Proximi.io

Proximi.io, founded in April 2014, provides a technology-agnostic positioning platform for application developers. The company was established by CEO Annina Koskiola, an archaeologist by training, and CTO Mika Koskiola. Annina's journey into location-based technology began during her master's thesis research on mobile applications in museums, where she identified a need for apps to be spatially aware to enhance visitor experiences. This insight led her to collaborate with her brother-in-law, Mika, who possesses a strong background in R&D with WiFi technology and embedded Linux systems. The duo bootstrapped for two years before officially launching the platform in March 2016.

The core of Proximi.io's business is a unified SDK and API that integrates various positioning technologies, including Bluetooth Low Energy (beacons), Wi-Fi, GPS, cellular signals, and IndoorAtlas. This approach allows developers to build location-aware applications that function seamlessly both indoors and outdoors without needing to handle the complexity of each individual technology. The platform serves a broad client base, including shopping malls, amusement parks, office buildings, and hospitals, enabling them to offer step-by-step navigation and proximity-based interactions. The business model operates on a subscription basis, with pricing dependent on the size of the venue and specific needs such as indoor positioning or custom map design. It appears to be free to start, with charges applied after a certain amount of usage. Developer kits are also available, which include beacons and a six-month test license to the platform.

The platform provides a suite of tools for developers, accessible through iOS and Android SDKs, as well as a Cordova/Ionic plugin. Features include a portal for creating geofences, delivering mobile content, automating IoT devices, and collecting location analytics. For navigation, Proximi.io uses a path-based system, allowing for the creation of direct routes, including unidirectional paths for managing traffic flow in complex venues like public transport stations. The company emphasizes data security and privacy, ensuring GDPR-compliant data processing with options for data storage in either the EU or the USA. Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, with an office in Helsinki, Finland, Proximi.io has secured funding from investors such as Butterfly Ventures and a syndicate of Finnish and Danish business angels to support its expansion.

Keywords: indoor positioning, location-based services, geofencing, mobile navigation, developer platform, SDK, API, wayfinding, asset tracking, proximity marketing, IoT automation, location analytics, Bluetooth beacons, technology-agnostic, indoor-outdoor navigation, real-time positioning, mobile application development, smart buildings, venue navigation, visitor tracking