Business Showcase : Cubic Telecom

By @SimonCocking, interview with Barry Napier, CEO of Cubic Telecom

Describe the company.

Cubic Telecom is a global connectivity platform company that offers flexible mobility solutions that power connectivity for leading Internet of things (IoT), machine-to-machine (M2M) and mobile device companies across the globe. Cubic enables users to offer not just products, but post-sale services – building a lasting and ongoing relationship with end-users. Providing connectivity in over 180 countries; the most robust network, device and retail partnerships worldwide; and flexible over-the-air (OTA) device management; we enable global scalability with local connectivity anytime, anywhere. 

How are you different?

As a pioneer in SIM card-based technologies, Cubic powers M2M and connects the Internet-of-Things (IoT) with breakthroughs in hardware, SIM software, manufacturing, and provisioning. We are committed to staying ahead of our customers’ ever-changing technology and communications demands. Our Core Network is built to manage today’s broad array of voice and data standards, including LTE, CDMA, UMTS, WiFi, SIP and more. The company’s components include high-performance data gateways, routers and servers, along with advanced media gateways and controllers.

Why will the company / product do well?

Cubic has the largest independent LTE footprint in Europe and has connected more than 10 billion devices worldwide as of this year. We also currently have partnerships with 30 Tier 1 mobile operators worldwide, alongside well-established relationships in a variety of industries including PC makers, automotive manufacturers and branded retailers globally. 

Where are you based?

Dublin, Ireland 

When was the company launched?

Officially registered in 2006 but launched in 2009 

What have been your biggest wins to date?

Since 2009, we hav raised approximately $40 million in funding, most recently closing a $20 million Series B round led by Audi and Qualcomm in mid-2015.

Some of our key partners included Enterprise Ireland, Audi, Qualcomm, Sierra Wireless, Lenovo, Woolworth’s, Microsoft, HP, and Rakuten, to name a few.

 What type of people (market segment) are you trying to attract to your product?

Cubic verticals include:

• PC OEM
• Branded Retail
• M2M
• Automotive

Tell us about your team?

Cubic is made up of approximately 90 employees and led by myself, Barry Napier – CEO and Chairman. I am responsible for setting the corporate strategy for Cubic, as well as day-to-day leadership, investor relations, M&A and strategic partnerships.

Since helping acquire the company, I’ve relocated the HQ to Dublin and selected key industry leaders and innovators to further expand the team 10-fold. I have also spearheaded the development of key practice areas for the company, most recently including Cubic’s connected car/infotainment initiatives.

Additional executive team is made up of:

• Barry Higginbothham, CFO
• Gerry McQuaid, CCO
• James Dennis, CTO
• Shane Sorohan, COO

 What are you long term plans for your product / company?

A: Considering M2M is a rapidly growing part of the global economy, this will soon become the norm for the automotive industry. Cubic has provided an integrated solution across multiple networks, enabling our partner Audi to create a personalized network that operates seamlessly across Europe.

In June 2016, Audi launched Cubic’s embedded SIM (eSim) technology, Audi Connect, across 13 European countries in its Q7, Q5 and A4 ranges. Together, our companies plan to continue to roll it out across its entire product line and in North America in 2017.

Future plans for Cubic also include:

• Increase our global data traffic eight-fold by 2020
• One core network hub in each continent
• 3M SIM cards deployed
• Boast 100 employees by the end of 2016

What are your favourite tech gadgets?

My smart watch was my favourite purchase in 2016 and has improved my fitness in an unexpected way. It tracks daily activity. It will beep if I have been sitting for too long to remind me to get away from the desk for a while, and acts as a pedometer so I can track my fitness. I’ve become more conscious of getting the right amount of exercise no matter how busy the day gets.

I also started using the HP X21012 (2-in-1 device) this year. The look and feel of this device is a step in the right direction for HP, especially in terms of design. It’s a mix between a large tablet, notebook and flat-panel desktop.

Something I’d like to buy in 2017 is a wireless glass keyboard. These are touch sensitive and usually work off Bluetooth.

 What tech gadgets do you wish you could use to help you?

The most exciting gadgets to enter the mainstream marketplace are drones. They are becoming quite popular now in Ireland and feature endless opportunities for their use. Drones can make previously inaccessible places now accessible visually.

I think in the coming years drones will be used for spot advertising, live streaming at events, news reporting, improving security, and assisting police operations. With drone sensors, emergency services could be warned of oncoming extreme weather or assist with search operations. Gaming drones which would be integrated with virtual reality are another area which is set to grow popular. The drone market opens up a multitude of possibilities and can be used to help many different industries. 

How do people get in touch with you?

A: +353 1 486 0600 |  info@cubictelecom.com

PR Contact: Rebecca Kufrin | +1 (952) 200-7854 | Rebecca.kufrin@skyya.com

If you would like to have your company featured in the Irish Tech News Business Showcase, get in contact with us at Simon@IrishTechNews.net or on Twitter: @SimonCocking