# Nicira Networks

> Nicira pioneered software-defined networking (OpenFlow/NVP) before VMware acquired it for $1.26B in 2012.

## Why it is interesting

Martin Casado’s SDN thesis disrupted Cisco’s hardware moat — Lightspeed and NEA backed the company that defined network virtualization for the cloud era.

## Profile

- **Stage:** acquired
- **Status:** acquired
- **Industries:** generalist-tech
- **Coverage:** full
- **Last updated:** 2026-07-24

## Key facts

- Series B (Sep 2010): $11.3M led by a16z (Grokipedia)
- Series C (Jan 2011): $25.9M; Lightspeed, NEA, Spark participated (TechCrunch)
- Exit (Jul 2012): Acquired by VMware for $1.26B

## Investors in our directory

- https://venturecapitaltracker.com/fund/andreessen-horowitz
- https://venturecapitaltracker.com/fund/lightspeed-venture-partners-nyc
- https://venturecapitaltracker.com/fund/new-enterprise-associates
- https://venturecapitaltracker.com/fund/spark-capital

## Related articles

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

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