Airalo

Airalo runs a digital marketplace for eSIMs (embedded SIMs), letting travelers buy and install mobile data packages on eSIM-compatible, network-unlocked devices without swapping a physical SIM card. Customers select coverage for a single country, a region (such as Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa, Africa, North America or Oceania) or a global package, then choose a data bundle with a fixed volume or unlimited data for a set validity period; some packages also include calls and texts and a phone number. Purchases, installation, real-time usage tracking, management of multiple eSIMs and top-ups are handled through the Airalo website or its iOS and Android apps, which are offered in dozens of languages and multiple currencies, supported by 24/7 multi-language customer support including WhatsApp chat.

Alongside its consumer store, Airalo operates a business and partner arm. Airalo for Business gives companies a platform to assign eSIMs to employees, control budgets and reduce roaming costs, which the company states can be cut by up to 90%. For partners, Airalo offers a White Label product for launching branded eSIM stores, plus API integrations, reseller tools and voucher programs. The company describes itself as the world's first and largest eSIM marketplace, positions its offering as an alternative to carrier roaming charges, and also frames eSIMs as removing plastic waste associated with physical SIM cards.

Founding story

Co-founders Abraham Burak and Ahmet Bahadir Ozdemir built the company around a stated mission of creating a gateway to instant travel connectivity worldwide using eSIM technology, so that travelers would no longer depend on legacy roaming systems or physical SIM cards.

Business model

Airalo sells prepaid eSIM data packages directly to consumers through its website and mobile apps, with local plans starting from $4 and options ranging from 1 GB bundles to 30-day unlimited data plans, plus top-ups on existing eSIMs. It additionally monetizes business and partner channels through Airalo for Business corporate connectivity management, a White Label branded eSIM store product, API integrations, reseller tools and voucher programs. Consumer retention features include a referral program and a loyalty program.

Revenue comes from the sale of prepaid eSIM data, voice and text packages and subsequent top-ups, and from enterprise/partner channels including business accounts, white-label stores, APIs, reseller arrangements and vouchers.

Traction

Airalo states that over 30 million people use its service across 200+ destinations; the July 2025 funding announcement cited over 20 million travelers. The Android app lists more than 10 million downloads with a 4.6 rating from about 187,000 reviews, and the iOS app carries a 4.6 rating from about 101,000 ratings. Prior to its 2021 Series A the company reported 15x customer base growth since its first funding in October 2019.

Latest developments

In July 2025 Airalo announced a $220 million investment led by CVC through CVC Asia Fund VI ($185 million), with participation from existing investors Peak XV and Antler Elevate, valuing the company at over $1 billion. The company said it would use the capital to improve customer experience, support and product value, and to scale connectivity offerings for businesses. From July 2025 it planned an expanded range of data bundles from 1 GB plans to 30-day unlimited packages, dedicated data, text and voice packages in select destinations, and a new in-app experience across web, iOS and Android.