European infrastructure fund manager Cube Infrastructure Managers has acquired a majority stake in Heliot Europe, the owner and operator of the Sigfox 0G networks in Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and the Sigfox’s 0G network in Germany.

Sigfox has grown its 0G IoT services by rolling out 0G networks across 72 countries and regions, which was largely achieved with partners called Sigfox operators. These operators are the owners of the 0G networks, which they operate as exclusive connectivity providers of Sigfox IoT services, offering worldwide connectivity to customers.

The sale of the German network to Cube will allow Sigfox to finance its continued innovation efforts in data value extraction and improvements in cloud algorithms to reduce energy consumption and allow the implementation of more cost-effective devices and sensors.

Cube is bringing together the 0G networks of all four countries, which will together form the largest 0G network in Europe. Cube’s objective is to accelerate the growth of this IoT infrastructure in the region in joint venture with the operating management of the networks, which retains a minority stake in Heliot Europe.

“We are known as pioneers among infrastructure funds for investing early in optic fibre infrastructure companies in Europe, long before fibre became the fourth utility and have over the last decade accompanied the growth of several European infrastructure operators,” said Henri Piganeau, managing partner at Cube Infrastructure Managers. “Today, we see the development of massive IoT as a critical enabler and driver of economic, social and environmental progress in the context of the digital transformation of our economies. With this investment in the Heliot platform and strategic alliance with Sigfox, we are now aiming at consolidating a new communication infrastructure, harnessing its potential to enhance the competitiveness of our industries and territories, and contributing to the efficient use of public services and scarce resources consistent with our ESG objectives.”

What started out as Sigfox’s early 0G network, has built trust with numerous industries, which have been able to improve the management of their supply inventories and product distribution, realising efficiency gains by capturing small messages using affordable, autonomous and long-lasting sensors.

Rather than competing with cellular technology, Sigfox 0G has can complement this technology where it is not suitable thanks to devices that use less energy and radio spectrum and cost less.

“We challenge and invite industries to evaluate the data they want to collect, to improve their business,” said Ludovic Le Moan, CEO and cofounder of Sigfox. “Our goal at Sigfox, with our operators and our ecosystem partners, is to minimise data extraction costs. Sharing infrastructure is a first step towards lower TCO, and higher reliability and interoperability.”

Cube’s acquisitions of Sigfox Germany and Heliot Europe mark a milestone in the IoT’s market maturity as it recognises the long-term growth potential of IoT 0G infrastructure networks.

“We are pleased to welcome Cube as our main shareholders to drive our vision started two years ago with our agreements signed with Sigfox for Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein,”said Thomas Scheibel, CEO at Heliot. “The acquisition of Sigfox Germany is a key milestone in our development and we will pursue commercial development initiated by Sigfox Germany with tier one customers in the country and beyond, in retail, automotive and logistics. This new combined 0G network from the Adriatic to the North Sea reflects our clients expectations and plays well to our operational strengths.”

He said Heliot was looking to accelerate and foster the adoption of IoT at the heart of European industry.

“This is made possible with the successful and entrepreneurial team already fully integrated into the Sigfox ecosystem as well as the powerful financial backing and experience of Cube Infrastructure Managers,” said Scheibel. “This is also an unprecedented opportunity to reinforce our strategic and long-term alliance with Sigfox.”

Le Moan added: “From the very beginning, Sigfox has been aiming to offer customers an ever-better service, through innovation, densification, a mature ecosystem and a high return on investment. Selling Sigfox Germany to dedicated and long-term partners such as Heliot and Cube will allow us to keep this promise. We have built and created value to the world’s first low power network. A network built to last. This is reflected in the ever-increasing number of customers who join us every day.”

The Sigfox network is available in 72 countries, with 1.3 billion people covered. Founded in 2010, the company is headquartered in France and has offices in Madrid, Munich, Boston, Dallas, Dubai, Singapore, Sao Paulo and Tokyo.

Founded in 2007, Cube Infrastructure Managers is an independent management company, focusing on equity investments in the European infrastructure space addressing the essential infrastructure needs of local public authorities and populations, with ESG commitments. It has raised an aggregate €2.6bn and manages three funds.