KaiOS builds a lightweight operating system for advanced feature phones, enabling handset makers to ship low-cost, app-capable devices. The company currently lists 41 handset models running its OS, with the cheapest devices retailing for about $10. KaiOS began life in 2017 as a fork of Firefox OS and grew with strategic partners and OEMs such as Google, TCL and Nokia. To date the company says it has shipped over 170 million devices and has around 100 million active users, representing an estimated 0.07% share of the total mobile market. KaiOS faces declining feature-phone sales and strong competition from ever-cheaper Android smartphones. The startup plans to use new capital to build out its business in sub-Saharan Africa and expand into new markets. Its last disclosed outside funding was a $50 million round in 2019. KaiOS develops a lightweight operating system that powers "smart feature phones" used in devices from Nokia and Reliance Jio. The platform has been building native integrations of Google services such as Maps and Assistant and counts partners including Google, Facebook, Twitter, Orange, MTN, Qualcomm, and TCL. KaiOS targets first-time and upgrade buyers in emerging markets with long-battery, durable devices, while also addressing developed-market users seeking pared-down phones. Financially, KaiOS raised $50 million in its latest round led by Cathay Innovation, bringing total funding to $72 million after a prior $22 million strategic investment from Google. The company has shipped 100 million handsets across 100 countries. Valuation was not disclosed, though PitchBook estimated about $43.75 million last year and CEO Sebastien Codeville said the valuation is "definitely up." KaiOS builds an eponymous lightweight operating system for feature phones that supports native apps and smartphone-like services including search, maps, voice assistant and media apps. The project began in 2017 in the U.S. as a fork of Mozilla’s Firefox OS and maintains offices in North America, Europe and Asia. KaiOS powers devices from OEMs such as Nokia (HMD), Micromax and Alcatel and works with carriers including Sprint, AT&T and India’s Reliance Jio. The company has shipped more than 40 million KaiOS phones to date; Counterpoint reported 23 million shipments in Q1 2018 and an 11,400% year‑on‑year increase. Google invested $22 million to help fast‑track development and global deployment and to integrate Google Search, Maps, YouTube and the Google Voice Assistant across more KaiOS devices. KaiOS mixes dedicated apps and HTML5 web apps (Twitter and Facebook are already available and WhatsApp is said to be coming), targeting users in markets where feature phones remain prevalent.

Total raised

$75M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Convertible Note

Latest activity

Nov 2022