RESEARCH SECTOR
Internet of Things (IoT)
The IoT sector is rapidly expanding, connecting devices and systems in ways that unlock new efficiencies and capabilities. We focus on companies that are leading the charge in creating interconnected, smart environments.
Discover the latest trends and technologies shaping Internet of Things (IoT)
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Key themes and focus areas
Our Internet of Things focus encompasses technology companies that enable their clients to capture and analyze data from distributed assets and environments and derive significant value from visibility and insights that help optimize operations and decision-making. These companies include standalone hardware vendors, platform and application software vendors as well as full, end-to-end solution providers.
- Applications leveraging alternatives to embedded sensors
- Computer vision and video analytics
- Traditional and video telematics
- Bodycams outside of law enforcement
- Asset tracking and logistics
- Cold chain
- Connectivity and device management platforms
- Billing and subscription management software
- Security and access control
- Smart home
- Remote and field worker
- Healthcare real-time location systems
- Platforms unifying multiple applications
- Alternative networks and applications
- Hardware agnostic platforms and applications
- Environmental monitoring
- Preventive maintenance
- Workflow platforms
- Industrial applications
- Smart city
- Unique vertical-specific applications
- Wearables
- Energy harvesting
- Edge computing
- Robotics
- Data compression
Most businesses have assets and environments that can be remotely monitored and controlled. IoT solutions capture sensor data and convert it into actionable insights—often in real time—that can reduce costs, optimize operations, enhance decision-making, boost performance and productivity, and improve safety. As organizations increasingly rely on data, remote visibility is becoming table stakes.
We see tremendous potential for IoT technologies to disrupt and grow in many areas, given the vast number of assets that can be connected compared to the small fraction that are connected today. Several factors are accelerating adoption: substantial declines in hardware and data connectivity costs, widespread high-quality cellular networks, the emergence of alternative networks, advances in artificial intelligence and edge computing, and labor inflation and shortages.
We have a long history in the telecommunications sector. We initially focused on call center services and billing software and shifted our focus entirely to the Internet of Things (then known as machine-to-machine technology). We recognized IoT’s significantly larger addressable market across all vertical markets and its compelling adoption drivers, including strong and lasting returns for businesses adopting the technology.
Our sector leaders
David Gearhart
Senior Vice President
Matthew Nicklin
Managing Director, Office of the President
Charles Morgan
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Venture capital activities
CoolR
www.coolrgroup.comProvides advanced, end-to-end, IoT-based solutions for CPG brands and distributors
Learn more CoolR
www.coolrgroup.comProvides advanced, end-to-end, IoT-based solutions for CPG brands and distributors
CoolR provides advanced, end-to-end, IoT-based visual AI solutions for CPG brands and retailers. CoolR helps CPGs and retailers take control of demand and ensure the right products are in the right place at the right time. CoolR’s technology monitors refrigerated, frozen, and ambient shelves, collecting data on out-of-stock opportunities, product performance and execution audits. The information is integrated with visual AI decision-making into everyday commercial execution. CoolR specializes in remote, unbiased monitoring, enabling high-performance results for sales uplift and cost reduction programs for its partners. Flexibility is a key point of differentiation – CoolR’s solution is built so that it is configurable to its clients’ way of working. Whether using cameras or smartphones to generate images, CoolR aims to integrate with current process and then suggest actions and improvements.
EdgeIQ is accelerating the growth of the connected product economy with its industry-leading DeviceOps platform. Its API-first offering helps organizations simplify and scale their DeviceOps implementations. With EdgeIQ, organizations no longer need to write and maintain their own software for managing devices, their data, cloud and application integration, task automation and workflow orchestration. EdgeIQ allows organizations to focus on the most strategic and differentiated elements of their product stack that drive business transformation and superior customer experiences.
Relevant advisory transactions
Exclusive financial advisor
SmartWitness has been acquired by Sensata Technologies
First Analysis acted as the exclusive financial advisor to SmartWitness, a leading global provider of video telematics solutions, in its sale to Sensata Technologies (ST).
About SmartWitness:
SmartWitness is a leading global provider of video telematics solutions with roots dating back to 2007. Ranked as one of the top five providers by industry analysts, the company sells exclusively through integrators and channel partners using its best-in-class platform, SmartAPI. With over 250,000 connected devices deployed and logging 50 million miles per day, SmartWitness provides video telematics hardware, software and services that help partners develop fleet management solutions that optimize operations, improve driving behavior and mitigate risk. Additionally, the FIA European Truck Racing Championship (ETRC) depends on SmartWitness to capture and protect the truth as its official provider of judicial review.
About Sensata Technologies:
Sensata Technologies is a leading industrial technology company that develops sensors, sensor-based solutions, including controllers and software, and other mission-critical products to create valuable business insights for customers and end users. For more than 100 years, Sensata has provided a wide range of customized, sensor-rich solutions that address complex engineering requirements to help customers solve difficult challenges in the automotive, heavy vehicle, off-road, industrial and aerospace industries. With more than 19,000 employees and operations in 13 countries, Sensata’s solutions help to make products safer, cleaner and more efficient, more electrified and more connected.
Exclusive financial advisor
SwipeSense has been sold to SC Johnson
About SwipeSense:
SwipeSense is a healthcare technology company whose mission is to eliminate harm in hospitals. The company designs and markets an RTLS platform that powers electronic hand hygiene monitoring, real-time asset tracking, and nursing insights applications. SwipeSense is a high-growth venture backed company headquartered in Chicago, Ill.
About SC Johnson:
SC Johnson is a family company dedicated to innovative, high-quality products, excellence in the workplace and a long-term commitment to the environment and the communities in which it operates. Based in the USA, the company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of household cleaning products and products for home storage, air care, pest control and shoe care, as well as professional products. It markets such well-known brands as GLADE®, KIWI®, OFF!®, PLEDGE®, RAID®, SCRUBBING BUBBLES®, SHOUT®, WINDEX® and ZIPLOC® in the U.S. and beyond, with brands marketed outside the U.S. including AUTAN®, BAYGON®, BRISE®, KABIKILLER®, KLEAR®, MR MUSCLE® and RIDSECT®. The 135-year-old company employs approximately 13,000 people globally and sells products in virtually every country around the world.
Financial advisor
CalAmp Corp. Convertible debt
$200,000,000
About CalAmp Corp.:
CalAmp (Nasdaq: CAMP) is a global technology solutions pioneer transforming the mobile connected economy. CalAmp helps reinvent business and improve lives around the globe with technology solutions that streamline complex mobile IoT deployments and bring intelligence to the edge. The company’s software and subscription-based services, scalable cloud platform and intelligent devices collect and assess business-critical data from mobile assets and their contents. CalAmp calls this The New How, facilitating efficient decision making, optimizing mobile asset utilization and improving road safety. Headquartered in Irvine, California, CalAmp has been publicly traded since 1983 and has 20 million products installed and over 1.3 million software and services subscribers worldwide.
Exclusive placement agent
MVTRAC preferred stock growth investment by Bison Capital
About MVTRAC:
Home of The Intelligent Data Network, MVTRAC is the leading provider of on-demand LPR data and technology solutions.
About Bison Capital:
Bison Capital invests in leading middle-market businesses that have significant opportunities for value creation and strong, entrepreneurial management teams that are able to capitalize on their long term potential.
Investment banking and corporate finance services are provided through First Analysis Securities Corporation (“FASC” or “First Analysis Securities”), a subsidiary of First Analysis Corp.