#Cambridge #United Kingdom #eSIM #Kigen #SBI Group

Kigen Secures Strategic Investment from SBI Group

Driving eSIM Innovations Forward

Kigen, recognized as a global leader in eSIM technology and integrated SIM (iSIM) security solutions, has recently secured a strategic investment from the SBI Group, a major player in Japan's financial services sector. This funding marks a pivotal moment for Kigen as it integrates the support of significant investors such as Arm Holdings and the SoftBank Vision Fund 2. The commitment from SBI Group signifies trust in Kigen’s ongoing mission to enhance cellular technologies, making them more accessible and secure for manufacturers across various industries.

Revolutionizing Device Connectivity

Kigen has taken substantial steps to lead the telecom sector toward adopting the latest GSMA eSIM standard. Currently, Kigen collaborates with over 70 customers and has earned the trust of various IoT module vendors. Their innovative technology allows manufacturers to establish secure connectivity in a matter of minutes, substantially decreasing the complexities of product development.

In recognition of its contributions to the telecom industry, Kigen was honored with the title of Startup of the Year at the 2024 Mobile Industry Awards, confirming its influence and commitment to pioneering advancements in IoT.

A Vision for the Future

The newly acquired funding is poised to bolster Kigen's growth on a global scale, especially in the industrial IoT sector. As demand for secure and scalable connectivity solutions rises in critical infrastructure, manufacturing, and smart electronics, Kigen's offerings are positioned to meet these needs effectively. Vincent Korstanje, the company's CEO, expressed excitement about the investment, highlighting that secure and scalable connectivity is now a fundamental requirement for innovation in various fields, particularly as AI continues to integrate with the physical world.

Emergence of Physical AI

Kigen’s eSIM technology is rapidly becoming indispensable, especially in key sectors such as energy and logistics. The efficient deployment of connected devices across diverse regions is simplified through Kigen’s technology, featuring single-SKU models that offer global connectivity right out of the box. By prioritizing security-focused design, Kigen assists its partners in adhering to stringent regulatory guidelines, further enabling the advancement of Physical AI—where AI seamlessly interacts with the real environment around it.

A Track Record of Success

Since its inception, Kigen has played a pivotal role in shaping the GSMA standards that enable modern eSIM adoption. Collaborating with top-tier device manufacturers, telecom operators, and module suppliers, Kigen allows for faster market entry of eSIM-enabled devices. Their platform manages the entire eSIM lifecycle, from provisioning to remote monitoring, ensuring that customers can scale their operations effectively while benefiting from Kigen's robust technological infrastructure.

Expanding Influence in Asia

The involvement of SBI Group adds substantial regional and strategic value to Kigen’s operations. As one of Japan’s preeminent technology investors, particularly in areas like fintech and digital transformation, SBI Group offers a solid foundation for Kigen to deepen its presence within the Asian market. This collaboration aims to foster partnerships with Japanese manufacturers eager to expand their IoT service offerings.

SBI Holdings' Representative Director, Yoshitaka Kitao, emphasized that Kigen's contributions to eSIM technology will be crucial as industries innovate towards more intelligent and autonomous systems. The commitment to support Kigen's journey highlights the importance of secure identities and global connectivity for future connected devices.

Looking Forward

With the new investment and strategic aspirations, Kigen plans to enhance its product development initiatives, broaden its partnerships, and extend its customer base across various sectors including manufacturing, smart energy, and industrial automation. The focus remains on fostering security and intelligence at the edge, essential for paving the way for innovative applications in AI, robotics, and integrated infrastructure.

As Kigen advances into the future, its overarching ambition endures—to deliver secure, easy-to-scale connectivity solutions for every device, everywhere. With a firm commitment to innovation, Kigen stands poised to significantly influence the next wave of technological advancements in IoT and beyond.