Loading organizations...
GSMA is a non-profit trade association based in London, England, UK, advocating for the global mobile communications industry and its ecosystem. It proudly represents over 750 mobile network operators and 400 associate members, totaling approximately 1,200 companies, actively promoting industry standards, interoperability, and innovation across the globe. The organization generates approximately $668 million annually, largely from flagship events like Mobile World Congress (MWC), with MWC Barcelona alone contributing over €561 million to the local economy in a recent year. Director General Mats Granryd leads the organization, which has seen past chairmen like Jon Fredrik Baksaas, former CEO of Telenor. GSMA was formed in 1995 as the GSM MoU Association, with roots in a 1987 MoU, and does not list individual founders.
Key people at GSMA.
Key people at GSMA.
GSMA has 1 tracked investment across 1 company. The latest tracked deal is $2.5M Seed in Koolboks in August 2022.
| Date | Company | Round | Lead Investor(s) | Co-Investor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 18, 2022 | Koolboks | $2.5M Seed | Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes | Acumen, ALL ON, Blue Earth Capital |
The GSMA (GSM Association) is a global non-profit trade association representing over 750 mobile operators and 400 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, focused on unifying the industry to drive connectivity innovation, standards, and positive societal impact.[2][3] Its mission is to unlock the full power of connectivity for people, industries, and societies through three pillars: Connectivity for Good (advancing policy, digital inclusion, and sustainability), Industry Solutions (supporting technologies like 5G, IoT, and interoperability), and Events (such as Mobile World Congress).[3][4] Rather than an investment firm, GSMA influences the startup ecosystem by fostering innovation via grants, technical assistance for mobile tech startups addressing global challenges, and initiatives like Mobile for Development that support digital solutions in low- and middle-income countries.[6]
GSMA traces its roots to 1982, when the Groupe Speciale Mobile (GSM) was formed by the Confederation of European Posts and Telecommunications (CEPT) to develop a pan-European mobile standard.[1][4] In 1987, 13 operators from 12 countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deploy GSM, leading to the formal creation of the GSM MoU Association in 1995, which evolved into the GSMA.[1][2] Early focus was on easing cooperation, upholding standards, and ensuring interoperability for GSM technology, which captured over 90% global market share.[1][5] Key evolutions include expanding to 4G/5G/6G standards, launching the GSMA Foundation in 2007 for social impact, and growing events like MWC; leadership milestones include Mats Granryd as Director General in 2015.[1]
GSMA rides the connectivity megatrend, evolving from GSM's dominance to enabling 5G, IoT, AI, and 6G amid exploding data demands and digital transformation.[1][3] Timing is critical as mobile subscribers exceed 5 billion, with North America pushing 5G adoption and emerging markets needing inclusion tools like mobile money to close gender/digital gaps.[1][7] Market forces favoring GSMA include spectrum policy needs, sustainability pressures (e.g., climate initiatives), and partnerships with governments/development sectors, positioning it as a bridge between telcos, innovators, and society.[3][6] It shapes the ecosystem by certifying devices (via affiliates like GCF), funding startups, and influencing standards that ensure interoperability, directly enabling the mobile broadband foundation for broader tech like edge computing and smart cities.[8]
GSMA will expand influence in 6G R&D, AI-driven networks, and equitable digital access, leveraging its convening power for spectrum advocacy and Open Gateway APIs to integrate telcos with hyperscalers.[1][7] Trends like urban resilience, emerging tech in low-income regions, and sustainability will amplify its Foundation's role in startup acceleration and humanitarian innovation.[6] As connectivity underpins all tech, GSMA's evolution from GSM promoter to ecosystem unifier ensures sustained relevance, unlocking innovation for thriving societies—just as it standardized mobile for billions originally.[3]
