Success Stories

Concord Communications:

• Ascent invested in restart that led to creation of market leading network management vendor.
• Concord went public in 1998 and achieved market capitalization of over $700 million and increased annual revenues to over $100 million prior to being acquired by Computer Associates.
• Ascent developed a strong relationship with Jack Blaeser, Former CEO of Concord, and member of Ascent’s Venture Partner Program.

Concord Communications was formed in 1986 when it was spun out of Concord Data Systems, a developer of data modems. Concord initially focused on the industrial communications market and achieved limited success. In 1991, Concord discontinued that effort to focus on the emerging market for network management software. Ascent had been an investor in both Concord Data Systems and Concord Communications, and in 1993, committed to provide capital for the new business strategy and introduced management to new investment syndicate partners. Concord successfully completed its IPO in October 1997 and was a recognized leader in the network management market until Computer Associates acquired the Company in 2005.

Ascent’s involvement with Concord fostered a strong relationship with Jack Blaeser, Concord’s CEO. Jack served on the board of directors of several additional Ascent portfolio companies (Network Engines, RAScom, Net2Net, and Akibia) and assisted with the analysis of related companies. With AVP IV, Jack was invited to participate in Ascent’s Venture Partner Program.

 

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