Telecom Infra Firm iBus Group Raises INR 125 Cr From Nomura

Bengaluru-based telecom infrastructure and technology firm iBus Group has raised INR 125 Cr (nearly $15.65 Mn) from Japan-based financial services group Nomura. The infra aggregator aims to use the funds to consolidate its digital infrastructure for Wi-Fi managed services and other value-added services. 

The company has stated that the funds will also help expand its presence globally through its subsidiaries in Singapore, Dubai and the US. 

“Currently, digital connectivity infrastructure is skewed towards urban and Tier 1 cities in India resulting in a huge digital divide. iBus will now build scale and eliminate inefficiencies to fast track the essential digitalisation of our economy,” iBus Group’s Director and CBO Subash Vasudevan said in a statement.

Founded in 2010, iBus deploys and operates digital infrastructure for cellular, Wi-Fi and data connectivity in large campuses such as IT parks, hospitals, commercial buildings and more. 

Its product portfolio includes iBus Talk (data connectivity inside buildings), iBus Find (consumer behaviour analyser), iBus Sync (broadband services) and iBus Sense (IoT-enabled communication platform).

The solutions aim to enhance mobile signal networks, enable high-speed indoor connectivity and converge licensed telecom signals and data with WiFi and LTE/U bands. It acts as a catalyst in connecting telecoms and infrastructure providers and provides aggregating solutions for enterprise networks.

The iBus group networks are deployed across nearly 1 Bn sq ft area in 750 sites and 52 cities. Its client base includes all Indian telecom operators, PVR Cinemas, SBI, Capgemini, Apollo Hospitals and Park Hyatt, among others.

The Morgan Stanley-backed startup has so far raised nearly $40 Mn in funds from investors such as Enam’s Vallabh Bhanshali, US-based N Squared, TV Mohandas Pai, and more. 

Only recently, the company acquired Chennai-based internet access services firm Microsense in a deal worth INR 88 Cr (nearly $11 Mn). It also counts telecom firm Ubico Networks as its subsidiary after it acquired the Shyam Group-owned company for INR 100 Cr ($12.5 Mn). It competes with the likes of Rohde & Schwarz, Firefly Networks and more.