OptConnect.
Capestone.
Yesterday, the former officially announced its acquisition of the latter.
So, let’s recap this news for you lovely readers this afternoon, shall we?
Harking back to 2000, OptConnect began as a humble solution designed to connect ATMs to the internet via cellular routers. (Basically an ATM accessory, as it were.) As the company experienced exceptional growth, connectivity — the very lifeblood of IoT, as I’ve said for years across our IoT and IIoT-related sites — became the centerpiece (rather than ATMs, strictly).
“It became apparent,” OptConnect wrote, “that cellular technology would give many other markets besides ATMs.” You know, as an “option to connect.”
Thus, OptConnect was officially established in 2009.
In present day, OptConnect recognizes that “one size” solutions don’t nearly fit all, especially when we’re talking about cellular-centric use cases. This is why OptConnect provides a range of self-managed and fully managed offerings; this way, customers get well-managed, simplified connectivity solutions, every time.
And that brings us, as fate has it, to Capestone.
Capestone is a Netherlands-based, specialized distributor of IoT networks, 4G/5G mobile internet/IoT solutions, and critical communications across Europe. For more than 15 years (i.e. right in the same ballpark as OptConnect), Capestone has endeavored to make means of connectivity as accessible as possible. It’s as simple as that. (Read their full story here.)
“We bring IoT together,” one Capestone team member wrote.
This, in a nutshell, is why OptConnect has strategically acquired Capestone.
With this move (especially since it follows OptConnect’s previous acquisitions of Premier Wireless Solutions and M2MDataGLobal), the company is working to further solidify its position as a global presence in cutting-edge connectivity.
Here’s a great excerpt from the official announcement:
“The Capestone acquisition significantly increases OptConnect’s global coverage and enhances the number of end markets and verticals that the combined business can now support. Capestone adds a rich legacy of hardware relationships along with a proprietary set of IoT software, services, and connectivity bundled together under the Comgate brand. In terms of reach, Capestone is active in more than 60 countries and supports over 1,000 channel partners and enterprises.”
Per Chris Baird, CEO of OptConnect:
“This new partnership is a key step in strengthening our global presence. With the addition of Capestone, OptConnect can now significantly expand its capabilities in Europe and provide more seamless and reliable wireless connectivity solutions worldwide. Our focus remains on empowering customers to achieve their IoT goals, and this strategic move ensures we can continue delivering value and innovation on a global scale.”
And per Jos Ouwerkerk, Managing Director of Capestone:
“Our company has always prioritized delivering cutting-edge connectivity solutions to meet the evolving demands of our customers. By joining forces with OptConnect, we’re not only expanding our reach but also enhancing our ability to provide even more innovative and scalable IoT solutions. This partnership allows us to leverage OptConnect’s global experience while continuing to deliver the exceptional service and tailored solutions our customers have come to expect.”
Edited by
Greg Tavarez
