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Xplora

“Can a kids' smartwatch company become the family-safety connectivity platform by layering MVNO mobile subscriptions, premium services, and now senior devices onto its IoT hardware base?”

Founded2016
HQOslo, Norway
FoundersSten Kirkbak
IndustryVertical SaaS / IoT & Connected Devices
The story

Founded in 2016 as a hardware company making GPS-enabled smartwatches for children, Xplora pivoted from device-centric sales toward a recurring-revenue MVNO and services model starting in 2021 with its acquisition of Xplora Mobile AS. The company has since expanded its Xplora Connect SIM and mobile subscription offering to multiple European markets including the UK and Spain, transforming into a device-plus-connectivity platform. In 2024, Xplora moved further up the family IoT stack by pursuing an acquisition of DORO AB, a connected-device company serving seniors, to extend its addressable market beyond children.

Last 12 months
2024-09
2025-12
Product timeline
2016
Sten Kirkbak founded Xplora Technologies to build safer digital devices for children, initially focused on GPS smartwatches for kids.· pivot
2021
Xplora acquired its Nordic distributor and MVNO, Xplora Mobile AS, to expand into mobile subscriptions and bundle connectivity with its smartwatch hardware.· acquisition
2022
Xplora launched connectivity services (Xplora Connect SIM) in the UK via a wholesale agreement with IQ Mobile Ltd.· banking
2022
Xplora went live as a Mobile Service Provider in Spain via agreement with Alai Operador de Telecomunicaciones, replicating the Nordic MVNO model.· pivot
2024
Xplora announced a public cash offer to shareholders of DORO AB, signaling an intent to expand into connected devices for seniors.· acquisition
The stack
Accounting gap: none