Loading organizations...
Bedford, Massachusetts-based Acme Packet developed and sold session border controllers and networking equipment that secured and managed interactive communications across IP networks. The enterprise provided hardware and software solutions to telecommunications service providers, large enterprises, and government agencies, enabling the reliable delivery of voice, video, and unified communications. Prior to its acquisition, the business scaled to approximately 900 employees operating across 31 countries and generated over $270 million in annual revenue. After completing an initial public offering on the NASDAQ exchange in 2006, the firm captured a 40 percent market share in carrier-grade session border controllers and served over 1,900 customers. Oracle Corporation acquired the enterprise for $2.1 billion in 2013, subsequently integrating its entire technology portfolio directly into the Oracle Communications division. Acme Packet was originally founded in August 2000 by Andy Ory and Patrick MeLampy.
Acme Packet has raised $26.0M across 2 funding rounds.
Acme Packet has raised $26.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Acme Packet has raised $26.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Acme Packet's investors include The Perkins Fund.
Acme Packet was a leading provider of networking hardware, specializing in session border controllers (SBCs), multi-service security gateways (MSGs), and session routing proxies (SRPs). These products enabled service providers and enterprises to deliver secure, high-quality voice, video, and real-time multimedia sessions across IP network borders.[1][3] Founded in 2000 and publicly traded on Nasdaq (APKT), the company served over 1,900 customers, including 21 of the 25 largest wireline, wireless, and cable providers worldwide, achieving a 40% market share in carrier-grade SBCs by late 2012.[3][5] It was acquired by Oracle in 2013 for $2.1 billion and integrated into Oracle Communications.[1][2]
Acme Packet originated in August 2000 as Primary Networks, Inc., founded by Andy Ory (initially president and CEO) and Patrick MeLampy (CTO), both with deep expertise in networking and IP technologies.[2][3][4] The company rebranded to Acme Packet in January 2001 and launched its flagship Net-Net family of Session Aware Networking products in 2002, which quickly gained traction by winning the SUPERQuest award at SUPERCOMM 2002 for promising IP/application services technology.[1][3] Early deployments with major service providers in over 55 countries marked pivotal growth, leading to rapid expansion to 761 employees across 31 countries by 2013.[1][3]
Acme Packet stood out in the competitive networking hardware space through:
Acme Packet capitalized on the shift to IP-based multimedia communications in the early 2000s, addressing security and quality challenges at network borders amid rising VoIP, video, and real-time services adoption.[1][3] Its timing aligned with explosive growth in interactive communications for service providers transitioning from legacy systems, influencing ecosystem standards for secure session routing.[3] By enabling reliable cross-network multimedia, it supported broader trends in unified communications, paving the way for cloud-scale telephony and competing with giants like Cisco and Huawei.[5]
Post-2013 acquisition, Acme Packet's technology was absorbed into Oracle Communications, enhancing Oracle's portfolio for service providers and enterprises in secure multimedia delivery.[1][5] Its legacy endures in Oracle's ongoing SBC offerings, which continue to evolve with 5G, edge computing, and AI-driven networks. Future influence likely grows through integration with Oracle's cloud infrastructure, shaping secure real-time comms in IoT and enterprise UCaaS, while riding trends like network slicing and zero-trust security—solidifying its foundational role in modern IP networking.[1][5]
Acme Packet has raised $26.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $10.0M Series B in February 2003.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1, 2003 | $10M Series B | — | The Perkins Fund | Announced |
| Oct 1, 2001 | $16M Series B | — | The Perkins Fund | Announced |
