IronPort takes in $16.5 million

IronPort Systems said Tuesday that it raised $16.5 million in equity and debt funding in its most recent round from Menlo Ventures, Allegis Capital, Starter Fluid, Amicus Capital and Western Technology Investment. The round gives both Menlo Ventures and Allegis Capital a seat on the San Bruno, Calif.-based company's board of directors. Starter Fluid and Amicus participated in IronPort's $3.9 million seed round in November 2001. IronPort makes e-mail gateways, the hardware that sits between a company and the Internet to route e-mail efficiently, and also develops the software that operates the gear. The company said in a statement that it expects to reach profitability by early 2003.