 22:26:42 GMT

VoltDelta highlighted for delivering integrated and innovative cloud contact center solutions within the Oracle Service Cloud

Chicago, IL– February 1, 2016 – VoltDelta announced today that CIOReview Magazine has named VoltDelta to its list of the 100 Most Promising Oracle Solution Providers for 2015. A distinguished panel of CEOs, CIOs, VCs, analysts and the editorial board of the CIOReview selected the final 100 companies.

“VoltDelta stood out as one of Oracle’s first partners to integrate a WebRTC solution within the Oracle Cloud Service for multimedia support in 2015,” said Jeevan George, Managing Editor, CIOReview. “VoltDelta’s integration within the Oracle Service Cloud benefiting customers, agents and managers with multichannel contact center support embodies our selection committee’s goal of spotlighting innovation that is changing the Oracle solutions landscape.”

VoltDelta’s Oracle integration effectively merges the worlds of call and message handling with CRM-based contextual knowledge by enabling customer engagement management and reporting within familiar Oracle screens for agents and managers. A VoltDelta embedded media bar within the Oracle Service Cloud desktop makes it easy for agents to more intelligently engage with customers over calls, emails, chat and social media.

“Enabling Oracle Service Cloud users with VoltDelta’s cloud contact service services means that organizations of all sizes can now deliver more personalized customer care to encourage loyalty and contribute to the bottom line,” said Jonathan Huberman, CEO of VoltDelta. “VoltDelta is honored to be recognized by CIOReview’s panel of experts and thought leaders as one of the most promising Oracle Solution Providers.”

Read Jonathan Huberman’s perspective on Transforming Contact Centers into Cloud-based Customer Experience Centers in CIOReview here.

Read original article here: http://www.voltdelta.com/about-us/news-events/press-releases/267-cioreview-names-voltdelta-top-100-oracle-solutions-provider

About CIOReview

CIOReview constantly endeavors to identify “The Best” in a variety of areas important to tech business. Through nominations and consultations with industry leaders, our editors choose the best in different domains. Find out more at www.cioreview.com.

About VoltDelta

VoltDelta is a global cloud-based contact center provider with 35 years of experience. We perform intelligent, data-driven contact management to optimize your customer’s journey. VoltDelta rapidly tailors and integrates our multi-channel contact center solutions to enable you to increase revenue, boost retention and reduce operating costs with proven scalability and reliability. VoltDelta is part of NewNet Communication Technologies. For more information please visit: www.voltdelta.com. Media Contact: Stephen Chirokas schirokas@voltdelta.com

What Startups Need to Know When Raising Money

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 22:23:56 GMT

Read original article here: https://www.equities.com/news/what-startups-need-to-know-when-raising-money

There are many options to finance a business. While making the correct financial choice will lead to success, implementing the wrong type of financing will cause a company to fail. Many startup businesses are unable to fund their operations with just operational cash flow. Therefore, it’s critical that the appropriate financing be obtained with minimal interruption to the growth of the business. This means that the business not only needs to have enough cash flow to fund the day-to-day activity, but it also must obtain sufficient funds to promote investment in capital assets and/or research & development.

Balancing the financial needs of a company is over looked by many entrepreneurs. This is evident in the statistics which reflect that 25% of startups fail within the first year of business. Worse is that approximately 50% of the startups fail after four years of business. Many of these failures are the result of an inadequate business plan, aggressive pricing of product/service, stiff competition from established industry leaders, and/or the lack of a basic fundamental understanding of financing.

A startup is driven by a great idea that captures the owner’s desire to entertain some level of risk. This risk may be in the form of one’s reputation, time and/or assets. Typical startups are initially formed with the owner’s own capital. Additional capital may come from the owner’s family or friends which may be sufficient for small companies to finalize their infrastructure and to keep their doors open for a limited time. Other owners have the mass market dream and aspire taking on greater risk for the betterment of their idea. Entering the mass market requires a different financial strategy and involves a more complex business structure. In this case, it’s important the business not be solely dependent on the entrepreneur but rather capitalize on the relationships it maintains with individuals within and outside the organization. A key resource for the stability of the company is the partnership that it maintains with the individuals associated with its financing.

Common Types of Financing for Startups

There are many financing alternatives available to a company, and each one entertains some level of risk. The responsible parties must decide between paying interest associated with debt or diluting the ownership structure. Many times the owners do not want to give up their stake and opt for debt financing which burdens the company with interest expense that reduces its cash flow. Some debt financing comes with financial covenants that restrict the company from making capital investments as certain financial ratios (e.g. working capital) must be maintained. Therefore, it is necessary for the stakeholders to consider various equity financing alternatives before locking into any specific structure. Some of these equity alternatives include:

Angel investor – this is an individual investor that invests in the company through the purchase of equity interest or will lend the company money at a premium interest rate. This is usually an investment that is considered seed money. Angel investors are high net-worth individuals that are willing to take on moderate to high risk in order to make investments that can yield a high return. Angel investors typically seek companies that are slightly beyond the startup phase and need funds to broaden research and development and/or expand marketing. The downside with Angel investors is they usually take large stakes of ownership and seek out quick exits to maximize their returns.
Venture Capital – similar to an Angel investor a in early-stage businesses and seeks high returns. Venture Capital companies represent a pool of investors that look for high-risk private companies that have the potential to be very profitable. A partnership with a venture capital company usually leads to an initial public offering.
IPO – Initial public offering is a long and enduring process. The company will usually engage an underwriter/investment bank, SEC lawyers and auditors to assist them with the IPO process. The services provided by these professionals will be very expensive and will take several months to complete. A registration Form S-1 will be filed and reviewed by the SEC. Once the SEC completes its review, the registration will allow the underwriter syndicate team to sell the shares to the public. Smaller companies that are looking to raise $50 million or less can consider the SEC’s Regulation A+ , which is less involved than filing a Form S-1. Under Regulation A+ tier 2, the state compliance (Blue Sky Law) was eliminated and allows funds to be raised from qualified investors (unlike Regulation D – Rule 56 (c) which requires funds be raised from accredited investors only). Regulation A+ is a good option for stable private companies that need to raise capital without going through the extensive IPO process.
Reverse Mergers – when a private company wants to go public quickly it usually considers the benefits of a reverse merger . Typically, a private company will find a public shell company that is significantly underperforming (usually has a toxic structure) and will complete a due diligence. If the private company is satisfied with the due diligence’s results and considers the price to acquire the shell company reasonable, then it will purchase the public company. This structure will then allow the company to raise capital by selling shares to the secondary market within a short period of time. The complexity of this transaction varies if the acquired company is traded on a national exchange or the pink sheets. The downside of the reverse merger is that, though it’s cheaper than an IPO, the acquiring company will still have to pay for accounting and legal professional fees in addition to the purchase price of the public/shell company.
Private Equity – if the company is looking to bring in a partner to raise capital or unwind a significant portion of ownership then it can consider being acquired by a private equity company. Private equity companies will assist the company with realizing its full potential by not only providing it with capital resources but also offering industry expertise. Professionals at a private equity will know how to maximize the company’s value and work with management to create long term sustainable growth and success. Many private equity companies will want significant control over the company to ensure they have the ability to make the appropriate managerial decisions. Private equity financing offers the owners a quick option to obtain capital or cash-out at a minimal cost when compared to IPO’s and reverse mergers.

Selecting the appropriate financing alternative is one of the most important decisions for a profitable company. The company needs to insure that it selects the correct financing structure that is in line with its long-term goals and will allow it to enhance its overall value for the owners.

Jeffrey Luft resides in New York and is an active CPA. He currently works for NewNet Communication Technologies (a Skyview Capital portfolio company) and previously worked for Arthur Andersen, Goldman Sachs and KPMG.

DISCLOSURE: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors, and do not represent the views of equities.com . Readers should not consider statements made by the author as formal recommendations and should consult their financial advisor before making any investment decisions. To read our full disclosure, please go to: http://www.equities.com/disclaimer

Growth Decisions and Their Impact on Cash

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 22:21:32 GMT

Read original article here: https://www.equities.com/news/growth-decisions-and-their-impact-on-cash

So your company has gained traction and has reached a point of success. The pressure for growth doesn’t dissipate as it’s critical that executives demonstrate the capability to enhance the bottom line and widen the profit margin. The executive’s appetite for additional risk in order to expand the size of the business exposes the company to additional internal and external environmental factors. One of those internal factors is the use of available cash towards the funding of growth opportunities. The decision for growth can be applied over time, as is the case of organic growth, or can be executed quickly through an acquisition.

Organic growth is usually a slow process that, over time, drains cash flow as resources are brought on to expand research and development, manufacturing, marketing and sales functions. Though organic growth doesn’t have large upfront costs, it does require a constant investment in operations. To stay competitive, management has to be careful with a slow-growth strategy, as some industries are dynamic and change quickly, which could leave the company behind if it doesn’t react fast enough. It’s important for the company to consider its overall position in the marketplace to determine if growing organically is the best solution. If the company operates in a fast moving industry, it may want to consider the benefits of an acquisition.

An acquisition usually involves an outlay of cash, debt and/or equity. Any of these options have individual challenges that place a strain on capital resources.

Cash: The release of cash obviously impacts the liquidity of the company which doesn’t just end with the acquisition. It’s highly probable that the company will have to spend more cash as it begins to merge the operations of both companies. One of the largest expenditures will be restructuring as the acquiring company begins to eliminate the redundancies between the two businesses. Outlay of cash will have an immediate impact on working capital, thereby reducing liquidity. With reduced liquidity comes the need to closely monitor the timing of cash receipts and payouts which management must balance along with the efforts associated with the acquisition.

Debt: The benefit of issuing debt or borrowing from a financial institution is that it will not require an immediate reduction of the Company’s working capital, but it will burden it with future interest costs. Borrowing from lenders usually bring upon debt covenants that burden the company with restrictions. These restrictions are designed to limit the loan holders risk and control certain aspects of the company. To avoid some of these restrictions that are imposed by financial institutions, the company can also consider the benefits of issuing bonds. Bonds usually are less restrictive as the terms can be controlled by the issuing company.

However, these terms have to be in alignment with the company’s risk profile as measured against comparable profiles for similar bond offerings. Different types of bonds can be offered which will impact the marketability and interest rate. For example, convertible bonds have features that allow the bondholder to convert the bond to equity during some designated period based on varying contingencies. These types of bonds need to be carefully analyzed by the management to ensure the outcome of any conversion falls within their range of acceptance for diluting ownership.

Equity: Issuing equity may dilute the interest of the shareholders, but it usually doesn’t place any immediate or future cash flow strain on the company. Equity can be distributed through different products: common shares, preferred shares, and warrants. Each of these products has advantages and disadvantages that need to be assessed by management to ensure that it’s in balance with the stakeholders’ tolerance level.

Common Shares: These shares can be issued to expand ownership and attract investment into the company. The advantage of common shares is that stock dividends are not mandatory, but the disadvantage is that additional ownership reduces the current ownership’s interest in the company and reduces their voting power. The new investors’ interest may not be in complete alignment with management which could cause further disruptions to the overall performance of the company.

Preferred Stock: This type of stock is considered a financial product that falls between bonds and common stock. Preferred shares/stock commonly have a fixed dividend that gets paid before common shareholders and normally do not have any voting rights. The benefit of preferred stock over bonds is that the fixed dividend doesn’t have to be paid as it can be suspended by the board of directors. Preferred stock can take the form of many types: convertible, cumulative and callable.

Convertible preferred stock can be converted to a set number of common stock at or before an established date. Preferred stock usually has a cumulative feature that requires the company to pay out all prior withheld dividends prior to any dividend being paid to common shareholders. Some preferred stock can have a callable feature that will allow the company to purchase these shares back based on parameters that can be pre-established prior to issuance.

Stock Warrants: This is another form of ‘currency’ that a company could use for acquisition purposes. This product gives the holder a right to buy securities in the company at a stated price and within a stipulated timeframe. This right is not in the form of an obligation on either party. However, in order to accept this as a form of consideration, the holder has to believe that the fair value of the stock will sufficiently exceed the stated purchase price prior to the expiration date of the warrant. It’s important that the company consider the dilution impact that stock warrants will have on the ownership if and when they are converted.

Whether the company decides to grow organically or through acquisitions, it must place emphasis on cash management. As we discussed, financing growth can take on many forms but they all ultimately lead to an outlay of cash. Understanding the owners’ appetite for timing of these cash outlays and the potential for diluting ownership are ultimately the two most important considerations.

VMware Sells 2 Units to Focus on Cloud (VMW)

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 22:14:33 GMT

Read original article here: http://www.investopedia.com/news/vmware-sells-2-units-focus-cloud-vmw/#ixzz4KR9OhTRb

By Shoshanna Delventhal, Investopedia

VMware Inc. ( VMW ), recently a Dell-owned company, has announced the acquisition of its vRealize Business Enterprise and IT Benchmarking solutions by the global private investment firm Skyview Capital. The assets now owned by Skyview will form a new company under the name Digital Fuel SV LLC in which VMware will hold a minority stake. The selloff of vRealize will allow VMware to continue its commitment to cloud business and costing. (Also see: What the EMC-Dell Merger Means for VMware .)

VMware’s parent company, EMC, had previously chosen Skyview as a buyer for Syncplicity in 2015. VMware called Skyview an excellent fit for the buy, with “an established track record of successfully acquiring and growing businesses through increased investments in sales, marketing and R&D.”

VMware Focuses on Cloud Management

VMware’s sale of its vRealize Business Enterprise (formerly known as Digital Fuel IT Financial Management) and IT Benchmarking solutions (formerly known as iTHC) marks a larger initiative to narrow focus on its cloud management platform (CMP) business and its remaining vRealize family of products. VMware’s remaining vRealize Suite features vRealize Business for Cloud, a separate and distinct product line from vRealize Business Enterprise. VMware’s investment in cloud capabilities involves the development of offering costing, pricing, consumption analysis for both private and public clouds, and more for IT organizations. (Also see: VMware Takes a Stab at Cloud Computing .)

Samsung Acquires Rich Communications Services Business from Skyview Capital’s NewNet Communication Technologies

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 22:11:59 GMT

Read original article here: https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-acquires-rich-communications-services-business-from-skyview-capitals-newnet-communication-technologies

Samsung Electronics today announced its acquisition of NewNet Communication Technologies (Canada), Inc. (“NewNet Canada”), a company operating Rich Communications Services (RCS) business within NewNet Communication Technologies. Previously known as NewPace prior to its acquisition by NewNet Communication Technologies, the company is a leading provider of RCS infrastructure and services. The acquisition reinforces Samsung’s commitment to RCS as mobile networks transition to IP-based networks and services.

This acquisition is a critical milestone not just for Samsung but also for the communications industry. As an end-to-end GSMA-compliant RCS solution, it will accelerate the deployment of RCS-enabled networks, providing consumers with a ubiquitous standards-based messaging and communications platform. The acquisition will also enable Samsung to offer interoperable server solutions for mobile operators that do not already have their own RCS infrastructure. By driving significant value for operators and consumers, the mobile communications market can benefit from the broader communications ecosystem.

Consumers will benefit from an advanced messaging experience with features such as enhanced calling, group chat, and the ability to easily share and transfer large files including multimedia and high-resolution photos. Unlike other messaging apps in the market, users will be able to communicate on any network, with an RCS-enabled device as well as SMS-only devices.

NewNet Canada, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, will continue to operate independently under the existing leadership of Brent Newsome and Gavin Murphy as a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.

About NewNet Communication Technologies, BV

VoltDelta Cloud Contact Center Achieves Recertification as a PCI Level 1 DSS 3.1 Service Provider

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 21:02:33 GMT

New York, NY, October 5, 2015 –VoltDelta announced today that its cloud contact center platform has been recertified with a Service Provider Level 1 Attestation of Compliance for the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). This Attestation certifies through independent audit that VoltDelta’s Cloud Contact Center once again meets the highest security standards set forth for payment card processing today.

PCI Level1 Certification is considered the most stringent level of PCI validated security. To achieve PCI level 1 compliance, VoltDelta engaged in an extensive third-party audit conducted by an organization that has been designated by the PCI Council as a Quality Security Assessing (QSA) Company.

This independent QSA has reconfirmed as annually required by PCI Council standards, that VoltDelta meets industry best practices and security controls required to keep credit card data and other sensitive information safe and secure during transmission, processing and storage. As a result, VoltDelta has been recertified for PCI Service Provider Level 1 DSS.

“Independently audited PCI certification provides our cloud contact center customers with secure customer care confidence that cannot be matched by infrastructures that rely on PCI self-assessments,” said Yusuf Bulan, General Manager of VoltDelta, “VoltDelta’s commitment to confidentiality, system availability and data integrity within our entire organization ensures that contact centers of all sizes will benefit from systems and processes in place for multichannel security.”

VoltDelta’s certification was confirmed for the 3.1 DSS standard. Notable additions from DSS 2.0 include:

Definition to ensure daily processes are consistently applied
Requirements for segmentation practices between tenants in hosted environments
Strong encryption for data management without the use of SSL

Compliance with the PCI standard is required for organizations directly involved in the processing, storage, or transmission of cardholder data. VoltDelta’s PCI Level 1 certification adds independently verified proof that its cloud contact center infrastructure delivers the security necessary to ensure confidentiality, availability and integrity for payment card data as well as for all forms of sensitive information.

Read original article here: http://www.voltdelta.com/about-us/news-events/press-releases/265-voltdelta-cloud-contact-center-achieves-recertification-as-a-pci-level-1-dss-3-1-service-provider

About VoltDelta®

Media Contact

Stephen Chirokas
schirokas@voltdelta.com
(781) 929-0015

EMC’s Syncplicity Business to be Acquired by Skyview Capital; EMC Will Remain a Financial Stakeholder

Tue, 07 Jul 2015 21:05:42 GMT

Syncplicity to Accelerate Investment in Growth, Innovation and Enterprise Market Adoption

LOS ANGELES, July 7, 2015 – Skyview Capital, a global private investment firm, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Syncplicity® enterprise file sync and share business from EMC. EMC will retain a financial interest in Syncplicity.

Syncplicity is a leading, enterprise-grade online file sharing and mobile collaboration solution that provides users with experience and tools they desire and gives IT the security and control it needs. Unlike other solutions that force users to store all information in the cloud, Syncplicity gives organizations unmatched flexibility through its hybrid approach. With Syncplicity, IT departments can create rules based on user, group or folder policy to determine whether files should be stored in the cloud or in an on-premise storage array.

Following its acquisition three years ago by EMC, Syncplicity has emerged as a growing standard for companies in a wide variety of industries such as technology, health care, financial services, education, law and engineering services. In addition to broad customer adoption, Syncplicity has been named a leader in both “The Forrester Wave: File Sync and Share Platforms, Q3 2013” and Gartner’s 2014 Magic Quadrant for Enterprise File Synchronization and Sharing.

“Syncplicity’s best of breed, flexible hybrid solution coupled with its tremendous growth under EMC, made this investment decision an easy one for us. Under our ownership, Syncplicity will maintain its leadership position in this market through the rapid development of new capabilities and continued enhancement of end user experience. We are excited about EMC’s continued commitment to Syncplicity’s growth, and welcome Syncplicity’s employees and customers to the Skyview family,” said Alex Soltani, Chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital.

“Syncplicity has redefined the expectations of file sync and sharing in the enterprise, changing it from an unauthorized rogue application that employees use without IT approval to one that is blessed by IT, easily integrates with a company’s existing investments in email, storage and collaboration solutions and delivers a great user experience,” said Jonathan Huberman, the CEO of Syncplicity upon closing of the acquisition. “By focusing exclusively on and investing heavily in this rapidly growing market, Syncplicity has an enormous opportunity to significantly accelerate product innovation, attract a broad ecosystem of partners and resellers and drive customer adoption.”

“Syncplicity experienced great momentum as an EMC business in a highly dynamic and hyper-competitive landscape,” added Jeremy Burton, President of Products and Marketing, EMC Information Infrastructure. “However, the standalone EFSS market is evolving rapidly; customers are continually looking for new end-user features and functionality to enable their increasingly mobile workforce. This is a step away from EMC’s core infrastructure strength. This move is designed to ensure that Syncplicity is adequately positioned for success in the evolving EFSS market and to enable EMC to increase our focus on core EMC Information Infrastructure investments. EMC remains a financial stakeholder and committed to Syncplicity’s growth. The EMC salesforce will continue selling Syncplicity as part of the EMC Select partner program and EMC will remain a large-scale Syncplicity customer.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close this month. Specific terms of the transaction are confidential.

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital, LLC is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and niche manufacturing. By leveraging its operational capabilities and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. The Los Angeles Business Journal recently recognized Skyview as one of the top 25 private equity firms in Los Angeles. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 20 transactions within its target market verticals. For further information, please visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

See Original Post

xG Technology Completes Purchase of Integrated Microwave Technologies, LLC

Sun, 01 Feb 2015 22:30:45 GMT

Strategic Accretive Acquisition Enables xG to Realize Immediate and Long-Term Financial,Operational and Technological Benefits

Sarasota, Florida—February 1, 2015— xG Technology, Inc. (“xG”) (Nasdaq: XGTI , XGTIW ), a leader in providing critical wireless communications for use in challenging operating environments, announced today that it has completed its acquisition of assets of Integrated Microwave Technologies, LLC (“IMT”) originally announced on Jan. 19, 2016 . The acquisition was completed using debt financing from the seller and will require payoff over the next eighteen months.

The acquisition of the IMT assets is expected to deliver significant benefits to xG in a number of areas. By aligning its operations and technology platforms with those of IMT, xG will be able to expand more deeply into markets it is currently active in, while opening growth possibilities in new sectors. xG gains immediate access to the IMT product line, which opens new cross-selling opportunities to xG’s existing customer base, and enriches its competitive offerings. Likewise, IMT can now fill the demonstrated need among its own customers for the kind of secure, rapidly-deployable mobile broadband solution that xMax is uniquely suited to fill.

Finally, IMT’s manufacturing expertise is expected to drive additional operational, production and other cost efficiencies at xG. This and other aspects of the transaction will serve to yield compelling financial benefits to xG and prepare it realize even more growth.

George Schmitt, CEO and Board Chairman of xG Technology, said, “We welcome the IMT family to be part of xG Technology and are delighted with the synergies that we see between the two companies. We expect these synergies to result in substantial reductions in, and avoidance of, costs that will total approximately $2MM per year. We would also like to thank Skyview Capital, the seller of IMT, for extending us this opportunity and for their assistance in helping ensure a timely closing of the acquisition.”

Roger Branton, CFO of xG Technology, said, “This acquisition is expected to be cash flow positive from day one and accretive to the combined companies. xG and IMT each have distinctive strengths that will be even more pronounced by integrating our operations. In addition to broadening our capabilities to execute more effectively, this acquisition will make xG well-positioned from a financial standpoint to embark on its next phase of growth.”

John Payne IV, newly-appointed President of the IMT Division of xG Technology, and a corporate officer of xG, said, “We at IMT are delighted to become a major part of xG Technology and look forward to working together to develop joint sales strategies and to take advantage of the synergies available to the combined entities.”

Read original article here: http://www.xgtechnology.com/xg-technology-completes-purchase-of-integrated-microwave-technologies-llc/

About xG Technology, Inc.

Founded in 2002, xG Technology has created a broad portfolio of intellectual property that makes wireless networks more intelligent, accessible, affordable and reliable. The company is the developer of xMax, a patented all-IP cognitive radio network system that enables secure, robust mobile broadband communications for private, consumer and government networks. xMax can solve the crisis facing the wireless industry caused by data-hungry devices and applications that are straining network capacity. It eliminates the need to acquire scarce and expensive licensed spectrum, thus lowering the total cost of ownership for wireless broadband access.

The xMax system delivers always-available voice, video and data services to both fixed and mobile users, and is interoperable with existing cellular and dedicated networks without being dependent on them. xMax incorporates advanced optimizing technologies that include spectrum sharing, interference mitigation , multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and software defined radio (SDR). These and other technologies make xMax ideal for wide area, as well as rapid emergency communication deployment in unpredictable environments and during fluid situations. xG offers solutions for numerous industries worldwide , including emergency response and public safety, military, telemedicine, urban and rural wireless broadband, utilities, and critical infrastructure.

Based in Sarasota, Florida, xG has over 100 patents and pending patent applications. xG is a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market where xG common stock is traded under the symbol XGTI and xG warrants are traded under the symbol XGTIW . For more information, please visit www.xgtechnology.com .

About Integrated Microwave Technologies, LLC

Integrated Microwave Technologies (IMT) is a leader in advanced digital microwave systems and a provider of engineering, integration, installation and commissioning services serving the Broadcast, Sports & Entertainment and MAG (Military, Aerospace & Government) markets. The company comprises the leading microwave brands Nucomm, RF Central and IMT, offering customers worldwide complete video solutions. Nucomm is a premium brand of digital broadcast microwave video systems. RF Central is an innovative brand of compact microwave video equipment for licensed and license-free sports and entertainment applications. IMT is a trusted provider of mission-critical wireless video solutions to state, local and federal police departments. More information can be found at www.imt-solutions.com .

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

For More Information:

Media Relations
Daniel Carpini
xG Technology
daniel.carpini@xgtechnology.com
(941) 953-9035

Investor and Analyst Relations
James Woodyatt
xG Technology
james.woodyatt@xgtechnology.com
(954) 572-0395

Jody Burfening/Carolyn Capaccio
LHA
ccapaccio@lhai.com
(212) 838-3777

NewNet Communication Technologies (A Skyview Capital Company) Acquires Volt Delta Resources

Thu, 04 Dec 2014 21:47:03 GMT

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL, 24-7PressRelease — Global network services provider NewNet Communication Technologies, a Skyview Capital company, announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Volt Delta Resources, LLC. (VoltDelta), a global cloud-based contact center provider and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volt Information Sciences (OTC:VISI).

VoltDelta provides cloud-based contact center services and voice self-service applications to organizations around the world. Headquartered in New York with global operations and data centers in North America, the United Kingdom, and Germany, VoltDelta is a market leader in SMS and call handling.

“The acquisition of the VoltDelta represents a significant milestone in the evolution of NewNet’s product portfolio and market focus. The combination of these two businesses provides significant scale to NewNet and allows us to expand our telecom services to additional geographies and customer groups. We look forward to growing the ONDemand, Cloud-based services and the LSSI Big Data services,” said Alex Soltani, Chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital.

The share purchase agreement was signed and the transaction simultaneously closed on December 1, 2014. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed by Skyview Capital.

Read Full Article on www.24-7PressRelease.com

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital, LLC, is a global private investment firm headquartered in Century City, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of “mission critical” enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services, and niche manufacturing. By leveraging its operational capabilities and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. The Los Angeles Business Journal recently recognized Skyview as one of the Top 25 private equity firms in Los Angeles. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 20 transactions within its target market verticals. For further information, please visit www.skyviewcapital.com

About NewNet Communication Technologies

NewNet Communication Technologies is a leading global provider of next generation mobile technology solutions. NewNet enables global operators and equipment manufacturers to rapidly develop and deploy revenue-generating solutions to optimize global communications. NewNet specializes in Mobile Messaging, Secure Transaction Processing, Interactive Voice Response (IVR), Real Time Charging & Rating, and Broadband Wireless solutions reaching millions of end users in over 90 countries. NewNet is a part of the Skyview Capital LLC, portfolio of companies. For further information, please visit www.newnet.com

About Skyview Capital, LLC

About Volt Delta Resources

VoltDelta is a global cloud-based contact center provider with 35 years of experience. We perform intelligent, data-driven contact management to optimize your customer’s journey. VoltDelta rapidly tailors and integrates our multi-channel contact center solutions to enable you to increase revenue, boost retention and reduce operating costs with proven scalability and reliability. For more information, please visit: www.voltdelta.com

Skyview Capital Acquires Integrated Microwave Technologies from the Vitec Group, plc

Mon, 10 Nov 2014 21:51:32 GMT

LOS ANGELES, 24-7PressRelease — Skyview Capital LLC announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire Integrated Microwave Technologies (“IMT”) from the Vitec Group, plc (VTC).

IMT is a leader in advanced digital microwave video systems serving the Military & Government, Broadcast and Sports Entertainment markets. Headquartered in Mt. Olive, NJ IMT serves customers globally through its “IMT”, “Nucomm” and “RF Central” brands.

“The acquisition of IMT allows Skyview to enter an exciting new communications industry segment. We are impressed by IMT’s strong legacy of serving blue-chip customers in the broadcast and government sectors, dating back to 1991. We are planning to help the management team’s growth of the business through tuck-in acquisitions and offering their products to new and existing customers,” said Alex Soltani, Chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital.

The asset purchase agreement was signed November 3, 2014 with a simultaneous closing. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Media Contact: Skyview Capital LLC
Jeff White, VP Business Development
310-273-6070

Read Full Article on www.24-7PressRelease.com

About Skyview Capital, LLC

About IMT

Integrated Microwave Technologies (IMT) is a leader in advanced digital microwave video systems serving the Government, Broadcast and Sports & Entertainment markets. IMT comprises Four brands: IMT, Nucomm, RF Central and Microwave Service Company, and has recently moved into a refurbished engineering and manufacturing facility located at the International Trade Center in Mt. Olive, NJ. Please see www.imt-solutions.com for more information.

Skyview Capital Acquires NewPace Through its Portfolio Company NewNet Communication Technologies

Mon, 09 Jun 2014 20:55:46 GMT

NewNet Communication Technologies, B.V., a Portfolio Company of Skyview Capital, and a global leader in mobility technologies with a primary focus in mobile messaging, announced today the acquisition of NewPace Technology Development Inc.

NewPace develops mobile and wireline telecom software solutions for global carriers. NewPace’s services include professional services to telcos and development of RCS Messaging software solutions. The acquisition of the NewPace business represents a significant milestone in the evolution of NewNet’s product portfolio and market focus. The NewPace products will be a key addition to the Mobile Messaging technologies, expanding NewNet’s development initiatives. NewPace serves a range of global telecom carriers and handset manufacturers and has 28 staff based in Halifax, Canada.

NewPace’s rcsConnect family of solutions has been powering global Rich Communication Service clients for more than three years. rcsConnect is a complete suite of GSMA 5.1 compliant services, accredited by the GSMA, including: VoIP and Video calling,Presence, Instant Messaging, Group Chat, File Transfer, Store and Forward functionality, Central Message Store, Configuration Server, Inter-operator routing and Network API solutions for mobile operators. RCS solutions can help mobile carriers offer services similar to WhatsApp!, Line, and Viber.

NewNet’s Messaging Unit President, Krishna Viswanadham, said: “Our acquisition of NewPace will enable NewNet to provide enhanced messaging solutions. This will complement our current Krypton, Lithium, Mercury, and Cobalt SMS and MMS product lines. We have been working with the NewPace team since mid-2013 and see great traction for our combined product suite.”

“NewPace believes that NewNet is best positioned to capture the growing RCS market by merging our technologies, staff and services.” said Brent Newsome, the President and CEO of NewPace.

Gavin Murphy, NewPace VP and CTO, said “Our products solve an important pain-point for mobile carriers. Working with the NewNet and Skyview team, we see numerous opportunities for revenue growth and technology development.”

“The NewPace acquisition highlights yet another milestone in NewNet’s rapid and continued development. NewPace’s suite of products and services combined with NewNet’s existing portfolio of messaging, signaling, and secure transaction applications will enable NewNet to offer our global customers an even broader range of next-gen communication solutions. Furthermore, a key initiative for us moving forward will be to utilize our telecom and messaging experience to expand organically and inorganically into new advanced communications solutions including Voice over LTE (VoLTE)” said Alex Soltani, Chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital.

The share purchase agreement was signed June 5, 2014 with a simultaneous close. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

About Skyview Capital, LLC

About NewNet Communication Technologies

Headquartered in Arlington Heights, IL, NewNet is a recognized leader in mobility technologies with a primary focus in messaging, signaling, wireless broadband, consumer internet, multimedia content delivery, mobile advertising, and secure transaction processing. NewNet Communication Technologies is a part of the Skyview Capital LLC, portfolio of companies. For further information, please visit www.newnet.com

About NewPace

Founded in 2009, NewPace Technology Development provides Software Development, Systems Operations, and Applications support to a world-wide base of customers. Having developed large-scale VoIP offerings and implemented global Instant Messaging products, the NewPace team has substantial experience in telecommunications development and operations. The organization services a wide variety of global clients with tenured expertise in delivering robust, high availability and scalable telecom solutions. NewPace’s messaging products are fully compatible with LTE & VoLTE network infrastructure and the GSMA Rich Communication Service Specifications.

For more information, or to schedule interviews, contact:
NewNet Communication Technologies, LLC +1 630-329-4248

Los Angeles Business Journal Recognizes Leading Private Equity Professionals

Mon, 07 Apr 2014 20:57:50 GMT

Los Angeles Business Journal recognizes leading private equity professionals.

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Learning A-Z Acquires Headsprout Instructional Software Unit from Skyview Capital

Mon, 23 Dec 2013 22:37:21 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 23, 2013 / PRNewswire / — Skyview Capital LLC today announced that it has completed the sale of Headsprout®, developers of the MimioReading™ classroom suite, to Learning A-Z, a Cambium Learning® Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ABCD) company. Skyview Capital acquired the online curriculum programs as part of its acquisition of Mimio, a global leader in interactive teaching technologies, in July 2013.

Founded in 1999 and based in Seattle, WA, Mimio acquired Headsprout in 2011, which has patented and award-winning adaptive software titles, including MimioReading™ and MimioSprout™ Early Reading. The MimioReading software suite’s advanced design uses both individualized, adaptive reading instruction and whole-group reading lessons for interactive whiteboards to improve reading performance. Research-based, the software has earned industry-wide respect for its effort in improving reading skills for students in grades PreK-8. Currently used in thousands of classrooms, learning labs, and homes, Headsprout will become part of Learning A-Z’s larger reading offering and marketed and sold as Headsprout Early Reading and Headsprout Reading Comprehension.

Bob Holl, president and co-founder of Learning A-Z, says of the acquisition, “Headsprout is an ideal addition to our family of blended learning solutions. Their track record of efficacy includes a wealth of case studies, all of which are a testament to their quality. Our award-winning Reading Solution, which includes Reading A-Z and Raz-Kids, provides online resources for assessment, instruction, and practice. Now, with the inclusion of proven, student-facing phonics and comprehension resources from Headsprout, Learning A-Z is an even more complete reading solution for teachers to differentiate instruction and support student achievement.”

About Skyview Capital LLC

Skyview Capital LLC is a private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, which specializes in the acquisition and management of “mission critical” enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and niche manufacturing. By leveraging its operational capabilities and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed nearly 20 transactions within its target market verticals and was recently recognized by Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the top 25 Los Angeles-based private equity firms.

About Learning A-Z

Learning A-Z is a preK-6 educational resource company specializing in online delivery of leveled readers and supplementary curriculum. Founded in 2002 to help teachers differentiate instruction and meet the unique needs of all students, Learning A-Z’s resources are currently used in more than half of the districts in the US/Canada and 165+ countries worldwide. Serving a wide range of student needs, including ELL/ESL, intervention, special education, and daily instruction, Learning A-Z includes: Reading A-Z, Raz-Kids, Science A-Z, Vocabulary A-Z, and Writing A-Z.

About Cambium Learning Group, Inc.

Cambium Learning® Group is a leading educational solutions and services company that is committed to helping all students reach their full potential by providing evidence-based solutions and expert professional services to empower educators and raise the achievement levels of all students. Cambium Learning Group is composed of four business units: Voyager/Sopris Learning ( www.voyagerlearning.com | www.soprislearning.com ); Learning A-Z ( www.learninga-z.com ); ExploreLearning®( www.explorelearning.com ); and Kurzweil Educational Systems®( www.kurzweiledu.com ) and IntelliTools® ( www.intellitools.com ). Together, these business units provide best-in-class intervention and supplemental instructional materials; gold-standard professional development and school-improvement services; breakthrough technology solutions for online learning and professional support; valid and reliable assessments; and proven materials to support a positive and safe school environment. For more information, visit www.cambiumlearning.com .

Skyview Article in AIRA Journal on Private Equity Deal Sourcing

Sat, 02 Nov 2013 21:39:49 GMT

An Introduction to Private Equity Deal Sourcing

In private equity, deal flow is the lifeblood of each firm. It is crucial to bring a stream of interesting deals into the firm. There are two types of deal leads: proprietary and non-proprietary auctions. Buyout professionals greatly prefer the proprietary, non-auctions deals. These proprietary deals, since they are not structured auction processes, have less competition, which can allow for more favorable purchase price and terms.

You can think of deal sourcing like any sales channel. It is funnel of unqualified leads turning to qualified leads, turning to active discussions, turning to NDA, turning to Letters of Intent, turning to executed transactions. At each stage, only a percentage of deals make it to the next stage. Therefore, if you start with 100 unqualified leads it may only turn into one completed transaction. Since it is a numbers game, it is crucial to generate and efficiently process as many deals as possible. Firms have diverse approaches to deal sourcing; some have huge in-house teams of deal-sourcing specialists; at some firms all deal professionals are responsible for deal sourcing and executions.

Newell to Divest Hardware Biz

Mon, 12 Aug 2013 21:46:18 GMT

Going ahead with its ‘Growth Game Plan’, Newell Rubbermaid Inc. announced the sale of its hardware business to Nova Capital, an expert buyer of corporate and private equity portfolios for $214 million, including accounts receivable.

The after-tax proceeds are likely to be around $175 million. The transaction (subject to customary conditions) is likely to close in the third calendar quarter of 2013. Newell Rubbermaid appointed Rothschild as the financial advisor in this business deal.

The hardware business comprises four brands, namely Amerock, Ashland, Bulldog and Shur-Line, which together are expected to generate revenue of approximately $255 million for 2013.

In May 2013, Newell Rubbermaid had declared that it was looking for prospective buyers to offload its Hardware and Teach Platform businesses. According to the company, these businesses were not in line with its ‘Growth Game Plan’ strategy as announced in Oct 2012. Under the particular strategy, the company intends to eliminate approximately 10% of the workforce, build a new organizational model as well as leadership team.

In Jul 2013, Newell Rubbermaid sold out its Teach Platform business to a Beverly Hills, Calif. based private equity firm, Skyview Capital, LLC. Newell’s Teach Platform business includes the Mimio and Headsprout interactive teaching technology brands. The company has not disclosed the terms of the deal.

We believe that the recently concluded transaction will enable Newell Rubbermaid to build an organized portfolio in the existing five fundamental business segments, namely Home Solutions, Writing, Tools, Commercial Products and Baby & Parenting. Consequently, it will provide ample prospects to grow through innovation, brand augmentation and by garnering opportunities in emerging economies.

We believe that the overall growth plan will help Newell Rubbermaid to reduce the complexities of the organization, boost efficiencies in customer services and sourcing functions as well as increase investments in the core business areas. The long-term growth plan, which is expected to be fully implemented by the end of second-quarter fiscal 2015, will save approximately $180–$225 million annually.

Skyview Capital Builds Portfolio to Enable Telecom and Software Growth

Wed, 07 Aug 2013 21:50:00 GMT

“Companies are looking to grow through acquisition as demand slows for wireless and Internet services, and they’re seeking scale so they can afford to build the high-speed networks necessary for the latest mobile and video offerings,” a recent Bloomberg article said.

Skyview Capital, a privately held investment firm that specializes in the acquisition and continuous management of mission-critical enterprises, has built an expertise in carve-out transactions, particularly in the telecom and software sectors, and is actively looking for additional businesses to invest in.

This year, Skyview has definitely kept itself busy. In July it acquired the Mimio online education business from Newell Rubbermaid, which offers interactive teaching technologies to increase effectiveness and engagement in K–12 classrooms. It also acquired Interact Inc. earlier this year, a provider of interactive voices response (IVR) platforms and hosted IVR systems to help improve global communications, and the Tekelec Mobile Messaging business.

Alex Soltani, chairman of Skyview Capital, said, “Skyview Capital has built up a strong reputation, performing carve out and buyout transactions. We have a team of operating professionals, who work with the management teams to stabilize and grow the acquired businesses.”

In addition to 2013’s acquisitions, Skyview’s current and previous portfolio includes Aserdiv, Collins Communications, Fastech Integrated Solutions, NewNet Communication Technologies, Ixilix, Solvport, PAS Technologies and Transcend Communications. Skyview was recently honored by The Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the Top-25 LA-based private equity firms.

“At Skyview, we strive to create long-term sustainable value within the enterprises we acquire, by providing them the highest level of financial resources and operational acumen necessary to realize and achieve their full business potential. Our investment principles are driven strictly by growth – organic growth, growth through acquisition, and specifically growth through our partnerships with talented executives,” Soltani said.

Link to Article

About Skyview Capital LLC

Skyview Capital LLC is a private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of “mission critical” enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services and niche manufacturing. By leveraging its operational capabilities and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long‐term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires.

To date, Skyview has successfully completed nearly 20 transactions within its target market verticals and was recently recognized by Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the top 25 Los Angeles‐based private equity firms.

NewNet Communications’ Traxcom Products Ensure Security in Transaction Processes

Mon, 22 Jul 2013 21:52:55 GMT

The proliferation of mobile devices has led to improved app development, features and capabilities. Think about how many different things you can accomplish from your smartphone or tablet alone – using GPS, sharing via social media, checking e-mail and making banking transactions or purchasing something online are not impossible feats. In fact, a recent U.S. Federal Reserve study found nearly 21 percent of mobile phone users have used mobile banking in the past year, and a Juniper Research (News – Alert) report predicts mobile commerce transactions to exceed $3.2 trillion by 2017. The rise in payment transactions means mobile device and network providers need to be prepared to offer high levels of security, safety and data confidentiality.

NewNet (News – Alert) Communications, a provider of solutions for next-generation mobile, fixed line networks, messaging and transaction processing, offers Traxcom secure transaction processing solutions to provide a high degree of security to ensure data confidentiality and safety, and improve the efficiency of operations.

TMC recently caught up with NewNet’s T.K. Cheung, SVP and GM of Secure Transaction Processing Division, to discuss the solutions, how they help set NewNet apart in the industry from competitors, what prompted NewNet to offer PCI (News – Alert) compliance with Traxcom and what’s in store for NewNet in the future.

The Traxcom solutions have facilitated secure, high-speed payments transaction aggregation from millions of POS/ATM/payment terminals and switching and routing of these transactions with high security to backend Financial Authorization Servers for more than 24 years. They target a variety of customers, including transaction acquirers, payment processors, banks, retailers, financial institutions, payment service providers, payment aggregators, transaction network service providers, fixed and mobile telecommunication network providers, Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs). “We deliver secure payment transaction routing services for the legacy Dial POS terminals, now popular broadband and mobile payment terminals and fast emerging mobile smart POS and NFC Mobile Wallet transactions,” Cheung explained.

The Traxcom product portfolio includes the Total Control Secure Transaction Gateway (STG) Dial Payment processing system, which delivers a specialized suite that enables fast transaction processing of credit card authorizations, debit card fund transfers and health benefit authorizations, and AccessGuard 1000 Mobile and Broadband IP Payment Processing gateways, which are designed to process high volumes of IP-based authorization and payment queries generated from a “smart card” terminal device, and internet based payment terminal devices. “Speed, security, stability and system availability are the key requirements of payment transaction systems and these hold the key parameters of NewNet Traxcom products as proven in the industry with our deployments with Tier 1 Acquirers, Processors, Wireline Carriers, MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) etc.,” said Cheung. “Security is the most critical aspect of payment transactions and having been in this business and working with some of the largest Tier 1 Acquirers, processor and carriers globally, we have remained in the forefront of offering most advance security for payment routing solutions with latest cryptographic methodologies.”

“NewNet’s Secure Transactions Business Unit provides mission-critical solutions to allow carriers and financial institutions to securely process electronic payment Transactions globally. As new point of sale (POS) payment platforms arise, there will be increased opportunities for NewNet’s Secure Transactions products and services. We are seeing traction domestically as these new digital payment platforms proliferate and as acquirers and ISOs seek innovative, customer-focused suppliers. We also see enormous growth in demand in emerging markets, which are experiencing rapid increases in credit card penetration and volumes,” said Matt Thompson, SVP corporate development, NewNet Communication Technologies. NewNet has integrated transaction processing, security handling, load balancing and network routing into a single system, thereby enabling customers to avoid the need for separate systems for each of the different functions.

“Our systems enable the customers to offer new payment solutions on emerging client/terminal devices by still connecting to existing authorization servers, thus bridging the future with present day systems,” said Cheung.

Read Full Article

About Skyview Capital LLC

Skyview Capital Makes Platform Acquisition of Mimio Interactive Learning Business from Newell Rubbermaid

Mon, 15 Jul 2013 21:56:29 GMT

Los Angeles, CA – July 15, 2013 – Skyview Capital LLC today announced that it has completed the acquisition of the Mimio© and Headsprout© interactive technology businesses from Newell Rubbermaid (NYSE:NWL).

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Mimio is a global leader in interactive teaching technologies offering innovative, affordable educational technologies and curriculum solutions to increase effectiveness and engagement in K–12 classrooms.

Alex Soltani, chairman of Skyview Capital LLC, says of the transaction, “We are very excited about adding Mimio to the Skyview portfolio. We see tremendous potential in both the education technology and curriculum segments. Mimio has cutting-edge technologies to enhance the learning experience for students around the world.”

Mimio’s General Manager, Manny Perez, stated, “Skyview has a deep understanding of and experience in the technology industry and sees the value Mimio has to offer. The firm has a proven track record of helping companies increase in value, and we are confident that the Mimio business will benefit from this expertise as we continue to fulfill our mission of offering innovative and relevant instructional technologies.”

Mimio’s technologies include the recently launched MimioMobile™ app and its MimioStudio™ classroom software. These two new programs give teachers the ability to create truly collaborative learning environments using mobile devices in their classrooms. The MimioSprout™ and Mimio Reading™ online instructional reading programs provide schools and homes broad and effective lessons to teach reading to students in pre–K through eighth grade. The complete MimioClassroom™ suite of interactive technologies and instructional software are used in more than 600,000 classrooms worldwide.

The transaction has closed; terms were not made public.

Newell Rubbermaid Announces Sale of Teach Platform to Skyview Capital LLC

Mon, 15 Jul 2013 20:32:17 GMT

Atlanta – (BUSINESS WIRE) – Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NYSE: NWL) today announced the sale of its Teach platform, including the Mimio® and Headsprout® interactive teaching technology brands, to Skyview Capital, LLC ( www.skyviewcapital.com ), a Beverly Hills, Calif., private equity firm. Terms were not disclosed. The transaction has closed with the signing of the agreement.

“Our Growth Game Plan is designed to accelerate performance by setting clear priorities for our business. This transaction further simplifies our portfolio as we continue to invest behind our highest-potential global growth opportunities,” said Michael Polk, Newell Rubbermaid’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

About Newell Rubbermaid

Newell Rubbermaid Inc., an S&P 500 company, is a global marketer of consumer and commercial products with 2012 sales of approximately $5.6 billion and a strong portfolio of leading brands, including Sharpie®, Paper Mate®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Irwin®, Lenox®, Parker®, Waterman®, Rubbermaid®, Levolor®, Calphalon®, Goody®, Graco®, Aprica® and Dymo®. As part of the company’s Growth Game Plan, Newell Rubbermaid is making sharper portfolio choices and investing in new marketing and innovation to accelerate performance.

This press release and additional information about Newell Rubbermaid are available on the company’s website .

Newell Rubbermaid Press Release

Newell Rubbermaid Q2 Earnings Report

Private Equity Operations Groups

Wed, 03 Jul 2013 20:37:24 GMT

News from the Association of Insolvency & Restructuring Advisors

There has been a significant rise in the number of portfolio operations groups in private equity over recent years. Private Equity boomed in the 1980’s and primarily relied on the use of financial engineering in leveraged buyouts to achieve the high returns that defined that era. As more leveraged buyout shops emerged, the competition for deals increased and returns subsided. In addition, in the post-credit crisis world it has been more challenging to obtain credit, and private equity funds have had to write larger equity checks than before which has also negatively impacted private equity returns.

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Skyview Capital Completes the Acquisition of Interact Inc.

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 21:41:43 GMT

Arlington Heights, IL- NewNet Communication Technologies, LLC, a wholly-owned Portfolio Company of Skyview Capital, and a global leader in mobility technologies with a primary focus in messaging, signaling, wireless broadband, consumer

internet, multimedia content delivery, mobile advertising, and secure transactions announced today its completion of the Interact Inc. acquisition.

Interact Inc.’s high performance, hosted or customer premise installed Interactive Voice Response (IVR) solutions and their realtime charging and rating engine improve global communications in over 30 countries worldwide, reaching over 80 million end users. Interact’s products coupled with NewNet’s TraxcomSecure and

Mobile Messaging technologies expand its product portfolio. Nimblevox, Interact’s Cloud Communications solution allows companies to bring voice and SMS applications to market in a shorter timeframe, without writing a single line of code. Nimblevox enables

operators to develop cutting-edge communication applications that are hosted in the cloud or installed at the customer premises. Interact’s Invigorate product provides a real-time convergent rating and charging solution, allowing mobile operators to introduce innovative services and creative charging campaigns. NewNet’s CEO, PJ Louis, said: “We are excited to add the Interact Incorporated solutions to our NewNet product portfolio.” Louis continued, “Interact’s assets are an excellent fit for NewNet, and we believe this transaction will deliver significant business growth for our organization.”

“Interact and NewNet’s customers are the true winners of this acquisition,” said Lynn McKee, the previous CEO of Interact Inc. “The combination of our two organizations’ product portfolios deliver technologies that make business processes happen.”

“Together, both Interact and NewNet’s proven track records in the industry ensure our customers receive world class products and unparalleled support services, enabling them to bring new and innovative solutions to market in a timely manner,” said Greg Gissler, Founder of Interact Inc.”

“Today’s signing announcement marks a new, important chapter in our company,” said Alex Soltani, Chairman of NewNet, and Chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital. “This is a highly strategic transaction, allowing NewNet to broaden its product offering to its blue-chip telecom carrier clients. It provides NewNet with cross-selling opportunities, engineering talent, and innovative intellectual property. It is Skyview’s first deal to close in 2013 and facilitates NewNet’s continued growth.”

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital, LLC, is a private investment firm headquartered in Beverly Hills, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of “mission critical” enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services, and niche manufacturing. By leveraging its operational capabilities and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the longâ€“term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires.

To date, Skyview has successfully completed nearly 20 transactions within its target market verticals.

Skyview listed as one of the top 25 LA-based private equity firms by Los Angeles Business Journal

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 21:39:33 GMT

LA Business Journal ranks Skyview Capital in the top 25 LA-based private equity firms this year.

News From the Association of Insolvency & Restructuring Advisors

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 21:35:01 GMT

Private Equity Operations Groups

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Corporate Carve Out Due Diligence Checklist

Wed, 30 May 2012 21:14:14 GMT

News from the Association of Insolvency & Restructuring Advisors

NewNet Completes Initial Acquisition Closing of Nokia Siemens Networks’ WiMAX Business

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:28:00 GMT

Approximately 175 employees will transfer to NewNet Communication Technologies
NewNet assumes responsibility for 43 operator customers in 27 countries

Shelton, CT – Feb 8, 2012 – NewNet Communication Technologies LLC, a wholly owned portfolio company of Los Angeles based private investment firm Skyview Capital LLC, announced today that it has completed the initial closing of the acquisition of the former Motorola Solutions’ WiMAX business from Nokia Siemens Networks. As of February 4th 2012, NewNet will be assuming the responsibility for the research and development of the WiMAX product portfolio and the support and services responsibility for a majority of the WiMAX business customers.

Approximately 175 employees across the globe are transferring to NewNet in this initial closing. NewNet will be adding research and development facilities in the UK and expanding its R&D teams in the US and India. NewNet will also add significant service and support capabilities in Pakistan, Bahrain and the UAE. Hong Kong and the countries of China, Malaysia and Taiwan are projected to close in March. This later closing will result in the transfer of approximately 125 additional employees to NewNet across R&D, sales, service and support functions.

“We have worked in close co-operation with the Nokia Siemens Networks team to allow us to integrate the WiMAX technology and product offering quickly and efficiently into NewNet so that we can turn our attention to providing world class service and support to our WiMAX customers,” said Ron Pyles, CEO and President of NewNet. “We are tremendously excited to invest NewNet resources to continue to enhance the WiMAX technology to a new level. We see many opportunities to grow this business. Key areas of market opportunity include mobile broadband, Smart Grid and public safety solutions.”

“We are elated to have completed the initial closing on this strategic acquisition, as it represents yet another significant milestone in our razor sharp focus on building a global market leader, within the telecommunications industry through NewNet Communication Technologies,” said Alex Soltani, Chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital. “The acquisition brings a blue-chip international customer base and a leading edge 4G-WiMAX technology providing an exceptional platform for further growth, both organically and through additional acquisitions. As always Skyview remains fully committed to supporting Ron and our NewNet team, and welcomes aboard the talented professionals joining us as a result of this transaction.”

The acquisition establishes NewNet as the leading provider of end to end WiMAX products and services in the marketplace. The acquisition also expands NewNet’s customer footprint across the globe, with service and support responsibilities for 43 customers across 27 countries, and provides access to major emerging market regions that are anticipated to experience substantial subscriber growth and mobile broadband usage.

NewNet will be showcasing and demonstrating its WiMAX product portfolio at the upcoming Mobile World Congress, to be held in Barcelona from February 27 to March 1, in Hall 8 Booth 8A169.

About NewNet Communication Technologies, LLC

NewNet Communication Technologies, LLC is a leading provider of innovative solutions for next generation mobile and fixed line networks. NewNet enables global telecom operators and equipment manufacturers to rapidly develop and deploy cutting edge, revenue-generating applications that deliver feature-rich, value added services. Recognized as a trusted leader in the carrier applications market for over 20 years, NewNet has been synonymous with telecom product excellence and development expertise. The company is committed to providing unparalleled service to its customers. With installations in major carrier networks in over 70 countries, NewNet’s product offerings include: The WiMAX end to end wireless broadband product portfolio; TraxcomSecure® electronic transaction processing solutions, which deliver services such as mobile payments, e-banking, and e-commerce; Mercury, the industry’s most complete purpose-built, mobile multimedia content delivery platform; and the Total Control PDSN platform, which provides economic delivery of premium mobile data services in CDMA networks. Other products include Distributed7, the world’s first standards-based signalling platform, and a short message service center (SMSC), which has been deployed in more than 200 wireless networks worldwide. The company is headquartered in the USA, with sales and support teams located around the world.

For more information, visit www.newnet.com

About Skyview Capital, LLC

For more information, visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

News from the AIRA: Introduction to Corporate Carve-outs

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:23:20 GMT

As the global economy continues to stall, both healthy and distressed corporations are looking to divest struggling or non-core divisions. This process is called a “carve- out.” Private equity and strategic buyers are increasingly purchasing these carved-out divested business units. Acquiring carved-out business units is more challenging than buying existing standalone businesses and there are a number of unique challenges. Strategic buyers usually have an existing business infrastructure into which they can run the business. Private equity buyers, on the other hand, need to develop this infrastructure so that the carved-out entity can operate.

NewNet Relaunches with WiMAX at the Center

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:21:09 GMT

Who says WiMAX is dead? Don’t tell that to the folks at NewNet Communication Technologies, or the firm’s owner, Skyview Capital.

NewNet is 20+ years old and includes the former WiMAX division of Motorola, which was sold to Nokia Siemens Networks in 2010 and acquired by NewNet this past February. More recently, the owners brought in wireless industry veteran PJ Louis to serve as interim CEO. For the past several weeks, he’s been fine-tuning the business using his turn-around expertise.

WiMAX isn’t the only piece of NewNet’s business, but it is a significant part. The company is using the CTIA Wireless 2012 convention in New Orleans this week as a relaunch pad of sorts. Louis says they didn’t have time to get exhibit space but they did reserve a meeting room and they’ll be conducting meetings throughout the conference.

NewNet’s product offerings include but are not limited to: TraxcomSecure electronic transaction processing solutions for mobile payments and eCommerce; Mercury, a mobile multimedia content delivery platform; the Total Control PDSN platform for mobile data services in CDMA networks; and the WiMAX broadband product portfolio.

The company is in the process of developing an LTE product line, but for now, it’s full-steam ahead with WiMAX, according to Louis. “WiMAX is going to continue to have a role” in the years ahead, he says, adding that a lot of customers are rural operators in underserved markets where WiMAX is still an affordable option. The company is basically looking at markets that are largely ignored by bigger infrastructure vendors. “I see WIMAX and LTE living side by side.”

Louis was in Arlington Heights, Ill., last week visiting the offices of the old Motorola WiMAX team. NewNet’s products can be found in about 70 different countries, and it employs about 380 people based mainly in North America, Asia and the Middle East. Company marketing material says NewNet is experiencing “dramatic growth.”

Matt Thompson, vice president of portfolio operations for Skyview Capital, which is a Beverly Hills-based private equity firm, says the company spent a lot of time studying the market before making the WiMAX investment. Thompson, who also serves as senior vice president of corporate development for NewNet, met Louis about 10 years ago at a CTIA show and Skyview brought him on as CEO in April of this year.

Skyview Capital Completes Strategic Sale of TRM to Marlin Equity Partners

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:11:53 GMT

Skyview Capital Completes Strategic Sale of TRM to Marlin Equity Partners

Beverly Hills, CA- Skyview Capital, LLC, a privately held investment firm headquartered in Beverly Hills, CA, announced today the successful sale of TRM Copy Centers, LLC, and its subsidiary, Solvport LLC, to Burroughs Payment Systems, a portfolio company of Marlin Equity Partners. TRM is the largest nationwide provider of self-service retail copy centers, while Solvport is a leading nationwide ATM and Kiosk outsourced services provider.

Skyview acquired TRM’s US Photocopier business from TRM Corporation in January of 2007. TRM Copy Centers is the largest retail-based photocopy services company in the country, providing convenience-copying services in retail environments.

Solvport, acquired by TRM Copy Centers in 2008, is one of the leaders in the outsourced, off-premise ATM & Kiosk services industry, providing field technical service, installation, help desk services, real-time monitoring, project management, and parts and supplies. The acquisition of Solvport leveraged TRM Copy Centers’ sophisticated field service infrastructure and nationwide base of talented and trained service engineers to the off-premise ATM & kiosk services industry.

Alex Soltani, Chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital, LLC, stated: “We are very pleased with the outcome of this transaction. As TRM was one of our earlier investments and with the execution of disciplined business strategies by a strong management team, it proved to be very successful. TRM and Burroughs present a highly complementary fit that will be of great benefit to both employees and customers alike. We wish the combined business further success in the future.”

About TRM Copy Centers, LLC

TRM Copy Centers, LLC is the leading nationwide provider of self-service convenience photocopy services in the retail environment. TRM Copy Centers operates more than 14,000 copy centers throughout the United States, and supports some of the country’s largest and most successful retailers including grocery, convenience and drug store chains as well as thousands of independently owned businesses. For further information, please visit www.trmcopycenters.com

About Solvport, LLC

Solvport, LLC is a national leader in the outsourced, off-premise ATM & Kiosks services industry, providing help desk technical support, field service, real-time monitoring, and project management for over 120,000 locations nationwide. Their customers include leaders in the ATM Independent Sales Organization (ISO) industry as well as some leading companies serving the financial institutions market. For further information, please visit www.solvport.com

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital, LLC, is a private investment firm headquartered in Beverly Hills, California, which specializes in the acquisition and continuous management of “systems – critical” enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services, and niche manufacturing. By leveraging its operational capabilities and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 15 transactions within its target market verticals. For further information, please visit www.skyviewcapital.com

About Marlin Equity Partners

Marlin Equity Partners is a Los Angeles, California-based private investment firm with over $1 billion of capital under management.The firm is focused on providing corporate parents, shareholders and other stakeholders with tailored solutions that meet their business and liquidity needs. Marlin invests in businesses across multiple industries that are in the process of undergoing varying degrees of operational, financial or market-driven change where its capital base, industry relationships and extensive network of operational resources significantly strengthens a company’s outlook and enhances value. Since its inception, Marlin, through its group of funds and related companies, has successfully completed over 55 acquisitions. For further information, please visit www.marlinequity.com .

Skyview Capital through its portfolio company NewNet Communications Technologies Acquires the Tekelec Mobile Messaging Business

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:04:15 GMT

Arlington Heights, IL- NewNet Communication Technologies (NewNet), a Skyview Capital LLC portfolio company, and recognized leader in mobile messaging, broadband wireless, and network signaling solutions for wireless, IP, and wireline networks, today announced it has successfully signed an agreement to acquire Tekelec’s Mobile Messaging Business. Headquartered in Amsterdam, Tekelec’s Mobile Messaging business provides innovative and modular Short Text Messaging solutions to wireless carriers worldwide.

Tekelec’s Mobile Messaging solution is based on its future proof, innovative and modular “Short Message Services (SMS) Network” concept, designed to overcome the obstacles of legacy SMS infrastructures and allow operators to deploy new advanced messaging services to increase revenues and reduce capital expenditures and operating expenses.

The acquisition of the Tekelec Mobile Messaging business represents a significant milestone in the evolution of NewNet’s product portfolio and market focus. The group’s globally deployed employees will become part of NewNet’s team, ensuring business and product development continuity.

NewNet’s CEO, PJ Louis, said: “Our acquisition of Tekelec’s Mobile Messaging business will enable NewNet to expand on its next-generation messaging solution to service providers, enhancing our competitive position and accelerating our commercial growth.” Louis continued, “NewNet is committed to providing best in breed products and unrivaled service and support to our global customer base. The Tekelec Mobile Messaging business combined with NewNet’s existing signaling, SMS messaging, and Mercury Multimedia Messaging applications will enable NewNet to offer our carrier customers an even more robust product solution.”

“NewNet will take the Tekelec Mobile Messaging technology to its next stage through continued investment in the platform and aggressive global marketing,” said David Rice, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Tekelec’s Global Signaling Solutions business. “NewNet’s strong messaging position, seasoned management team and commitment to customer service will help service providers fully capitalize on the legacy and next-generation mobile messaging services.”

Angela Ledford, NewNet EVP and Telecom Applications Business Unit General Manager says of the acquisition, “We are excited to add the Tekelec Mobile Messaging products, services and capabilities to our existing Short Messaging Service Center (SMSC) and Multimedia Messaging Service Center (MMSC) portfolio.”

“The acquisition of Tekelec’s Mobile Messaging business is strategically important to the continued development of NewNet,” said Alex Soltani, Chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital. “We see mobile data and messaging as an area of significant growth. Skyview will continue to expand NewNet’s product portfolio and market reach, positioning NewNet for exceptional future growth.”

The Stock purchase Agreement was signed July 7, 2012, with an anticipated closing date by August 10, 2012. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

About NewNet Communication Technologies

NewNet Communication Technologies, LLC is a leading provider of innovative solutions for next generation mobile, fixed line networks and credit card processing. NewNet enables global telecom operators and equipment manufacturers to rapidly develop and deploy cutting edge, revenue generating applications that delver feature rich, value added services. A 20 plus year old company, NewNet products can be found in over 70 countries. The NewNet portfolio includes a 4G WiMAX broadband solution, TraxcomSecure transaction payment processing technology, Mercury, an integrated messaging and content deliver system. NewNet connects the unconnected. NewNet is based in Arlington Heights, IL USA. For further information, please visit www.newnet.com

About Skyview Capital, LLC

NewNet Communications Technologies Enters New Markets

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:00:33 GMT

Arlington Heights, IL- NewNet Communication Technologies LLC, a global leader in mobility technologies, broadband wireless, messaging, and signaling solutions and services, as part of its global expansion into new markets and service offerings announces today the significant expansion of services in the mobile messaging space with the completion of the acquisition of Tekelec’s Mobile Messaging Business Unit.

NewNet is a portfolio company of Skyview capital, a Beverly Hills, California based private equity firm.

The extension of NewNet’s mobile messaging product portfolio addresses challenges that the mobile industry is encountering with the maturing and evolution of text messaging services. New developments in current and additional markets deliver the advancements that operators and consumer Internet companies demand globally.

Adding additional value to NewNet’s current mobile messaging product portfolio will help support the mobile industry demand and create synergies that allow NewNet’s customers to achieve accelerated time-‐to-‐market, efficient monetization of messaging services through cost effective solutions and revenue maximized applications.

NewNet’s CEO, PJ Louis, said: “With such explosive growth in Mobile, our company needs to expand and develop new products and services for our existing and future customers.” Louis continued, “NewNet is committed to providing state of the art solutions to our customers and this acquisition will allow us to enter new vertical markets, paving the way to new exciting services combining multimedia, IP-‐based content delivery, and messaging”.

“With the acquisition of Tekelec’s Mobile Messaging business NewNet is best positioned to deliver the solutions for consumer-‐oriented next generation mobile communication technology,” said Alex Soltani, Chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital. “We have strong interest to support NewNet as a leader in current and future developments in mobile messaging, secure transaction, and next generation mobile applications. Skyview and NewNet are actively looking for additional acquisitions in these market segments.”

About NewNet Communication Technologies

Headquartered in Arlington Heights, IL, NewNet is a recognized leader in mobility technologies. NewNet provides messaging, signaling, wireless broadband, consumer Internet, mobile media marketing and secure transaction processing solutions. NewNet Communication Technologies is a part of the Skyview Capital LLC, portfolio of companies. For further information, please visit www.newnet.com .

About Skyview Capital, LLC

Skyview Capital, LLC, is a private investment firm headquartered in Beverly Hills, California, which specializes in the acquisition and continuous management of “systems‐critical” enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services, and niche manufacturing. By leveraging its operational capabilities and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-‐term sustainable value of the businesses it acquires.

To date, Skyview has successfully completed over 15 transactions within its target market verticals. For furtherinformation, please visit www.skyviewcapital.com

An Introduction to Private Equity Deal Sourcing

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 21:57:25 GMT

An Introduction to Private Equity Deal Sourcing

To continue reading please follow the link.

Re-envisioning the Post-COVID Workplace

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:48:14 GMT

BOSTON, MA, January 11, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The COVID-19 pandemic shook the commercial real estate (CRE) marketplace to its core — and the reverberations continue. Many workers are slow to return to the office. Companies are downsizing their physical footprints. And once-thriving buildings and neighborhoods can look like ghost towns. The good news? Property technology (or PropTech) innovators — including Digital Lumens, Inc. — deliver next-gen solutions that meet the current challenges and position CRE for a brighter future.

During this period of seismic change in the marketplace, building owners face two intertwined needs: enhancing the tenant experience and increasing the value of their properties. One can't happen without the other. As a result, updating office buildings with innovative PropTech is a front-of-mind topic for CRE professionals who want to survive and thrive in a disrupted market.

Creating a great tenant experience

Digital Lumens and Encelium, the core brands of Digital Lumens, Inc., are helping property owners and managers make critical changes to their buildings that significantly improve the tenant experience, including implementing advanced, automated lighting and other comfort-enhancing capabilities. The goal is to retain current occupants and attract new tenants. At the same time, these innovations make buildings more intelligent, more efficient — and more valuable. They are helping address some of the top challenges in today's commercial real estate market.

"In unsettled times, it's important to stay flexible and be ready to make changes, fast," says Brian Bernstein, CEO of Digital Lumens, Inc. "Digital Lumens and Encelium enable our customers to make meaningful improvements and critical upgrades to a wide range of commercial buildings, quickly and easily. Thanks to our advanced, proven PropTech solutions, our customers can attract and retain tenants, take advantage of new opportunities, and build the value of their property portfolio."

Luring tenants back to the workplace

The stats vary, but a high-profile survey by the New York Times found that 45% of workers want to be in the office full-time, compared with 31% who want to be remote full-time and 24% who want a hybrid work arrangement.¹ Reluctant workers need to be lured back to offices, factories, warehouses, and other places of work. Meanwhile, workers who want to come back expect a more comfortable environment. When employees notice a significant improvement in light quality (and quantity) and a better overall working environment, it sends a strong message that their employer cares and invests in their comfort, security, and safety.

Encelium X, Encelium's complete light management system, gives tenants a high level of control, who can adjust lights in their workspaces, conference rooms, and other areas — quickly and easily — creating a great experience. The workplace may not have all the comforts of home, but now it can have most of them.

With its SiteWorx portfolio of applications, Digital Lumens optimizes workplaces for comfort, safety, and efficiency. SiteWorx monitors factors that contribute to Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS), including temperature, humidity, air quality, airborne particles, gas sensors, and much more. Conditions out of the norm trigger alerts, allowing for immediate remediation, while long-term data can be used for company reporting and trendspotting. And when safety requires social distancing, SiteWorx can observe occupancy and activity, alerting building managers to overcrowding.

Meeting the needs of a younger workforce

Millennials already make up 50% of the workforce, and by 2025 they're projected to reach a staggering 75% of the global workforce.² These younger workers (particularly tech workers) aren't going to be satisfied by beige cubicles, harsh lighting, stale air, or other discomforts that employees may have tolerated in the past. They want to control their work environment with mobile phone-like speed and simplicity.

Encelium X balances automation with control. For example, occupancy sensors and time-scheduled events turn on lights automatically, while easy-to-use touchscreens provide one-touch manual control. Accurate color temperature control keeps lighting in sync with tenants' circadian rhythm. Comfort dimming keeps all areas lit appropriately at all times. These sophisticated capabilities and more are all designed to be exceptionally easy to use, helping retain and attract tech-savvy tenants.

Increasing the efficiency of office buildings

Facing high volatility and high vacancy rates, building owners need to do more with less. They need to cut costs where they can, without cutting corners that affect the all-important tenant experience. And by bringing new automation to commercial buildings, fewer managers can oversee more properties.

Digital Lumens' SiteWorx solution identifies opportunities for energy savings, including intelligent lighting control strategies, such as task tuning, progressive dimming, and daylight harvesting. It also monitors how electricity, water, and other utilities are being consumed so that these costs can be contained and reduced. These capabilities and more ensure that commercial spaces are smarter, more efficient, and easier to manage.

Encelium X light controls boost energy efficiency while simplifying building maintenance. And the Encelium system is BTL-certified to ensure seamless integration with building management systems (BMS). Sharing occupancy data enables HVAC systems to optimize performance during regular operation and perform variable load shedding to save energy during peak periods — all automatically and while ensuring tenant comfort.

Making buildings more flexible

Building owners and managers need to be able to reconfigure offices, floors, and entire buildings — quickly and efficiently — to meet the needs of tenants with rapidly evolving workforces.

Encelium X is exceptionally flexible, enabling quick changes to commercial spaces — from sub-dividing areas or expanding floorplans — so new tenants can move in quickly. In an era of rapid evolution, Encelium X enables significant changes in lighting that take minutes, not days or weeks.

Digital Lumens' SiteWorx solution is equally flexible, so owners and managers can reconfigure areas or entire buildings to meet evolving needs, simply, easily, and quickly. Wireless sensors, intelligent luminaires, and other advanced components keep even larger buildings nimble and ready for change.

Enhancing the tenant experience while increasing value

Meeting the challenges of a post-COVID CRE marketplace comes down to one core capability — control. Tenants want more control over their workplace environment and day-to-day experience. And building owners need to gain tighter control of their buildings to be more efficient, flexible, sustainable, and valuable. Recognizing these pressing needs, advanced PropTech solutions from Digital Lumens and Encelium deliver new control, automation, and value to building owners and managers — and an exceptional experience to even the most demanding tenants.

Learn more about the latest PropTech solutions offered by Digital Lumens, Inc. at digitallumensinc.com . Digital Lumens, Inc. is a portfolio company of Skyview Capital .

¹ "It's 'Back to That Isolation Bubble' for Workers Pining for the Office, New York Times, August 23, 2021.
² "The (Millennial) Workplace of the Future Is Almost Here—These Three Things Are About to Change Bigtime," Inc., January 15, 2019.

At Digital Lumens, Inc., our sole focus is on helping people by improving the facilities where they work, learn, and heal. We use our proven technology and deep expertise to transform how our customers illuminate, monitor, and manage key facilities — including industrial facilities, offices, and other commercial buildings, healthcare centers, and educational campuses.

Our two brands — Digital Lumens and Encelium — bring advanced but easy-to-use Lighting, Lighting Controls, and Beyond Illumination solutions to our diverse customers, so they can achieve new efficiency, comfort, and control.

Skyview Capital's Passport Foods (SVC), LLC Sells Select Kent Washington Assets to SAVr LLC

Wed, 23 Apr 2003 21:52:08 GMT

SAVr Acquired Select Kent Washington Assets from Passport Foods (SVC), LLC to expand Product Offerings and Modernize Manufacturing Capabilities

SEATTLE, April 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Passport Foods (SVC), LLC ("Passport Foods"), a portfolio company of Skyview Capital, LLC ( www.skyviewcapital.com ), has sold select assets of its Kent, Washington facility to SAVr LLC. The acquisition diversifies SAVr LLC's product line and provides additional manufacturing capacity. The House of Bee and Golden Pheasant brands will be added to the SAVr LLC portfolio. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The Passport Kent facility previously operated under the Golden Pheasant brand and now returns to management by the Cheng family.

For nearly three decades, Passport Foods has delivered to the table traditional and contemporary recipes perfectly crafted for all customer preferences with uncompromising, superior taste. Rooted in generations of Asian and ethnic culinary tradition, Passport Foods has earned an industry-wide reputation for bringing fresh and exciting flavors to the table with passion, authenticity and a contemporary twist. Passport Foods takes inspiration from cultures around the globe to create a wide and varied selection of culinary delights that range from a broad array of authentic traditional offerings to a bold line-up of innovative, creative fusions.

"We are extremely excited by this acquisition as it allows us to launch modernization of our manufacturing processes while extending the product expertise and long history of the Tsue Chong Company," said Isaac Cheng, VP of Operations at SAVr LLC. "These enhanced manufacturing capabilities and capacity provide great opportunities for us to extend our national accounts and widen our distribution network."

"We believe that the Kent facility is in good hands for future growth with Camillo and Isaac Cheng of SAVr. They have the local expertise and history with this Seattle-area operation. Passport will now be able to focus attention on our core business in our Ontario, California operations, which produces and distributes ethnic foods for the foodservice and retail/club channels. Both teams worked well together to complete this transaction," said Mark Thomson, CEO of Passport Foods.

"When we first evaluated our Passport acquisition, we had planned on divesting the Kent, Washington facility to allow the business to focus on the core operations in Ontario. Passport can now focus on profitable organic growth and strategic acquisitions," said Alex Soltani, Chairman and CEO of Skyview Capital.

About Skyview Capital, LLC:

Skyview Capital, LLC is a global private investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, which specializes in the acquisition and management of mission critical enterprises in the areas of technology, telecommunications, business services, niche manufacturing, and food & beverage. By leveraging its operational capabilities and financial acumen, Skyview systematically enhances the long-term, sustainable value of the businesses it acquires. The Los Angeles Business Journal consistently recognizes Skyview as one of the leading private equity firms in Los Angeles. To date, Skyview has successfully completed nearly 30 transactions within its target market verticals. For further information visit www.skyviewcapital.com .

About Passport Foods (SVC), LLC:

Passport Foods (SVC), LLC is a leading producer of globally-inspired foods. The business distributes its variety of entrees and appetizers throughout the United States in the Retail, Food Service, Grocery, and Club channels. Passport Foods (SVC), LLC is based in Ontario, CA and is a portfolio company of Skyview Capital, LLC. More information can be found at www.passportfood.com .

About SAVr LLC:

SAVr LLC is an Asian food manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, SAVr LLC manufactures Asian style wheat noodles, rice noodles, dumpling wrappers and fortune cookies under its Rose Brand and SAVr Foods brands. With its family-owned manufacturing beginning in 1917, it is one of the longest-standing food manufacturers in the Pacific Northwest.

Jeff White

Skyview Capital, LLC
Head of Business Development
2000 Avenue of the Stars
8th Floor North Tower
Los Angeles, CA 90067
310-273-6000
jwhite@skyviewcapital.com

SOURCE Skyview Capital

skyviewcapital

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