Wireless Software Start-Up Taps Scott Munro For Board Seat

Scott Munro, former chairman and CEO of Savoir Technology, has signed on as a director of a New York-based start-up that produces wireless and Web solutions for the mobile services space.

Antenna Software said Munro, who headed distributor Savoir for 10 years until it was acquired by Avnet, joined its board on the heels of closing its second round of funding last week.

Munro is also CEO and chairman of Intertrade Systems, Campbell, Calif., a provider of B2B e-commerce solutions.

Antenna founder and CEO Peter Semmelhack said an outside investor initially had asked Munro to evaluate Antenna as part of the due diligence process; Munro liked the company so much he maintained a relationship with Semmelhack and the two sides agreed he would join the board.

"Scott clearly has a ton of energy," said Semmelhack. "He is very proactive, very connected. One of the things he liked about Antenna is we have a big opportunity and he wanted to help guide that."

The timing of Munro's appointment could be helpful as Semmelhack said Antenna is working to develop a channel-focused sales approach.

Last week, Antenna closed a $17 million round of venture financing. Investors included Polaris Venture Partners, North Bridge Venture Partners and Hunt Ventures.

The start-up, which began business in 1998, lists GE Capital IT Solutions as a client and, among other things, provides system management tools that Web- and wireless-enable GE Capital's CRM system. Based on XML, the tools essentially translate applications from legacy systems into wireless and mobile solutions, the company said.

"When I was done with Savoir, my principal mission in life was to make sure I was never involved in distribution again, because I wanted to try things that were totally different," Munro said. "I sought out ventures that were significantly different than businesses I was involved in."

In addition to its technology and management, Munro also said he was impressed by Antenna's ability to capture $17 million in venture financing at a time when the VC market has slowed almost to a halt.

Late last year, Munro joined the board of Intertrade and, in February, took on the role as CEO and chairman when that company's founder stepped aside.

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