Forward Networks, a start-up based in Santa Clara, California, secured $50 million in Series D funding for its digital twin network modeling software for large enterprise networks.
The company says that by creating a mathematically accurate digital twin of the network, it can deliver actionable insights that enable network operators to make data-driven decisions, prevent errors and improve overall network security, compliance, and health. The platform supports all major networking vendors, hybrid-cloud, and multi-cloud environments, including AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure.
Since its last round of funding in 2019, Forward Networks has quadrupled its customer base, opened new headquarters in Santa Clara, California and extended its development team with an office in Bangalore, India. The company achieved 139% ARR growth from FY2021 to FY2022 while experiencing exceptional customer loyalty demonstrated by a 96% retention rate.
The funding round, led by MSD Partners, L.P., includes new investors Section 32 and Omega Venture Partners as well as existing investors Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Goldman Sachs), Threshold Ventures, A. Capital and Andreessen Horowitz. Additionally, Victor Hwang, managing director and co-head of MSD Growth, joins the Forward Networks board of directors.
David Erickson, CEO and co-founder of Forward Networks, said, “We’re creating a new technology category with a product that our customers deem indispensable as soon as it’s implemented. We’re excited to put this capital to work to grow sales and deliver a product that unlocks the power of the data inside everyone’s digital infrastructure.”
