Skylo

Overview

Skylo Technologies is an innovative non-terrestrial network (NTN) service provider headquartered in Mountain View, California. The company specializes in satellite connectivity, enabling devices to connect over existing satellites without the need for additional infrastructure. Founded in 2017 by Parth Trivedi, Dr. Andrew Nuttall, Tarun Gupta, and Dr. Andrew Kalman, Skylo has emerged as a pioneer in the direct-to-device connectivity sector. As of 2024, Skylo has successfully raised $153 million in funding from notable investors like Intel Capital and Innovation Endeavors. The company aims to bridge the gap between satellite and terrestrial communications, providing an anywhere-anytime connectivity solution for applications spanning industries such as agriculture, maritime, and logistics.

Recent Developments

October 2024: Skylo announced a partnership with Verizon to offer direct-to-device (D2D) satellite messaging services. Verizon customers will benefit from emergency messaging capabilities using Skylo's satellite infrastructure, with broader services expected to roll out in 2025.
August 2024: Skylo pursued satellite connectivity integration for developers through its partnership with Particle, enhancing IoT solutions by incorporating multi-radio configurations for seamless data management.
July 2024: Skylo introduced key leadership additions to its go-to-market strategy, expanding its direct-to-device services and winning the Best Non-Terrestrial Network Solution at Mobile World Congress Barcelona.
February 2024: The company secured $37 million in a Series C funding round led by Intel Capital, Innovation Endeavors, and BMW i Ventures. This investment intends to enhance Skylo’s global operations and support its standards-based satellite solutions across various verticals.
February 2024: Skylo received the prestigious GLOMO award for Best Non-Terrestrial Network Solution at the Mobile World Congress Barcelona, recognizing its innovative contributions to global connectivity through satellite technology.
February 2024: Skylo raised additional funds for scaling its non-terrestrial network operations, focusing on consumer and enterprise markets to facilitate broader connectivity solutions.

Attribute	Information
Founding Date	2017
Headquarters	Mountain View, California, USA
Founders	Parth Trivedi, Dr. Andrew Nuttall, Tarun Gupta, Dr. Andrew Kalman
Revenue	Not publicly disclosed
Profits	Not publicly disclosed
Key Investors	Intel Capital, Innovation Endeavors, BMW i Ventures
Industry	Telecommunications
Number of Employees	Approximately 97

Early History

Skylo Technologies was founded in 2017 by a team of visionaries from Stanford University’s Space Systems Development Lab. The founders recognized the untapped potential of using existing geostationary satellites to provide affordable connectivity for IoT devices, especially in remote and underserved areas. Initially operating discreetly, Skylo secured partnerships with key satellite operators, allowing it to develop services without owning satellites. By 2020, the company had emerged from stealth with substantial funding, signaling its readiness to revolutionize IoT connectivity globally. In its early years, Skylo focused on developing narrowband satellite communication technologies that were cost-effective and scalable, catering to sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and international shipping.

Company Profile and Achievements

Skylo Technologies operates with a business model that enables direct satellite connectivity for standard devices, eliminating the need for additional hardware infrastructure. The company has executed several strategic partnerships with leading industry players like Viasat, Deutsche Telekom, Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Samsung to enhance its service offerings. Key achievements include:

Pioneering NTN Technology: Skylo’s non-terrestrial network uses existing satellite infrastructure to provide reliable connectivity solutions to remote areas worldwide.
Industry Recognition: The company has received accolades such as the GLOMO award for its innovative satellite solutions.
Global Expansion: Skylo has successfully introduced services across the US, Canada, and Europe, while continuing to build partnerships in diverse markets.
Technological Milestones: Skylo facilitated the certification of devices on its network, ensuring high performance and compatibility.
Funding and Growth: The recent Series C funding round bolstering Skylo's capabilities to expand its technological reach and integrate new solutions into existing ecosystems.

Current Operations and Market Position

Skylo operates a robust non-terrestrial network providing essential satellite connectivity across various industries. By interfacing seamlessly with terrestrial mobile network operators, Skylo enhances the scope and reliability of machine-to-machine communications, especially in areas with insufficient cellular infrastructure. Its strategic alliances and partnerships with giants like Qualcomm and Samsung position Skylo as a leader in the direct-to-device market. With a rapid expansion strategy, Skylo continues to deliver pivotal IoT solutions tailored for industries such as agriculture, maritime, and industrial IoT, unlocking new possibilities for real-time connectivity and data-driven decision-making.

Conclusion

Skylo Technologies stands at the forefront of satellite communication innovation, offering unparalleled connectivity solutions in a rapidly evolving market. With its focus on integrating satellite and terrestrial networks without compromising on cost and accessibility, Skylo’s impact is significant across industries that demand reliable and continual data-flow. Looking ahead, the company is poised to further solidify its market position and expand its global footprint, making ubiquitous connectivity a reality for businesses and individuals worldwide. As the satellite and IoT industries converge, Skylo's strategic partnerships and pioneering technology will play a crucial role in shaping the future of telecommunications.