Metamako has acquired the network device business of Chicago based xCelor, bringing xCelor hardware customers into the Metamako fold and allowing xCelor to concentrate on developing high-performance network applications that will be provided on Metamako hardware. This is Metamako’s first acquisition and a strategic milestone for the provider of low-latency FPGA-enabled network solutions.
Sydney based Metamako has grown quickly since it came to market in 2013, developing a client base of over 100 companies, building its own applications such as the MetaWatch network monitoring solution and MetaFilter FPGA app that delivers ultra low-latency market data filtering. It has also built an ecosystem of partners writing apps for its devices, while customers can also write their own apps for the devices.
The acquisition moves Metamako another step forward, adding xCelor’s switch business, six hardware customers and another app partner. It also sets a precedent for further inorganic growth.
Kevin Covington, CEO at Metamako, says: “The company will be five years old next month. It is backed by private and venture funding and has grown well. It has been cashflow positive since its early years and its profitability means it could reinvest in skills and capabilities. We have now added to this by acquiring assets from xCelor. Our goal is to be the industry’s platform of choice for high-performance in network devices and applications.”
Rob Walker, chief technology officer at xCelor, describes the acquisition as a win-win for both the firms and the industry as a whole. He says: “While Metamako strengthens its hardware business, xCelor can completely focus on developing cutting-edge network applications, something we have wanted to do for a few months.”
Metamako recently opened a Chicago office to support the acquisition and expand its presence and support offer in North America. Beyond headquarters in Sydney, it also has offices in New York and London. Covington notes that while Australia hosts the company’s core engineering skills base, 90% of its customers are elsewhere.
