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Satellites - Monday, June 6, 2005

Tachyon Networks - Profile

HQ: Vienna, VA

Founded: 1997

Management: Peter Carides was appointed CEO in February. Most recently, he was vice president at Equant, where he led the company's global satellite and wireless division. He was also COO at Advanced Remote Communications Solutions.

Investors: Just raised $7 million in a round led by West River Capital, with a syndicate of investors including BV-Cornerstone Ventures. Tachyon claims this recent round brings the company close to break-even.

Business Model: Tachyon delivers carrier-grade broadband over satellite. The company sells its services to large enterprises and government agencies to augment their terrestrial networks - it operates in the United States, Mexico, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Competitors: Direcway (Hughes Network Systems), Telenor

Dirt: Ho hum. Why can't we get more excited about broadband over satellite? It's great in theory, but it's always been a bit short on delivery. That's not Tachyon's fault, but the minimal impact of satellite technologies must make the sales pitch a little challenging. With technologies like Wi-MAX (which is Wi-Fi on steroids) coming online, we see continuing mind share challenges for companies that are pushing satellite-related technologies.