White Rock Partners with Tellabs

Business: White Rock Networks makes optical telecommunications equipment.

Founded: 1999

Headquarters: Richardson, Texas.

Most recent capital raised: $42M Series D in December 2002. The deal ranks as one of the largest late-stage venture rounds of the year.

VC raised to date: $144M since its inception, including $12M in February 2000, followed by $30M in June 2000 and $60M in November 2001.

Valuation: At the time of its last funding, the company had a post-money valuation of $160M.

Investors: Oak Investment Partners led the most recent round a year ago. Other investors included Mayfield, Meritech Capital, Fremont Communications, Fremont Ventures, Investor Growth Capital, Hook Partners, Gulf International Bank and Pacesetter Capital Group. In addition, 3i joined the investment last year.

Key Exec: Lonnie Martin, founder and CEO.

Directors: Mayfield, 3i, Oak Investment, Investor Growth and Fremont all have board seats.

Plans one year ago: A year ago, the company said it would use the funds to continue the development of its optical networking products and support the continued growth of its sales and support activities.

Status: A company spokesman did not return phone calls. But in March, Tellabs (Nasdaq: TLAB) made a strategic investment in White Rock Networks that brought over two new products to Tellabs.

The companies plan to extend the OEM relationship to pursue a broader range of customers and products. Additionally, Tellabs executive Rob Pullen gained a White Rock board seat.