Telkomsel Inject Series B1 Funding into IoT-Based Logistics Startup “Roambee”

Telkomsel through investment unit Telkomsel Innovation Partner (TMI) has just announced a new funding portfolio for an IoT-based logistics startup from the United States, namely Roambee.

Roambee received series B1 funding with an undisclosed amount. Earlier in 2018, Roambee had secured its first funding through MDI Ventures initiated by the Telkom Group.

"I can't yet" share synergy details. But there was a [collaboration product] that was released in the first quarter,” said the CEO Telkomsel Innovation Partner Andi Kristianto in his short message to DailySocial.

As stated in a press statement, the synergy with Roambee is expected to encourage companies in Indonesia to adopt digital technology. Plus, both Roambee and Telkomsel have IoT solutions that can be co-developed.

Founded in 2013, Roambee develops solutions smart logistics and monitoring assets IoT-based for customers enterprise, especially those with systems supply chain leaders digitally based.

Meanwhile in Telkomsel, IoT has become one of the focuses of its business development in recent years. This strategy is nothing but to strengthen its position as a digital telco company in Indonesia.

Moreover, 5G technology, which will play an important role in the development of the IoT ecosystem, even though it is still a long way to go, will soon lead to commercialization in Indonesia.

To date, Telkomsel has spawned a number of services both through self-development and collaboration, including Smart Connectivity, Fleet Sight, and InTank. For Fleet Sight, Telkomsel has collaborated with Pertamina and Bluebird.

Product development Existing

Contacted separately, MDI Ventures Head of Investor Relations & Capital Raising Kenneth Li revealed that this synergy will begin with product development of solutions Existing Roambee's. The consideration is because the solution is considered already product-fit.

“The product tracking solutions to target clients enterprise Telkomsel. If [the development of] a new solution, [there will be] in the future," Kenneth told DailySocial.

According to Kenneth, Roambee was chosen because the technology is considered to be proven, and has even been used by major world-renowned companies, such as DHL, Deutch Telecom, and Unilever. “So, [the technology] is enough strong, "He added.

In addition, with the first trace of funding from MDI Ventures in 2018, Roambee was also developing the same product, such as tracking solutions, to be synergized with the Telkom Group business.

“The solution works because it exists demand in the market, especially from e-logistics requiring real time monitoring of packages on delivery," he concluded.