Peter Wagner has worked in technology since the mid-1980’s, as a physicist, line manager and venture investor. He focuses primarily in Information Technology Infrastructure, including the networking, computing, storage, and wireless sectors. Some of his particular interests include web 2.0 scalability, data center virtualization, pervasive security, digital media, WAN/Internet performance optimization, and a broad array of mobile technologies/media/services.
Since joining Accel in 1996, Peter has led investments in dozens of early stage companies, many of which have gone on to complete IPO’s or successful acquisitions. These include Acopia Networks (acquired by F5), Airgo Networks (acquired by Qualcomm), Amber Networks (acquired by Nokia), Arrowpoint Communications (IPO 3/00, subsequently acquired by Cisco), Broadjump (IPO 6/04 after merger with Motive), iBEAM Broadcasting (IPO 5/00, subsequently acquired by Williams), Infinera (IPO 6/07), New Edge Networks (acquired by Earthlink), Northpoint Communications (IPO 5/99, subsequently acquired by ATT), Peribit Networks (acquired by Juniper), Tellium (IPO 5/01), TiMetra Networks (acquired by Alcatel) and Topspin Communications (acquired by Cisco). Peter was also part of the team responsible for Accel’s investments in Redback Networks (IPO 5/99, acquired by Ericsson) and Motive (IPO 6/04).
Peter currently serves on the Board of Directors at Altor Networks, Azul Systems, Consentry Networks, Kickfire, Omneon Video Networks (currently in registration for its IPO), ON Networks, Trapeze Networks and Wichorus. He also led Accel’s investments in and works closely with Mu Security, Netxen, Sylantro Systems, and Transitive Technologies.
In addition to his work in IT, Peter also leads Accel’s investment activity in the Energy sector. Areas of interest here include alternative and renewable energy (including nuclear power), energy storage, intelligent energy distribution and management, energy efficiency in IT and elsewhere, electric vehicles and portable power.
Prior to joining Accel, Peter was a line manager at Silicon Graphics, responsible for several generations of digital media, networking and graphics workstation products. Before Silicon Graphics, Peter worked with McKinsey and Company, consulting to market leaders in technology, energy, aerospace and financial services. Peter began his career as a physicist working in nuclear fusion research and aerospace.
Peter is a Director and past President of the Western Association of Venture Capitalists. He holds an A.B. in Physics from Harvard College, summa cum laude, and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, where he was a Baker Scholar.
| Company | Date | Round | Size | Participants |
| Workspot | 4/13 | Seed | $1.9M | 5 |
| Morta Security | 2/13 | Seed | 6 | |
| CloudPhysics | 8/12 | Venture Round | $2.5M | 4 |
| Vigilent | 3/12 | Venture Round | $6.7M | 3 |
