Singapore-based travel tech company Airalo has achieved unicorn status after securing $220 million in Series B funding, reshaping global connectivity for tourists and business travelers across 200+ destinations.
Airalo, a trailblazing eSIM technology provider, has officially entered the unicorn club with a post-funding valuation exceeding $1 billion. The Singapore-headquartered startup raised $220 million in its second and final Series B funding round, with CVC Capital Partners leading the investment by contributing $185 million. This landmark achievement positions Airalo as a category leader in the growing travel eSIM market—a sector that is reshaping how travelers connect across borders.
Founded in 2019, Airalo’s platform enables users to instantly download eSIMs (embedded SIM cards) for use in over 200 countries and regions. With more than 20 million users globally, the company offers digital access to data plans that eliminate the need for costly international roaming or the physical hassle of swapping out SIM cards abroad.
Transforming Global Mobile Access for Travelers
The travel eSIM sector is valued at over $1 billion and expected to experience exponential growth. Airalo’s success highlights an ongoing shift in consumer demand toward seamless, affordable, and flexible mobile data connectivity for international travelers.
According to CEO and co-founder Ahmet Bahadir Ozdemir, this funding round is a “major milestone” for Airalo and the broader telecommunications ecosystem. “We are entering a new era of mobile connectivity where eSIMs are no longer optional—they are becoming essential,” Ozdemir noted. The funding will help Airalo improve its customer experience, expand its product range, and enhance support capabilities.
Expanded eSIM Product Range and Enhanced App Experience
With the new capital injection, Airalo is preparing to roll out expanded eSIM bundles tailored for every kind of traveler—from light users needing 1GB data packs to those requiring unlimited 30-day global coverage. The company will also introduce data, text, and voice plans in select regions, offering end-to-end mobile solutions that eliminate the dependency on traditional mobile operators.
To enhance user experience further, Airalo is launching a revamped app interface available on Android, iOS, and web platforms. The upgraded app will provide intuitive features that make it easier for users to manage eSIMs, switch networks, and monitor data usage in real-time. Airalo is also doubling down on its enterprise platform to allow global businesses and travel partners to provide seamless eSIM services to their employees or customers.
CVC’s Strategic Partnership and Market Vision
The investment round was spearheaded by CVC Capital Partners, a global private equity firm with extensive experience in scaling high-growth technology companies. CVC Managing Partner Siddharth Patel described Airalo as the “clear category leader” in travel eSIM services and emphasized the untapped potential in digital roaming. “Despite being a billion-dollar market already, the eSIM sector is still in its infancy,” Patel said. “Airalo’s innovation is poised to redefine how global travelers access mobile data affordably and flexibly.”
Patel added that the convenience of switching carriers digitally, without needing a physical SIM, could eventually upend the traditional telecom model for international roaming—offering a cheaper and smarter solution to travelers worldwide.
A Catalyst for Scalable Global Growth
Airalo’s funding arrives at a critical time when post-pandemic tourism is soaring, and demand for smarter travel solutions is at an all-time high. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international tourist arrivals reached 88% of pre-pandemic levels in early 2024 and continue to grow. Mobile-first connectivity has become essential for travel, and Airalo’s presence in more than 200 countries aligns with the rising demand for always-on, borderless communication.
With this funding, Airalo plans to broaden its coverage footprint, increase its partnerships with travel and hospitality platforms, and explore government collaborations to enhance digital access for tourists. Its technology could also complement national digital tourism strategies in regions like the EU, UAE, and Southeast Asia, where seamless connectivity is being prioritized.
Shaping the Future of Mobile Travel Technology
Airalo’s journey—from startup to global unicorn—represents a significant shift in how travelers expect to stay connected. With its plug-and-play eSIM technology, the company is eliminating the barriers that once limited mobile use abroad: high roaming charges, network incompatibility, and SIM card logistics.
Its digital-first approach not only simplifies international travel but also aligns with sustainable travel goals by reducing the need for physical SIM production and packaging. This supports the growing global movement toward paperless, greener tourism infrastructure.
As Airalo continues to expand, its scalable technology and customer-centric model are likely to influence telecom carriers, travel agencies, and even national tourism boards to rethink mobile connectivity strategies. With a unicorn valuation now under its belt, Airalo is set to play a central role in the future of global travel communication.
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