Kymeta announced the recapitalization of the company with a funding round of approximately $85 million. Early investor Bill Gates led the investment, and members of the leadership team invested approximately $1 million led by executive chairman Doug Hutcheson.

The financing round follows an 18-month transition for Kymeta, with a growing number of new customers, appointment of new executives, product releases and market momentum in the areas of defense, public safety and land mobility. Kymeta’s channel network grew to include over 100 reseller partners and several defense and commercial customers around the globe.

“As a company, we’re just scratching the surface of how powerful hybrid satellite-cellular communications can be when combined with an affordable electronically steered flat panel antenna offered to the global land mobility ecosystem,” said Doug Hutcheson. “Having the continued support of Bill Gates will help us execute our vision even more rapidly and broadly — and with the benefit of experience, perspective and relationships of a leading and highly successful technology backer.”

Since the launch of its electronically steered flat panel antenna platform, Kymeta has strengthened and accelerated new product development and commercialization for satellite and cellular communications, according to the company.

The new u8 terminal paired with Kymeta’s hybrid satellite-cellular connectivity services, Kymeta Connect™, changes the business model for purchasing and consuming mobile data with an all-inclusive hardware, connectivity and services monthly subscription. According to Kymeta, the u8 terminal is the only commercially available flat panel electronically steered antenna built specifically for mobility and designed for the needs of military, first responders and commercial customers.

Features and benefits of the Kymeta u8 terminal and Kymeta Connect platform include 2 GHz coverage across the Ku-Band satellite band, improved performance and efficiency for lower total cost of ownership, integrated hybrid satellite-cellular hardware for always-on connectivity and turnkey Kymeta Connect options that include hardware, connectivity and service with affordable purchasing options.

Listen to Microwave Journal's interview with Doug Hutcheson, executive chairman: