Firsty: The Startup That Aims to Make SIM Cards Obsolete
May 20, 2025, 10:17 pm
Location: Netherlands, North Holland, Amsterdam
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1996
Location: Ukraine, Odesa Oblast, Odesa
Employees: 501-1000
Founded date: 2009
Total raised: $1.64B
In a world where connectivity is king, a Singapore-based startup named Firsty is on a mission to disrupt the telecom industry. With a fresh funding round of SGD 7.5 million (USD 5.8 million) and a strategic partnership with travel tech firm GlobalTix, Firsty is poised to redefine how we access mobile data. Imagine a world where SIM cards are relics of the past, replaced by seamless connectivity through an app. This is the vision Firsty is chasing.
Founded in 2023 by former Adyen product leads Vince Vissers and Gauthier Thierens, Firsty operates on a freemium model. It offers basic mobile data at no cost in over 160 countries. Users can enjoy free access while traveling, unlocking additional data by viewing ads or upgrading for a nominal fee. The startup generates revenue through partnerships with major platforms like Uber and Trip.com, which pay to ensure their services remain accessible even without a mobile plan or Wi-Fi.
Firsty’s unique approach is akin to a bridge over troubled waters. It operates its own technical infrastructure, allowing it to manage access at the app level rather than reselling bandwidth from other carriers. This reduces friction in global mobile connectivity, making it easier for users to stay connected. The startup's ambition is clear: to eliminate the need for SIM cards and roaming fees, creating a world where users can connect simply by downloading an app.
The recent funding round was co-led by Speedinvest and Dutch Founders Fund, with participation from telecom veterans and former executives from Booking.com, Uber, and Adyen. This backing provides Firsty with the resources to expand its network coverage and grow its partner ecosystem. The startup aims to accelerate user acquisition across the Asia Pacific region, a market ripe for innovation.
The partnership with GlobalTix is a game-changer. With over 12,000 resellers and platforms like GetYourGuide in its network, GlobalTix will integrate Firsty’s service, allowing travelers to maintain app connectivity for bookings and transportation without changing SIM cards or incurring roaming charges. This integration is crucial. Connectivity is the lifeblood of the travel experience. Travelers can book tickets, manage itineraries, and navigate new cities without the hassle of searching for Wi-Fi or worrying about data limits.
Firsty’s early traction is promising. With around 600,000 users, the startup has tapped into a growing demand for a more seamless alternative to traditional roaming. While major telecom providers still dominate the landscape, Firsty sees an opportunity to serve travelers, expats, digital nomads, and unbanked users who often find themselves underserved by legacy systems.
The startup’s vision extends beyond mere connectivity. In five years, Firsty envisions a world where SIM cards and roaming fees are obsolete. Users would remain connected by default, simply by downloading an app. This bold ambition reflects a growing trend in the telecom industry, where traditional models are being challenged by innovative solutions.
Firsty’s model is not without its challenges. The telecom industry is notoriously difficult to penetrate, dominated by established players with vast infrastructure and customer bases. However, Firsty’s approach of tying mobile access to app sponsorships offers a fresh perspective. By collaborating with popular platforms, Firsty can enhance user engagement and create a more consistent mobile experience.
The startup’s commitment to providing free mobile data access aligns with a broader movement toward digital inclusivity. In an age where the internet is essential for everyday life, Firsty believes that everyone deserves access, regardless of their location. This ethos resonates with a growing number of consumers who seek affordable and reliable connectivity solutions.
As Firsty continues to expand its reach, it faces the challenge of scaling its operations while maintaining quality service. The telecom landscape is fraught with competition, and user expectations are high. To succeed, Firsty must not only attract new users but also retain them by delivering a seamless and reliable experience.
In conclusion, Firsty is a startup to watch. With its innovative approach to mobile connectivity, it has the potential to reshape the telecom industry. By eliminating the need for SIM cards and roaming fees, Firsty is paving the way for a future where connectivity is as simple as downloading an app. As the company embarks on this ambitious journey, it embodies the spirit of innovation that drives the tech industry forward. The road ahead may be challenging, but with institutional backing and a clear vision, Firsty is well-positioned to make waves in the world of mobile data. The question remains: can Firsty truly kill the SIM card? Only time will tell.
Founded in 2023 by former Adyen product leads Vince Vissers and Gauthier Thierens, Firsty operates on a freemium model. It offers basic mobile data at no cost in over 160 countries. Users can enjoy free access while traveling, unlocking additional data by viewing ads or upgrading for a nominal fee. The startup generates revenue through partnerships with major platforms like Uber and Trip.com, which pay to ensure their services remain accessible even without a mobile plan or Wi-Fi.
Firsty’s unique approach is akin to a bridge over troubled waters. It operates its own technical infrastructure, allowing it to manage access at the app level rather than reselling bandwidth from other carriers. This reduces friction in global mobile connectivity, making it easier for users to stay connected. The startup's ambition is clear: to eliminate the need for SIM cards and roaming fees, creating a world where users can connect simply by downloading an app.
The recent funding round was co-led by Speedinvest and Dutch Founders Fund, with participation from telecom veterans and former executives from Booking.com, Uber, and Adyen. This backing provides Firsty with the resources to expand its network coverage and grow its partner ecosystem. The startup aims to accelerate user acquisition across the Asia Pacific region, a market ripe for innovation.
The partnership with GlobalTix is a game-changer. With over 12,000 resellers and platforms like GetYourGuide in its network, GlobalTix will integrate Firsty’s service, allowing travelers to maintain app connectivity for bookings and transportation without changing SIM cards or incurring roaming charges. This integration is crucial. Connectivity is the lifeblood of the travel experience. Travelers can book tickets, manage itineraries, and navigate new cities without the hassle of searching for Wi-Fi or worrying about data limits.
Firsty’s early traction is promising. With around 600,000 users, the startup has tapped into a growing demand for a more seamless alternative to traditional roaming. While major telecom providers still dominate the landscape, Firsty sees an opportunity to serve travelers, expats, digital nomads, and unbanked users who often find themselves underserved by legacy systems.
The startup’s vision extends beyond mere connectivity. In five years, Firsty envisions a world where SIM cards and roaming fees are obsolete. Users would remain connected by default, simply by downloading an app. This bold ambition reflects a growing trend in the telecom industry, where traditional models are being challenged by innovative solutions.
Firsty’s model is not without its challenges. The telecom industry is notoriously difficult to penetrate, dominated by established players with vast infrastructure and customer bases. However, Firsty’s approach of tying mobile access to app sponsorships offers a fresh perspective. By collaborating with popular platforms, Firsty can enhance user engagement and create a more consistent mobile experience.
The startup’s commitment to providing free mobile data access aligns with a broader movement toward digital inclusivity. In an age where the internet is essential for everyday life, Firsty believes that everyone deserves access, regardless of their location. This ethos resonates with a growing number of consumers who seek affordable and reliable connectivity solutions.
As Firsty continues to expand its reach, it faces the challenge of scaling its operations while maintaining quality service. The telecom landscape is fraught with competition, and user expectations are high. To succeed, Firsty must not only attract new users but also retain them by delivering a seamless and reliable experience.
In conclusion, Firsty is a startup to watch. With its innovative approach to mobile connectivity, it has the potential to reshape the telecom industry. By eliminating the need for SIM cards and roaming fees, Firsty is paving the way for a future where connectivity is as simple as downloading an app. As the company embarks on this ambitious journey, it embodies the spirit of innovation that drives the tech industry forward. The road ahead may be challenging, but with institutional backing and a clear vision, Firsty is well-positioned to make waves in the world of mobile data. The question remains: can Firsty truly kill the SIM card? Only time will tell.