AirPlug

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, AirPlug began its journey with a focus on optimizing mobile network performance. Initially, the company developed technologies like Multiple Access Optimization (MAO) and Blended Boosting, designed to integrate Wi-Fi and cellular networks to enhance streaming quality for end-users and create monetization opportunities for mobile network operators. The company secured an undisclosed amount in a Series A funding round on October 23, 2013, with participation from institutional investors including Formation 8, TransLink Capital, and Storm Ventures. In total, AirPlug has raised $4.8 million.

Over time, AirPlug has pivoted its strategic focus towards the automotive sector, specifically on developing technologies for connected cars. The company now operates as a pioneer in automotive Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), providing a suite of solutions that enable always-on connectivity for vehicles, facilitate the efficient deployment of new vehicular functions, and allow for application-driven customization of vehicle features. This shift aligns with the growing demand for intelligent, connected vehicle services. On November 29, 2021, AirPlug was acquired by Hyundai Motor, signaling a significant milestone and validating its technological direction within the automotive industry.

AirPlug's business model centers on providing software solutions and development tools to car Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers. Its product portfolio includes a SoA Design & Deployment Tool for service design and collaboration, a SOME/IP Protocol Tester for automated standards conformance, a SOME/IP Protocol Analyzer for traffic analysis, and a Service Communication Monitor for verifying service communications. These tools are designed to support the entire lifecycle of SOA-based vehicle application development, from design and implementation to testing and verification. The company also offers solutions for application software management, gateway connections to multi-cloud platforms, and advanced in-vehicle networking using Ethernet to manage Quality of Service (QoS) and security policies.

Keywords: connected cars, automotive software, Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), in-vehicle network, automotive Ethernet, SOME/IP protocol, mobile network optimization, Multiple Access Optimization (MAO), connected car solutions, vehicle software management, automotive technology, Hyundai Motor subsidiary, SOA design tools, protocol testers, automotive connectivity