French technology company acquires SixSq

Based in Geneva, SixSq has developed a solution allowing businesses to take full advantage of the added value of Edge Computing. Complementing Cloud computing, the SixSq solution enables smart data processing directly on the company's site. This way data processing latency is substantially reduced and confidentiality secured. In addition, businesses can significantly reduce their Cloud computing bills.

The SixSq range comprises the Nuvla.io marketplace, which hosts all types of business applications in container format, and the NuvlaBox software, which converts enterprise routers or other open hardware platforms capable of processing data, into smart edge systems.

The Nuvla.io marketplace makes available to all NuvlaBoxes deployed in the field inside enterprises, all the applications it hosts in the Cloud, similar to the App Store or Play Store for consumers. This way, SixSq makes it possible for all software vendors to reach the enterprise market and sell their innovative software applications.

With this acquisition, Ekinops, a public company traded on the Euronext Paris exchange, is stepping up its strategy to provide greater added value to its customers. "It is now possible to extend it to all types of applications through the integration of NuvlaBox into our middleware OneOS6 and access to the Nuvla.io marketplace. The possibilities are infinite!" said Didier Brédy, CEO of Ekinops. "We are looking forward to presenting this opportunity to our telecom operator customers. It is a new way for them to monetize their presence at enterprise branch sites through our OneOS6 routers."

The transaction consists of the acquisition by Ekinops of 100% of the capital of SixSq SA, which will be consolidated by the Group from November 1, 2021. This transaction also includes financing from Ekinops to SixSq, which will allow the company to significantly increase its sales operation and R&D activities at its Geneva headquarters. SixSq is expected to contribute €1m to €2m to revenue in 2022 from its software business. The company is targeting triple-digit growth in the coming years.

"Our solution, already productized, offers a unique value proposition to various verticals such as industry, mass retail and telecoms. For us, joining Ekinops is an enormous accelerator," said Marc-Elian Bégin, co-founder and CEO of SixSq. "Thanks to Ekinops' support, we now have the firepower to rapidly move into the B2B market focusing on large accounts and telecom operators. We have already identified opportunities. The market has been waiting for this type of solution, so the timing is perfect."