Simulity Labs

Simulity Labs, established in 2009, specialized in embedded operating system software and related server systems for SIM cards and the burgeoning embedded SIM (eSIM) market. The company was founded in Bangor, Wales, by a French-Irish investment partnership that included Stéphane Portha and Stephen Halpenny. Portha, serving as CEO, brought a rich background as an internet and video game pioneer, having co-created the multiplayer game "GraalOnline Classic" in 1998 and been involved in early internet projects. This deep understanding of network architecture and software development was pivotal to Simulity's direction.

The firm's core business involved providing embedded communications software for traditional SIMs, eSIMs, and other connected products, targeting the Internet of Things (IoT) sector. Its business model transitioned towards software licensing, serving a global client base that included over 45 mobile network operators. Simulity's technology enabled IoT devices to securely connect to networks and supported remote provisioning, which allows devices to switch carriers without a physical SIM card swap. This capability was a key component for scaling IoT deployments. The company's offerings were designed to be bespoke solutions, catering to the specific needs of its clients in the telecommunications, payment, and security sectors.

Simulity experienced rapid growth, which led to the opening of international offices in South Africa, India, Belfast, and a development site in Copenhagen, to supplement its Welsh headquarters. This expansion was fueled by a £4 million growth capital investment from Foresight Group in October 2016, which aimed to help the company penetrate OEM and enterprise markets. Just eight months later, in July 2017, the semiconductor and software design company ARM acquired Simulity for approximately £11.7 million. The acquisition was part of ARM's strategy to build a comprehensive, secure, and scalable platform for the IoT market, integrating Simulity's eSIM and remote management technology into its own offerings. Following the acquisition, Simulity became part of ARM, and as of late 2023, the UK entity, Simulity Labs Limited, is listed as dormant.

Keywords: eSIM technology, embedded operating systems, IoT connectivity, SIM card software, remote provisioning, M2M communication, secure connectivity, mobile network operators, embedded software licensing, IoT device management, ARM acquisition, Stéphane Portha, Stephen Halpenny, connected devices, network security, telecommunications software, payment security, Foresight Group, smart card solutions, embedded SIMs