This article originally appeared in Digital Journal on September 15, 2022.
Everywhere Wireless, Chicago’s fastest growing internet service provider (ISP), today announced a merger with Chicago-based ISP, SilverIP Communications. The combined business represents the largest MDU-focused ISP in the region, serving more than 65,000 residential units in 880 buildings throughout the Chicago and Milwaukee markets. Everywhere Wireless and SilverIP were both founded on the desire to improve customers’ perception of their Internet experience – by providing remarkably fast, reliable speeds combined with responsive, concierge-level customer support.
In addition to both companies’ consistent 5-star customer reviews and multiple industry awards for commitment to customer service, Everywhere Wireless was recently named to Inc. 5000’s list of America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies after achieving 35%+ revenue growth in 2021.
“We are excited to partner with two exceptional ISPs in Everywhere Wireless and SilverIP.” said Ryan Carr, of M/C Partners, the lead investor in the combined company. “Through their customer-first approach, these newly combined organizations are uniquely positioned to revolutionize the way that home Internet services are sold, delivered and enjoyed.”
To lead the new enterprise, Dave Dobbin joined the business as Chief Executive Officer in late August. As CEO, Dobbin is tasked with overseeing the successful integration of Everywhere Wireless and SilverIP into one new and exciting company, continuing along a rapid growth trajectory in Chicago and Milwaukee and identifying new markets for expansion.
Dobbin has a 25-year track record in the C-Suite of successful telecommunications and Internet companies. Most recently, Dave served as Chief Technical Officer of Hargray Communications, which was sold to Cable One in 2021 for $2.2BN. Prior to Hargray, Dave was CEO of Mobilicity, a Canadian wireless carrier, and President of Toronto Hydro Telecom, a specialized data communication provider.
“This is an amazing opportunity to lead a quickly growing, exciting company on the forefront of customer-focused internet service delivery,” said Dobbin. “I look forward to collaborating with M/C Partners and the rest of the investment team at this critical juncture as we continue to expand the business organically and through acquisitions.”
The newly combined business will look to bolster its significant market presence in Chicago and Milwaukee, while expanding its best-in-class internet service for apartments, condos, and commercial customers into other Midwest markets.
SilverIP’s founding shareholders and largest outside investor, Author Capital, will remain shareholders in the combined business and active participants in the management of the combined company. Duane Jackson, Managing Partner of Author Capital, said of the merger, “We believe these two great companies together share one bright future.”
About M/C Partners
M/C Partners is a private equity firm focused on small and mid-size businesses in the digital infrastructure and technology services sectors. For more than three decades M/C Partners has invested $2.4 billion of capital in over 140 companies, leveraging its deep industry expertise to understand long-term secular trends and identify growth opportunities. The firm is currently investing its eighth fund, partnering with promising companies and leadership teams to support, scale, and improve operations and maximize value. For more information, visit https://mcpartners.com.
About Author Capital Partners
Author Capital is a private equity firm that empowers highly entrepreneurial family- and founder-led businesses with flexible capital, strategic advice, and long-term partnership. Since inception, Author has maintained the distinct ability to advise select owners in advance of providing equity capital, thereby building a strong foundation of trust. Operating according to core values of excellence, integrity, transparency, and inclusion, we empower owners in the middle market to maximize their potential and author a meaningful legacy. For more information, visit https://authorcapital.com.
About Everywhere Wireless
Everywhere Wireless is the largest independent Internet Service Provider delivering Gigabit speeds to residential and commercial properties. Clients include Amazon, Cisco, NIKE, Google, The Shedd Aquarium, and the Art Institute of Chicago, along with nearly all leading commercial and residential property developers, managers, and condo associations throughout the greater Chicago area. For more information about Everywhere Wireless or to connect your property today, visit https://www.EverywhereWireless.com.
About SilverIP
Formed in 2001, SilverIP was born on the premise of leading technology paired with concierge-level customer service. We value our relationship with each customer and are happy to share our expertise with them. SilverIP specializes in providing ultra-fast Internet to luxury residential and commercial buildings, counting many of Chicago and Milwaukee’s premiere and iconic properties as our clients. For more information, visit https://silverip.com.
