Intel backs OpenStack’s Mirantis with $100 million
Startup Mirantis, which distributes a version of open source cloud computing software OpenStack, today announced a new $100 million infusion, backed primarily by Intel.
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From Mirantis’s perspective, the move solidifies the company as one of the chief startup competitors to incumbent tech giants who have come to dominate much of the discussion in the OpenStack market, including Cisco, Red Hat, HP, IBM and many others. Mirantis is hoping that with the $220 million in funding that it has raised, it has done enough to raise its stature. Company President Alex Freedland told the Wall Street Journal this funding is partially about ensuring customers that Mirantis will be around for the long haul to compete in this market. There have been rumors that Mirantis wants to do an IPO down the road too.
As for Intel, the move can’t come as a huge surprise to people who have been watching the company carefully. It has been partnering with many of the recent open source initiatives, including OpenStack, the Open Container Initiative and the Cloud Native Computing Foundation. Intel hasn’t been afraid to throw investments into these projects, and it has been saying for months it would help pick and choose startups to bolster as well.
As for the future, expect to continue to see more investments by Intel. And let’s see what a startup flush with $220 million worth of cash can do in the emerging cloud market too.