The co-founders, Mark Gianinni and Elaine Healy, met in 1999 when Mark was raising money to build and operate a proprietary license-free network to connect remote bank ATMs. Elaine was the private equity investor who led the round and served on the board.
In 2002, with the introduction of 3G /4G they co-founded Accel Networks to leverage cellular to deliver mission-critical fixed wireless service to enterprise. To accomplish its mission, Accel developed the first embedded micro-processor based continuously optimizing antenna system which was patented in 2013. Accel’s installed base was near 6,000 locations when it was acquired by Sierra Wireless, Inc. in June 2015.
In 2016 they co-founded Aura in response to the need for large scale license free networks. Since then, building and operating networks using license free spectrum has become the focus of cellular carriers and cable operators alike as a more cost-efficient alternative to add capacity. Versus providing service, management realized that Aura’s technology could become a critical cornerstone in enabling the emergence of 5G networking so they re-focused the company to provide its technology to the market.