Kolet, a Paris-based sustainable eSIM provider, has announced the closure of a €5M seed funding round, led by European investment funds daphni and 9900 Capital. The company aims to utilize this investment to provide affordable Internet access to travelers in over 180 countries, revolutionizing the way people stay connected while abroad.
Founded at the start of 2024 by entrepreneurs Eduardo Ronzano, Anne-Carole Cöen, Jérémy Gotteland, and Mehdi Chraibi, Kolet is on a mission to establish a new kind of telecom operator that is responsible, transparent, and accessible. The startup addresses the challenges of high Internet access costs and the abusive practices prevalent in the telecom industry, particularly for travelers.
Kolet’s innovative service, available in over 130 countries, offers a single free eSIM with 1 GB of data, aiming to simplify and democratize Internet access for travelers. “Our mission at Kolet is to help travelers stay connected anywhere in the world. We aim to provide the best possible user experience, whether in terms of installation, use, security, or pricing. And this service should be provided by every travel industry player, in particular airlines, to their clients,” explains Anne-Carole Cöen, Kolet’s co-founder and CMO.
Advertisement
Leveraging Industry Expertise
The founding team has collaborated with a board of experts from the telecom and tourism industries to craft its value proposition, including Philippe Chérèque (formerly of Amex GBT and Amadeus), Shane O’Flaherty (Global Director of Travel and Hospitality at Microsoft), and Mauricio Prieto (co-founder of eDreams).
Kolet’s first partners include Resaneo, a travel agency specializing in transport bookings, and Ulysse, an air ticket booking site. The company offers access to a high-performance network (4G or 5G) at very competitive prices, starting at €3.99 for 1GB in Europe with a 30-day validity period.
A Vision for the Future
“There is a tremendous opportunity here for travel companies to enrich their service offering, build customer loyalty, and increase their revenues. Our ambition is to become the key partner for the top travel companies in a rapidly expanding market. With this 1st round of financing and thanks to the support of our advisors, Kolet is starting its development on the French and international markets,” says Eduardo Ronzano, CEO of Kolet.
Investor 9900 Capital, managed by former investors at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and London-based investment firm Hedosophia, backs founders tackling significant global challenges. “Kolet’s vision to disrupt an oligopolistic telco industry resonates strongly with our investment philosophy at 9900 Capital of solving ‘big problems’ and absurdities that impact global consumers. Their dedicated team, innovative eSIM technology, and commitment to ending outrageous roaming charges make Kolet an important investment for us. We believe in their potential to reshape the travel experience and are excited to be part of their journey,” says Chris Corbishley, co-founder and Managing Partner of 9900 Capital.
With this seed funding, Kolet is well-positioned to transform the travel industry by providing a sustainable, affordable, and accessible solution for global Internet access, ensuring travelers can stay connected wherever they go.
