# Barefoot Networks

> Programmable Ethernet switch ASICs and P4 networking software for data centers.

## Why it is interesting

Barefoot pioneered P4-programmable switching — a16z and Sequoia backed Nick McKeown's Stanford team before Intel acquired it in 2019.

## Profile

- **Stage:** acquired
- **Status:** acquired
- **Industries:** infra-cloud, hardware-semiconductors
- **Coverage:** full
- **Last updated:** 2026-07-24

## Key facts

- Acquired by Intel (Jun 2019): P4/Tofino programmable switching (TechCrunch)
- Series C (2016): $57M+ with Google, Goldman Sachs; a16z, Sequoia, Lightspeed in prior rounds
- Raised ~$155M total; founded by Nick McKeown (Stanford networking researcher)
- Product: Tofino ASIC + P4 language for programmable data center switches

## Investors in our directory

- https://venturecapitaltracker.com/fund/andreessen-horowitz
- https://venturecapitaltracker.com/fund/sequoia
- https://venturecapitaltracker.com/fund/lightspeed-venture-partners-nyc

## Related articles

- https://venturecapitaltracker.com/2026-a16z-hot-portfolio-companies

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Source: https://venturecapitaltracker.com/startup/barefoot-networks