Race Communications

In 1994, with the internet taking shape, Raul Alcaraz started Race Communications with a mission to connect communities across California. As a founder-led, family-owned business, Race focused on providing fiber-optic internet, television, and phone services, particularly in areas overlooked by larger providers. The company's playbook was simple: build and operate high-speed fiber networks to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas. For years, Race grew steadily, establishing itself as a key regional infrastructure player. A pivotal moment arrived in late 2020 when Race announced a major partnership with private equity firm Oak Hill Capital. This wasn't a typical acquisition but a strategic alliance designed to accelerate Race's expansion. With Oak Hill's backing, Race had the capital to significantly ramp up its fiber network deployment. This partnership supercharged their growth plans. In September 2024, the company secured over $500 million in a new capital raise, including $375 million in equity from Oak Hill and its partners, to expand its network to as many as one million locations in California. Shortly after, in August 2025, Race made a strategic move by acquiring Atherton Fiber, a smaller internet service provider, further expanding its footprint in the Bay Area. Today, Race Communications continues its mission, now with significant financial backing, to bring high-speed fiber to all corners of California.