One to Watch: Viptela

If you're looking for a startup that might breathe even more innovation into the next-generation networking sector, look no further than Viptela (or vIPtela, as it prefers to present its name).

Any technology startup backed by Sequoia Capital (to the tune of $33 million, according to AllThingsD) is worth tracking. One that has a management team consisting largely of former TiMetra (Alcatel-Lucent), Cisco Systems Inc., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., and Juniper Networks Inc. staff is definitely one to watch.

The company isn't giving away much on its website, which says little more than that it's a "stealth mode computer networking startup funded by Sequoia Capital" and that its goal is "Networking Simplified!"

For us, that is another way of saying it's developing technology in the software-defined networking (SDN) realm.

So who's warming the seats at Viptela's San Jose, Calif. headquarters? Here's a run-down of some of the key individuals:

Amir Khan, president, CEO and founder: A former senior director of product management at Juniper Networks Inc. (2007-2011) and a director of product management (Ethernet & Wireless Technology Group) at Cisco Systems (2002-2007).

Khalid Raza, chief technology officer: Previously at Hewlett-Packard and Cisco Systems.

Praveen Kariyanahalli, technical leader: previously at Tellabs (with the WiChorus evolved packet core development team) and Cisco Systems.

Ramesh Prabagaran, vice president of products: Previously at Juniper Networks.

Lloyd Noronha, director of marketing: Previously at the Juniper Networks Foundation and Juniper Networks.

Atif Khan, vice president of technology and solutions: Previously at Huawei, Juniper Networks, and TiMetra/Alcatel.

Nehal Bhau, chief software architect: Previously at Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco Systems, and Ayr Networks.

— Ray Le Maistre, Editor-in-Chief, Light Reading