MARKET Develops software that permits information access by Web browser across disparate systems. Released version 4.0 of its flagship product DataChannel Server in February, which allows end users to develop personalized Web display for data accessed from a variety of hosted applications. Also develops Web View 2.0 software that facilitates viewing all types of documents without having the native application installed on the client. Was named to Red Herring's list of Top 50 private companies in 1998 and 1999. Partners include Andersen Consulting, AT&T Labs, Lockheed Martin, Oracle, and Sun Microsystems. Customers include AT&T, Sprint, Exodus Communications, and IBM. Competes with Epicentric, BroadVision, Sequoia Software, WebVision, and Plumtree Software.

FINANCE Profitable. Raised a third round of $9 million in August 1999 from previous investors. Raised a fourth round of $45 million in April 2000 from Cisco, Deloitte Consulting, Deutsche Bank, IBM, Bain Capital Management, Weiss Peck and Greer, EnCompass Group, Trans Cosmos USA, Van Wagoner Capital Management, and previous investors. Total capital raised: $58 million. CEO joined the company in 1998 and was previously corporate vice president at Tektronix.

Optical SolutionsCEO Roger WeingarthFounded 1994Employees 127Minneapolis, MN763/268-3300www.opticalsolutions.com

MARKET Develops passive optical networks that allow service providers to offer voice, video, and data over a direct fiber-optic connection to residences. Through its FiberPath Solution provides fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) via a Universal Demarcation Point, a network interface device installed at the customer's residence. The fiber-optic network gives customers up to six telephone lines, scalable high-speed data, and two-way analog/digital video. In May signed a $5.7 million contract with competitive local-exchange carrier HomeTown Solutions to deploy FTTH. Partners include ANDA Networks and NetGame. Customers include Rural Telephone, Federated Telephone, Pathway Comtel, and Futureway Communications. Competes with alternative technologies including DSL and cable.

FINANCE Not profitable. Expects to be profitable in 2003. Revenues for 1999 were $700,000. Raised a second round of $7 million in January 2000 from Comdisco Ventures and Western Technology Investment. Currently raising a third round of about $66 million from Boston Millennia Partners, Triumph Capital, and previous investors. Total capital raised will be $92.7 million. CEO was previously a vice president at Dentron DPL.

iSyndicateCEO Joel MaskeFounded 1996Employees 175San Francisco, CA415/896-1900www.isyndicate.com

MARKET Provides syndication services for Web sites, including aggregation, packaging, and delivery of content from over 860 sources. Generates revenues through advertising and fees to content purchasers and content providers. In May announced plans to begin offering content wirelessly and opened European headquarters in London. Partners include Vignette, Agency.com, Asera, DataChannel, and PeopleLink. Content providers include the Associated Press, CBS MarketWatch, the Guardian, the Financial Times, Time, CNet, Wired, and Women.com. Customers include Wells Fargo, Oracle, Nortel Networks, Invesco, Fidelity Investments, Infolio, PocketScience, Shadowpack, and Zed. Competes with Infospace.com and Qpass.

FINANCE Not profitable. Raised a second round of $14 million in June 1999 from Hambrecht & Quist, InfoSpace.com, Vignette, and private and previous investors. Raised a third round of $55 million in April 2000 from News Corporation, Microsoft, NBC, and previous investors InfoSpace and Vignette. Total capital raised: $72 million. CEO cofounded the company and previously cofounded Galt Technologies.

Space.comCEO Lou DobbsFounded 1999Employees 88New York, NY212/703-5800www.space.com

MARKET Provides free original content about space, including news, education, and entertainment. Generates revenue through banner and sponsor advertising and selling space-related merchandise. In May announced plans to begin publishing a bimonthly print magazine, Space.com Illustrated, a joint editorial effort with Hearst. Also acquired Sienna Software, a developer of realistic consumer astronomy software, renaming the subsidiary Space.com Canada. Began a $10 million radio and TV ad campaign in May. In September 1999 named Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, as president. Partners include DoubleClick, U.S. Space Camp, Kodak.com, Broad Daylight, and AvantGo. Competes with Spacer.com, NASA, and CNN.

FINANCE Not profitable. Raised a first round of $10 million from Venrock Associates and Greylock. Raised a second round of $50 million in March 2000 from Blue Chip Venture, SpaceVest, PaineWebber, previous investors, and NBC, which acquired a minority stake in the company. Total capital raised: $60 million. CEO founded the company and was previously a news anchor at CNNfn.