pushing the technology that "when it was time to sign the contracts, they came to us because they thought we were Ciena representatives."
Other portfolio companies that his firm has worked with in a similar fashion include Corvis, Triton Network Systems and CoSine Communications.
"Telecom equipment companies have a natural fit," Oslak says. "There are large carriers worldwide, and the Internet is worldwide. These established players have to learn to figure out how to deal with the surge in data traffic. It is easier for us to introduce our companies to them because we can leverage our existing relationships with NTT or Hong Kong Telecom."
Worldview's international teams provide a host of business development assistance, including fundraising, recruiting and incubation. These processes can be daunting, especially to those who aren't familiar with the intricacies of international scenes. For example, Worldview's incubating facilities can be much more valuable in Tokyo than in the U.S.
"Getting office space in Tokyo is incredibly hard, much more so than even the South of Market area in San Francisco," Oslak says. "A company has to have a good balance sheet and put down a deposit that is two or three years' worth of rent. We let them use the space we have available until they are ready to make a commitment and spread their wings."
Recruiting top talent in Japan is also more difficult than it is in the United States. "A lot of people there don't want to leave the security of a big company, which is very important in Japan. We help convince them that the company is promising and well-financed. We help make them comfortable by providing assurances," he says.
Oslak says the firm also has helped companies in manufacturing their product. "In Taiwan, it is tough to get access to leading-edge semiconductor manufacturers," he says. "Startups need the best technology if they are going to compete with the big guys, but only select people can get access. We help elevate companies to that status."
But whether developing a global presence - a costly and risky venture - will apply to firms that don't emphasize telecom remains to be seen. Oslak says health care and financial services companies, for example, have a much tougher time translating their success overseas. The jury is still out on whether globalization becomes a trend that incorporates the vast majority of venture capital firms, as it has already been for consulting and investment banking firms. Perhaps it will be the domain of a few niche players, and most VCs will keep concentrating on areas in driving distance.
Other News
Security firms had an active week. NFR Security Locks received $22.3 million in its second round from lead investor Digital Bandwidth and new investors J. & W. Seligman & Co. and Intel Capital. Previous investors in the maker of information-security products include Blue Ridge, Lazard Capital and Allen & Company.
Qualys, a firm that monitors network security, said it raised a $20 million second round from lead investor Trident Capital. Bessemer Venture Partners, ABS Ventures and VeriSign also contributed, bringing the company's total amount raised to $28.4 million.
NetVmg said it raised $57 million in a round of funding. The company is a provider of intelligent IP traffic-monitoring services. Accel Partners led the round, which also included Duff Ackerman & Goodrich LLC. Previously, Comdisco Ventures, Bank of America and Cisco Systems have funded the company.
Vigilante, a security assessment firm, decided to acquire Network Vigilance, a subsidiary of publicly traded Cyrano, which makes network and firewall assessment tools. According to terms of the agreement, Cyrano, which currently owns 56 percent of Networks Vigilance, will own 11 percent of the combined company and take a seat on the board.
In fundraising, private equity firm Trimaran said that it closed a $1 billion fund, Trimaran Fund II, and will make a variety of private equity investments in the U.S. and Western Europe. The fund is the successor
