Draft:Firsty

Firsty is a Dutch telecommunications company based in Amsterdam that provides global mobile connectivity via eSIM technology. Founded in 2023 by former Adyen employees, it offers free basic data alongside paid premium plans.

Firsty
Company type
Private
IndustryTelecommunications
Founded2023
FoundersGauthier Thierens, Vince Vissers
HeadquartersAmsterdam, Netherlands
Area served
Worldwide
ServiceseSIM mobile data
MembersOver 1 million
Number of employees
11-50 (2026)
Websitefirsty.app

History

Firsty was founded in 2023 by Gauthier Thierens and Vince Vissers.[1] The company launched in January 2024 after securing €1.1 million in pre-seed funding from a group of angel investors and former telecommunications executives from KPN.[2]

In November 2024, the company announced a €5.1 million seed round led by Speedinvest.[3][4] During this period, Firsty established a technical partnership with Uber to allow data-free access to ride-hailing services globally.[5]

In May 2025, Firsty secured a Series A funding round of €5.8 million (S$7.5 million) to facilitate its expansion into the Asia-Pacific region, establishing a regional headquarters in Singapore.[6][7] Following this expansion, in August 2025, the company selected Proximus as its primary global provider for eSIM infrastructure to strengthen its worldwide network coverage.[8]

Business Model

Firsty provides global mobile data through an eSIM application using a freemium model.[9]

Consumer Tiers

Firsty offers a free tier with limited data access supported by advertisements, as well as paid daily and monthly plans with higher speeds and features such as 5G connectivity and mobile hotspot support.[9]

Enterprise Services

Firsty provides an API and a branded web application for the integration of its connectivity services into third-party platforms. In 2025, the Belgian bank Belfius integrated this technology for roaming-free banking services.[10][11][12] The company also partnered with the Southeast Asian super-app Grab to provide connectivity within its ecosystem.[13][14]

Market Reception

Firsty's business model has been compared to the impact of Spotify on the music industry due to its freemium approach to the telecommunications market.[15][16] In 2025, Firsty was named a finalist for the MT/Sprout "Startup of the Year" award.[17]

References

  1. ^ "Dutch startup tackling high data roaming bills raises $1.2 million". Business Insider. 25 January 2024.
  2. ^ Zeven, Martijn (10 January 2024). "Potentiële telecommarktdisruptor Firsty haalt meteen €1,1 miljoen op". Quote.
  3. ^ Zeven, Martijn (19 November 2024). "Firsty haalt €5,1 miljoen op én maakt een wereldwijd ritje met Uber". Quote.
  4. ^ Tucker, Charlotte (19 November 2024). "Firsty raises €5.1M to increase data connectivity". Tech.eu.
  5. ^ "Telecom startup Firsty raises €5.1M; partners with Uber". Silicon Canals. 19 November 2024.
  6. ^ "Firsty raises SGD 7.5 million, partners with GlobalTix". KR Asia. 20 May 2025.
  7. ^ "SG telecom firm Firsty nets $5.5m to offer free data across Asia". Tech in Asia. 20 May 2025.
  8. ^ "Firsty kiest voor Proximus Global om eSIM platform te verstevigen". Data News. 2025.
  9. ^ a b Mukherjee, Ritoban (6 January 2025). "Firsty review: A global eSIM with a unique freemium model". TechRadar.
  10. ^ "Zorgeloos mobiel bankieren, waar je ook bent". Belfius. 2025.
  11. ^ "Belfius laat app wereldwijd werken zonder roamingkosten". Data News. 23 June 2025.
  12. ^ "Belgische bank Belfius maakt app in 160 landen kosteloos beschikbaar via e-sim". Tweakers. 23 June 2025.
  13. ^ "Grab launches third-party partner apps within Grab app". Grab Press. 2025.
  14. ^ "Nederlands Firsty integreert in Aziatische superapp Grab". Emerce. 2025.
  15. ^ "Firsty: de 'Spotify van de telecom'". MT/Sprout. 2024.
  16. ^ Zeven, Martijn (12 March 2025). "Roamingridders: hoge buitenlandse datakosten vermijdt u met Firsty". Quote.
  17. ^ Schoonhoven, Sieuwert (5 February 2025). "Dit zijn de finalisten voor de Startup van het Jaar-award 2025". MT/Sprout. Retrieved 10 April 2026.

Category:Telecommunications companies of the Netherlands Category:Dutch brands Category:Companies based in Amsterdam Category:2023 establishments in the Netherlands

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