Dutch-based ULU acquires iMoto to provide IOT solutions to the automotive sector

Netherlands-based ULU, an end-to-end IOT solutions provider for the automotive industry, announced on Wednesday that it has acquired iMoto BV, a Dutch company for Connected Mobility hardware solutions.

The strategic acquisition will support ULU in expanding its offering into e-mobility and last-mile delivery solutions.

What does iMoto offer?

Founded in 2015 by Sander Richardot and Hielke Ytsma, iMoto is a hardware supplier for connected mobility assets like cars, e-bikes and last-mile delivery vehicles. 

The company believes vehicle electrification is a major trend and electric power assist for bikes is the new norm. As a result, the company powers solutions with hardware that supports a range of use cases and applications in the (e)mobility sector.

iMoto claims to be one of the few companies in the world that makes every possible mobility asset connected. Its hardware ecosystem is used in over 100,000 assets – from bikes to cars and last-mile vehicles.

The iMoto hardware can connect to all (proprietary) platforms and includes FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air) and “state-of-art” cybersecurity methods to ensure future functional upgrades, safe data transmission, and security update patches.

Hielke Ytsma says, “By integrating iMoto with ULU a full and end-to-end proposition can be offered, including cloud services and software applications. We are excited to join forces with ULU and add value to their existing product line-up.”

Aim of this acquisition

ULU’s aim is to provide the market with a completely connected mobility solution. With the addition of iMoto, ULU will be able to further set itself apart from the competition by delivering an advanced telematics hardware lineup on the market. 

Non-standardised data from over 1,000 distinct car and e-bike types are available in the CAN bus library of iMoto. The Controller Area Network or CAN bus is a message-based protocol that allows the Electronic Control Units (ECUs) found in present modern vehicles and other devices, to communicate with one another in a reliable, priority-driven manner.

This will help the ULU platform to access new data insights, including state-of-charge (SoC), precise odometer readings, battery health, battery range, service intervals, and more.

Christian Kerssens, CEO of ULU, says, “The acquisition of iMoto will support ULU’s vision to move from a connected car business, to a connected everyThing company. We will support fleets of all sizes and provide a solution for the mobility sector.”

About ULU

Founded in 2014, ULU provides end-to-end IOT technology solutions that design and manufacture connected hardware, software and cloud services for the automotive industry.

For telematics service providers, the company says it offers “innovative” hardware combined with a “highly” scalable platform to deliver a complete, secure technology backbone.

The company has offices in the Netherlands, the UK and China. In the Netherlands, it operates and services its own white-label proposition as Cartracker, which provides an overview and insight into the use of company cars. Currently, Cartracker has over 15,000 active subscriptions.