Asymmetry Ventures invests in scalable early-stage companies with exceptional defensibility.

Asymmetry Ventures

Wilab

Wilab enables Telcos to have a “5G App Store” and developers to build Apps without having to understand 5G or deal with a Telco. Much like how Twilio opened doors for developers to tap into telecom SDKs, Wilab goes even further by enabling developers to extend their capabilities beyond traditional SMS services. We're pioneering the creation of a ''5G App Store,'' which liberates developers from complexities in dealing with 5G technologies and the bureaucracy of Telcos.  We’re currently engaged in a Production Proof of Concept with TELUS Canada and set to have our groundbreaking technology showcased with a Hackaton at AWS’ re:Invent. We've also established strategic partnerships with Google Cloud Platform, Elastic.

Wilab is a pioneering company at the forefront of 5G network data analytics. It offers solutions that simplify the complexities of 5G technology, making it more accessible and manageable for telecom operators. Wilab's innovative approach revolves around collecting and analyzing data from 5G core networks, enabling network functions and operators to gain valuable insights through machine learning models.

Embracing 5G: A new era of challenges

Telco as a Service (TaaS) with Elastic and Wilab

Wireless Innovation Laboratory, The University of Melbourne

5G APIs and Dev Portal

A new generation for mobile connectivity with 5G and beyond

Next-gen Mobile Networks

Wilab is a pioneering company at the forefront of 5G network data analytics. It offers solutions that simplify the complexities of 5G technology, making it more accessible and manageable for telecom operators. Wilab's innovative approach revolves around collecting and analyzing data from 5G core networks, enabling network functions and operators to gain valuable insights through machine learning models.
Wilab's Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) plays a crucial role by defining a standardized API layer that provides data analytics capabilities. The NWDAF collects core network data and uses machine learning to generate 15 composed metrics, or Analytics ID indicators, defined by 3GPP. These indicators are then consumed by network functions and operators to adapt to changing network conditions and gain better observability.
Furthermore, Wilab's solutions enable data analytics through machine learning models, addressing a wide range of use cases such as network slice instantiation, dynamic scaling of network functions, slice load balancing, user equipment mobility analysis, and quality-of-service sustainability analysis.
In addition to its core offerings, Wilab provides a 5G Developer Portal and a 5G App Store. These platforms streamline the development and monetization of 5G applications and value-added services, enabling telecom operators to open up 5G network data and capabilities to developers, akin to how Apple's SDK opened up iPhone OS data to developers.

3Red8, now known as ZB8 Infra, is an infrastructure company focused on constructing a nationwide fiber optic network across the US. Their mission is to build core internet infrastructure, enabling the next generation of digital technologies such as AI, autonomous vehicles, 5G/6G, IoT, smart grids, and more. ZB8 Infra's innovative approach involves creating a sustainable, high-capacity, diverse, and secure national fiber network that ensures secure, faster, and more reliable end-to-end data transport solutions compared to legacy networks.
The company's network architecture follows a "triple-redundant, figure-eight" design, ensuring resilience and top-tier performance. If one path encounters issues, the other two seamlessly maintain data flow. This groundbreaking network aims to reduce the nation's digital divide by providing affordable connectivity to underserved communities along its routes.
ZB8 Infra's Phase 1 network build, spanning approximately 335 miles from Ashburn to Virginia Beach, is set to commence construction in the summer of 2024. This initial phase will strategically link Virginia Beach cable landing assets, the Richmond Network Access Point (NAP), and the Ashburn data center hub, with an expected completion date of Q1 2026.
In April 2024, the company announced its evolution from a fiber optic transport network to a national digital infrastructure solution, prioritizing redundancy and diversity for various stakeholders seeking secure, direct connections. ZB8 Infra's network incorporates the latest fiber technology, integrating sensor, measurement, and AI technologies during construction.

3Red8

Aarna Networks is an edge computing and 5G management solutions provider based in San Jose, California and Bengaluru, India. The company offers a Multi Cluster Orchestration Platform (AMCOP), an open-source orchestration, lifecycle management, and real-time policy and closed-loop automation platform designed to simplify the management of edge native and 5G network services.
In February 2023, Aarna Networks launched Aarna Edge Services (AES), a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) version of AMCOP that provides zero-touch edge orchestration and management services. AES enables tasks such as provisioning, configuring, and managing multi-cloud connectivity for cloud edge users, colo users, and SD-WAN service providers. It supports multi-cloud strategies, connecting the edge to public clouds, and allows users to share storage across public clouds and edge applications without incurring egress costs.
AES also facilitates the deployment of Machine Learning applications at the edge, reducing traffic to public clouds and eliminating the need for expensive on-premises hardware. The platform enables software-defined content delivery network (CDN) instances from partners to improve rich media application performance. Additionally, AES allows enterprises and operators to orchestrate O-RAN workloads and 5G Core on the cloud edge with partners.
In October 2023, Aarna Networks closed an oversubscribed seed funding round, raising USD 1.5 million from investors including LDV Partners, 3Lines, Carat Venture Partners, and Nvidia. The funding will be used to bring the company's cloud-Edge infrastructure, generative AI workloads, and Private 5G offerings to market.
In February 2024, Aarna Networks partnered with Airspan Networks and Druid Software to offer a managed private 5G solution for multi-site deployments, targeting service providers and system integrators. The solution combines Aarna's AMCOP platform, Airspan's sub-6GHz private 5G radio network, and Druid's 4G/5G core network platform, providing a "zero-touch" bundle for scalable Industry 4.0 systems.

Aarna Networks

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 AST SpaceMobile is developing the first and only space-based cellular broadband network designed to operate directly with standard, unmodified smartphones. The company's technology aims to provide global connectivity by deploying a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit that can communicate directly with mobile devices on the ground. AST SpaceMobile's satellites, called Bluebirds, feature large communications arrays measuring 693 square feet, making them the largest commercial communications arrays ever deployed in low Earth orbit. The company's first five commercial satellites completed final assembly in July 2024 and were prepared for shipment to Cape Canaveral for a planned launch in September 2024. These initial satellites are expected to provide non-continuous service across the US with over 5,600 cells in premium low-band spectrum. AST SpaceMobile's technology utilizes the 850 MHz low-band spectrum, which offers superior signal penetration and coverage capabilities. In April 2023, the company successfully demonstrated its technology by placing the world's first call from an ordinary cellphone in Texas to another cellphone in Japan using its BlueWalker three prototype satellite. AST SpaceMobile aims to deploy up to 168 satellites to achieve global coverage, with an estimated total cost approaching USD 5 billion for the full constellation.
 
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AST Space Mobile

Astranis is a San Francisco-based company that designs and manufactures small, low-cost telecommunications satellites to provide broadband internet access in remote and underserved areas. The company's unique approach involves building compact geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites weighing around 400-600 kilograms, significantly smaller than traditional GEO satellites that can be the size of a school bus.
Astranis' satellites utilize a proprietary software-defined radio payload technology, allowing for frequency and coverage flexibility, as well as efficient spectrum utilization. The company's first commercial satellite, Arcturus, launched in April 2023, was designed to provide over 7.5 gigabits per second (Gbps) of throughput in the Ka-band to triple satellite internet capacity across Alaska through a partnership with Pacific Dataport Inc. However, Arcturus experienced solar power issues post-launch, limiting its capabilities.
To address this, Astranis deployed a multi-mission satellite called UtilitySat in 2023 as an interim solution. UtilitySat can provide connectivity across Ku, Ka, and Q/V bands and has the ability to reposition multiple times within the GEO belt, thanks to its dual chemical and electric propulsion system.
Astranis' satellites have a designed lifespan of around 8-10 years, roughly half that of conventional GEO satellites. The company operates the satellites it builds and leases the capacity to customers, including telcos, Fortune 500 companies, and governments. In 2024, Astranis unveiled plans for its next-generation Omega satellites, designed to provide over 50 Gbps of throughput, five times more than the current generation. The Omega satellites will feature solid-state power amplifiers instead of traditional vacuum tubes, improving efficiency and reducing weight.
By the end of 2024, Astranis aims to have contracts worth over USD 1.2 billion in revenue from satellites sold, with customers in countries like Mexico, Argentina, Thailand, and the Philippines. The company has also expressed interest in competing for the Protected Tactical SATCOM - Global (PTS-G) program, a US government initiative for a proliferated GEO telecoms constellation.

Astranis

Bad Cell Reception LLC (BCR) specializes in providing cellular signal enhancement solutions for multi-dwelling units (MDUs), hospitality, and commercial buildings. The company offers custom-designed, cost-effective alternatives to traditional Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) to improve cellular reception within buildings. BCR's services encompass consultation, property surveying, and system implementation, aimed at boosting tenant satisfaction, increasing retention, and enhancing property value. Their cellular enhancement systems are designed to address the growing demand for improved cell signal, which has become one of the most desired amenities for residents over the past decade.
In addition to cellular enhancement, BCR offers security camera systems tailored to meet various project scales, from small setups to complex multi-campus or multi-building requirements. The company employs the latest equipment to ensure quick deployment and compliance with client specifications. BCR also provides solutions for Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (ERRC) and public safety radio signal boost systems, which can be crucial for code compliance in many buildings. Furthermore, the company can assist with ancillary technology needs such as internet of Things (IoT) backbones and WiFi systems.
BCR emphasizes its ability to intervene at any stage of construction, from groundbreaking to near completion, to address cellular signal needs. The company positions itself as an alternative to 5G for solving in-building reception issues, noting that 5G technology often performs worse than 4G LTE inside buildings due to weaker signal strength. BCR's team brings over 50 years of combined experience in the telecom and cellular industry, leveraging this expertise to provide efficient and effective solutions for improving in-building cellular coverage.

Bad Cell Reception LLC

Companies that are developing land-based hardware and equipment which are installed on the earth's surface to transmit and receive 5G/6G signals for use in telecommunications, including base stations, antennas, and routers

Companies that are developing space-based hardware and equipment to transmit and receive 5G/6G signals for use in telecommunications, including satellites and other space-based equipment

Companies that are developing technology and solutions which are used to improve existing network range or efficiency; also includes companies looking to build next generation networks themselves

Companies developing next-generation software solutions for mobile service providers to manage cloud infrastructure and network services

Provides 5G/6G telecom technologies to offer lower latency and increased capacity and coverage

Earth-based hardware and telecom software companies adopt AI/ML for design and RAN automation

Some network optimization companies offer a single network to connect users and IoT devices globally

Wilab

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