Tech Dealmaker Awards

Ruda

Desktone Inc. is based in Chelmsford, but offers the capability of doing business virtually anywhere. Its vDesktop Platform is a turnkey solution designed to provide enterprises an easy on-ramp to virtual desktop computing. It integrates all virtualization layers, including storage, applications and network technologies, enabling them to be controlled by a single management console.

Eighteen months ago, vDesktop was just an idea. As Desktone CEO Harry Ruda describes, at the time of the financing, “We were just beginning a development effort.”

Desktone sought financing from companies that would be invested in both Desktone and its technology. Highland Capital Partners in particular seeks networking and communications infrastructure opportunities. SoftBank Capital, owned by Japanese telecommunications and media giant SoftBank Corp., is looking for U.S. opportunities. “As the cost and complexity of managing large-scale PC and server environments becomes overwhelming, the trend toward virtualization is growing exponentially,” said Ron Fisher, managing partner, SoftBank Capital. Citrix Systems knows the virtualization space very well, between its Citrix Provisioning Server and online services like GoToMyPC.

“This funding enabled us to build an organization to develop our unique virtual desktop platform; it enabled us to build partnerships with leading global service providers like Verizon, IBM, Hewlett-Packard and SoftBank in Japan; and to increase our customer presence, with customers like Merrill Lynch — all in 18 months,” said Ruda.

— Dann Anthony Maurno

Category

Strategic Investment

The Deal

Desktone Inc. secured $17 million in a Series A venture funding round from Highland Capital Partners LLC, SoftBank Capital, Citrix Systems Inc. and Tangee International on July 30, 2007

Key Executives

CEO Harry Ruda; COO Paul Gaffney; CTO Clint Battersby

Deal advisers

Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian LLP

• Platinum Sponsor:
• Gold Sponsors: Capital Source
  Silicon Valley Bank
  TM Capital
  Vitale, Caturano & Co.
• Silver Sponsors: Capital IQ
  Citizens Bank
• Supporting Sponsors: Mass High Tech
  Preston Productions
  Trinity Communications

Become a Sponsor »