HMD Global is much less well known than the brand it operates: Nokia. The manufacturer has just completed a round of funding of $ 230 million with several prestigious players in the market, including Google, Qualcomm and Nokia Technologies.
The Nokia brand in mobile telephony was relaunched in 2016 by enthusiasts. HMD Global had then struck the spirits by marketing a slightly modernized version of the legendary Nokia 3310. Since then, the group has extended its range to be present at the same time on the market of “features phone”, these mobile phones which are only used for telephoning (or even to play Snake), and on Android smartphones. It positions itself as the “ only key European player ” in the smartphone market.
Pursue international expansion
The fundraising should allow HMD Global to continue to develop new smartphone models and in particular to accelerate in 5G. The group already has a terminal equipped with this technology, the Nokia 8.3 5G. The group also wants to expand its distribution in growing markets, such as Brazil, India and certain African countries. Finally, " these investments will help strengthen the leading position of the company, which seeks to add to its status as a manufacturer that of a service provider ", explains the group. This year, HMD has launched its own international roaming service HMD Connect and to strengthen its cybersecurity capacities with the takeover of Valona Labs.
“ Our business model is entering a new era thanks to the support of some of the most influential market players in the field of smartphones. I am extremely proud of all that we have accomplished to date, and I am also delighted with the immense opportunity offered to us to continue our journey towards excellence ”, said Jean-François Baril, Executive Chairman and co-founder of HMD Global
