Mintera Raises $18.5 Million for 40 Gbps Systems

Mintera, a start-up based in Lowell, Massachusetts, raised $18.5 million in Series B funding for its 40 Gbps optical sub-systems for metro, regional and long-haul networks. Mintera demonstrated a 40 Gbps ultra long-haul optical transport connection in June 2004 in a trial with MCI and Ciena Corporation. Recently, the company conducted a live traffic trial on the Cernet network in China and a formed a partnership with Mahi Networks.


The funding was co-led by new investors Polaris Venture Partners and RRE Ventures. Also participating in the round are existing investors including Court Square Ventures, Star Ventures and Portview Communications Partners. Industry veterans Bob Metcalfe, General Partner, Polaris Ventures and RRE General Partner Rich McGinn, will join Mintera's board of directors.