// startup autopsy
CopperGate Communications
Israeli chip innovator absorbed into the home networking consolidation wave.
acquisition gone wrongAcqui-hire
Fatal mistake: Could not achieve the scale needed to compete independently in the semiconductor space against larger players with broader product portfolios.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
CopperGate Communications founded in Israel to develop home networking chipsets over existing telephone line infrastructure.
FUNDING
Company raises venture funding reaching $14.5M to develop and commercialize its MoCA and VDSL silicon platforms.
PRODUCT LAUNCH
Final funding round closed in 2005; CopperGate ships commercially viable home networking chips gaining traction with telecom equipment makers.
ACQUISITION ATTEMPT
Sigma Designs initiates acquisition discussions attracted by CopperGate's MoCA IP portfolio and design team expertise.
SHUTDOWN
Sigma Designs completes acquisition of CopperGate for ~$200M; independent operations cease as company is integrated into acquirer.
MEDIA_MENTION
Israeli home networking chip firm CopperGate Communications is in advanced negotiations to be acquired, one of its investors said on Monday.