Participated · Series B · Nov 2020

Cellwize offers CHIME, an all-in-one cloud platform that leverages AI to configure, optimize, monitor and provide APIs for third-party integration across multi-vendor Radio Access Networks. The product targets carriers migrating to and operating 5G alongside legacy networks. The company says it serves some 40 carriers, including Verizon and Telefónica, covering 16 countries, 3 million cell sites and 800 million subscribers. Cellwize plans to use new funding to expand into more geographies and invest in R&D to add capabilities to CHIME. The platform positions itself as an open alternative to vendor-locked RAN solutions, enabling operators to avoid single-vendor lock-in and accelerate 5G deployment. Cellwize is based in Singapore and provides network automation and orchestration solutions for global telecom carriers and connected car OEMs. Led by CEO Ofir Zemer, the company offers modular solutions that enable agile adoption of 'zero-touch' network automation on top of a virtualized service orchestration platform. Its product aims to enhance the mobile journey across all vendors and technologies and to enable customers' 5G journey across North America, Latin America, Europe and APAC. Cellwize counts Telefónica, Axiata and Bell Canada among its global clients. Financially, the company recently received an equity investment from Sonae IM, though the amount was not disclosed. Sonae IM joined existing investors Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners (DTCP), Viola Ventures, Green Apple Tech and Vintage Investment Partners. Led by CEO Ofir Zemer, Cellwize develops mobile network automation and orchestration solutions that provide mobile network operators and digital enterprises the ability to deliver continuous digital services across wireless technologies. Its platform aims to transform rigid, pre-set networks into adaptive, user-centric and responsive systems that continuously match capacity and optimize coverage to improve personalized user experience. Cellwize's solutions are being used to enable customers' 5G journeys across North America, Latin America, Europe and APAC. The company intends to use newly received funds to expand its global footprint and to continue supporting 5G network rollouts. The investment was an equity injection from Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners; financial terms were not disclosed. No revenue or user metrics were disclosed in the article. Cellwize develops and delivers Self-Organizing Network (SON) solutions and its elastic-SON® platform works across vendors and wireless technologies. Led by CEO Ofir Zemer, the platform continuously matches capacity, coverage and quality with evolving usage patterns to self-adapt and prioritize services based on subscriber behavior and network demand. Founded by industry experts, Cellwize launched its commercial SON platform in 2012. Its solutions are implemented in mobile operators serving over 300 million subscribers. The company raised $14.5m in a Series A and additionally secured a $10m credit facility, and it plans to use the funds to boost customer-centric SON optimization, expand market presence and increase its workforce.

Participated · Seed · Feb 2018

Sensei builds contactless, autonomous store systems that use computer vision, AI-powered sensors, and real-time algorithms to automatically update customers' carts and present ready-to-pay item lists while protecting identity and privacy. The platform gives retailers real-time visibility into operations, reduces checkout costs, and helps prevent stock-outs. The company says it nearly doubled its number of stores over the past year and now operates with clients in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and Brazil. Sensei aims to reach 1,000 fully autonomous points of sale by 2026 and plans expansion into central and northern Europe. Financially, Sensei recently raised a €15 million Series A and previously closed a $6.5 million (€5.4 million) Seed in 2021. Sensei develops a proprietary platform that combines cameras, sensors and AI to enable checkout-free grab-and-go stores and forecourt formats. The platform allows retailers to automate existing and new stores, manage inventory in real time, and access insights into store usage. The startup plans to scale its R&D and launch new stores following the funding. Sensei positions itself against competitors such as Trigo and in a market where Amazon is selling cashierless store technology to other retailers. The company was founded by Vasco Portugal (CEO, ex-MIT), Joana Rafael (COO), Nuno Moutinho (CTO) and Paulo Carreira (CSO). It is based in Lisbon. Sensei, founded last year in Portugal, develops AI-powered algorithms for cameras that gather and analyse data on people and product performance in physical stores. The company says the data is anonymous and GDPR-compliant. Its product aims to help brick-and-mortar retailers close the data and insights gap with e-commerce by providing analytics on what drives shopping and product performance. Sensei's stated mission is to digitize physical stores and create smart stores that intuitively understand the needs of customers and employees to deliver more convenient, personalized shopping experiences. The startup participated in Metro and Techstars' retail accelerator last year. It has positioned its analytics as tools for retailers to implement changes that grow in-store sales.