Story of Skylo: Provides Affordable Satellite-based Narrowband IoT Solutions
Story of Skylo:
Founding and Leadership
Skylo was founded in 2017 by Parth Trivedi, who continues to
serve as CEO and co-founder. The company focuses on providing affordable,
reliable satellite-based Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, enabling
devices and machines to communicate globally, even in remote areas.
Company Mission
Skylo’s mission is to make IoT connectivity simple,
continuous, and cost-effective. By leveraging satellite networks and narrowband
IoT (NB-IoT) technology, the company aims to connect machines and sensors for
industries ranging from agriculture and logistics to industrial IoT.
Technology Overview
Skylo operates a global software-defined network that
connects cellular devices directly over satellites. This enables continuous
coverage and real-time data transmission without the limitations of terrestrial
cellular networks. The Skylo Hub, a small rugged terminal, collects sensor data
and transmits it through the satellite network.
Global Partnerships
To ensure network reliability, Skylo partnered with
Inmarsat, using its L-band satellite network as the backbone for Skylo’s IoT
solutions. This collaboration allows users worldwide, including India via BSNL,
to receive consistent connectivity for critical applications like agriculture
monitoring, logistics, and disaster management.
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Innovative Applications
Skylo’s connectivity platform supports numerous
life-changing applications, such as monitoring vaccine efficacy, precision
farming, and providing early warnings for natural disasters. Real-time access
to sensor data allows companies and governments to make timely decisions and
improve efficiency and safety.
Affordability and Accessibility
Skylo provides satellite IoT connectivity at a fraction of
the cost of traditional solutions, claiming a 95% reduction in pricing.
Hardware costs are under $100, and connectivity starts at just $1 per user,
making it accessible to small and large enterprises, system integrators, and
governments.
Network Design
Skylo uses geostationary satellites to communicate with
Skylo Hubs on the ground without requiring additional satellite equipment.
These hubs, measuring just 8-by-8 inches, can be installed on fishing boats,
railway carriages, agricultural machinery, and other remote equipment.
Funding and Expansion
The company has raised $116 million from investors including
SoftBank Group, DCM, and Innovation Endeavors, a VC firm backed by former
Google CEO Eric Schmidt. Skylo has offices in San Mateo, California; Tel Aviv;
and Bangalore, India, and plans to expand its global IoT network further.
Market Impact
Skylo’s platform transforms how machines communicate by
enabling continuous, real-time two-way messaging, location tracking, and sensor
data collection. Industries like trucking, logistics, and farming benefit from
improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, and better decision-making
capabilities.
Future Vision
Parth Trivedi envisions Skylo building the most affordable
and accessible satellite IoT network in the world. By creating a global fabric
of connectivity for machines, Skylo aims to mobilize the world’s data, expand
industrial IoT adoption, and support innovative applications across sectors.
Timeline of Skylo
- 2017
– Skylo founded by Parth Trivedi, focused on affordable satellite-based
IoT solutions.
- 2018-2019
– Early network development and design of Skylo Hub hardware.
- 2020
– NB-IoT network rollout begins; partnerships with telecom and satellite
providers initiated.
- 2020-2021
– Skylo expands applications to agriculture, logistics, and remote
industry sectors.
- 2021-2022
– Partnership with Inmarsat strengthens network reliability and global
coverage.
- 2023-2025
– Global expansion, including India via BSNL; raised $116M in funding;
adoption increases across multiple industries.
