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Overview

M/C Partners was a founding investor in Zayo, a fiber network consolidation platform, formed in 2007 to consolidate underdeveloped regional fiber assets throughout the United States.  Operating at a relentless pace, the Zayo management team succeeded in identifying, integrating, and significantly improving the operating margins of its 30+ acquisitions.  Driven by the team’s operating expertise, Zayo became the largest pure play broadband infrastructure provider in the United States. 

How we added value

Provided Seed Stage Capital

M/C Partners and Columbia Capital provided seed capital to form Zayo.  The firms co-led the initial $184 million equity raise with M/C Partners committing $50 million.

Partnered With Best-In-Class CEO

M/C partnered with a best-in-class CEO in Dan Caruso. Prior to Zayo, Dan had been a founding executive at Level 3 and the CEO of ICG Communications, an M/C investment. This partnership with Dan was possible because M/C had built a strong relationship with Dan over several years while he led a tremendously successful turnaround at ICG.

Leveraged Industry Expertise to Develop Investment Thesis

Working with Dan, the investment team recognized that accelerating demand for bandwidth-intensive applications such as video streaming, enterprise storage backup, and wireless data transport, would drive strong growth in the fiber industry. This trend was not fully understood at the time and the team saw a unique opportunity to establish a leadership position in broadband infrastructure by consolidating the highly fragmented, undercapitalized market of fiber assets.

PartnSupported Growth Strategy

M/C provided deal support as Zayo rapidly pursued acquisitions, adding and integrating more than 30 companies in 7 years.

Overview

From 2007 to 2014, Zayo became an expert in rapid, efficient integration and amassed a sizable asset base: 81,000 route miles of fiber connecting more than 16,000 buildings including 37 data centers in 308 markets worldwide. In October 2014 the company completed a very successful IPO that valued the company at ~$5 billion.

Zack Halpryn

Zack Halpryn is an Associate at M|C Partners, where he focuses on investment opportunities in the digital infrastructure and technology services sectors. Prior to joining MC, Zack worked at HarbourVest Partners, where he was focused on buyout and growth equity investments. Previously he worked at Performance Equity Management and Credit Suisse. Zack received a B.B.A in Finance (summa cum laude) from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. He currently lives in Boston’s West End and in his spare time enjoys playing sports (volleyball, basketball, golf), reading and watching the Celtics.

Joined

2023

AFFILIATED PORTFOLIO

AccessParks
Ascend Technologies
Carbon60
Denovo
TowerCom

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BOARD POSITIONS

celito

Established in 1999 and based in Raleigh, is a trusted, local communications and managed services provider to businesses leveraging its fully owned fiber network. celito creates technology solutions for businesses across all sectors both large and small. From supplying high-speed Internet service, to providing quality VoIP telecom service, to setting up your office network, they offer turnkey solutions from the desktop to the cloud

 

TEAM MEMBERS

SECTOR

Jason P. Stutman

Jason Stutman is a Senior Fund Accountant at M/C Partners, responsible for the cash management of co-investment vehicles, preparing quarterly financial statements, and communication with Limited Partners. Prior to joining the firm in 2023, Jason worked in the Portfolio Analytics Group at HarbourVest Partners. He earned a BSBA with honors in Finance with a minor in Computer Information Science from The Ohio State University. Jason lives in South Boston and enjoys cheering on Boston sports teams, playing hockey and golf and traveling.

Joined

2023

AFFILIATED PORTFOLIO

Contact

BOARD POSITIONS

Cuba Burch Berner

Cuba Burch Berner is an Associate at M|C Partners, where he focuses on investment opportunities in digital infrastructure and technology services. Prior to joining the firm in 2022, Cuba was an Equity Research Associate at Citi covering infrastructure companies within the telecommunications industry, including data centers and wireless towers. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics with a specialization in Economics from the University of Chicago. Cuba currently lives in Boston’s West End and enjoys  a myriad of outdoor activities including running, swimming, hiking, and skiing.

Joined

2022

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AFFILIATED PORTFOLIO

Ascend Technologies
Consortium Networks
C3 Integrated Solutions
SoniqWave

 

AccentHealth

AccentHealth operates an out-of-home advertising network that reaches over 12,000 physician office waiting areas in the U.S. – JOHN WATKINS

TEAM MEMBERS

SECTOR

IT SERVICES

James F. Wade

Jim Wade co-founded M/C Partners in 1986 with Dave Croll. He has been investing in communications and technology services since the advent of wireless and broadband, cornerstones of the firm’s sector focus. As Chairman, he manages the firm’s investment process, and continuously seeks out management teams, company prospects and financial resources to grow the portfolio. Jim’s successful track record includes MetroPCS (IPO), Lightower Holdings (acquired by Berkshire Partners), Cavalier Telephone (acquired by PAETEC), NuVox Communications (acquired by WindStream), Attenda (acquired by Darwin Private Equity), Melita (acquired by Apax Partners), PR Wireless (joint venture with Sprint affiliate in Puerto Rico), Thrive Networks (acquired/recapitalized by Court Square) and Involta (acquired by Carlyle Group). Today he serves as a director on the Board of Connectivity Wireless and has responsibility for Omega Wireless. Jim graduated from the University of Notre Dame a B.B.A in Finance and received an MBA from Harvard Business School. He lives outside Boston with his wife and four children. Jim was an avid boater and is now an average golfer.

JOINED

1986

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BOARD POSITIONS
Connectivity Wireless

 

Abhishek Rampuria

Abhishek (A.B.) is a Partner at M/C Partners, where he leads origination, deal diligence and portfolio company support for investments in a variety of communications and technology services segments. He currently serves on the Board of Ascend Technologies, Connectivity Wireless, Edafio Technology Partners, TowerCom and serves as a Board Observer for Thrive Networks. A.B. previously served as a Board Observer for Ensono (acquired by KKR) and QOS Networks (acquired by Zayo). Prior to joining M/C Partners in 2015, A.B. worked at Altman Solon (formerly Altman Vilandrie), a technology, media & telecommunications focused strategy consulting firm, where he completed projects for both operating companies and private equity investors. A.B. received a B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He lives in Boston’s South End and outside of work, enjoys skiing, cycling, traveling and cheering on his home-town Patriots and Celtics.

Joined

2015

AFFILIATED PORTFOLIO

Thrive Networks

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BOARD POSITIONS

Ascend Technologies
Connectivity Wireless
Edafio Technology Partners
TowerCom