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Key people at Mistbase AB.
Mistbase AB develops specialized wireless communication solutions for the Internet of Things, engineering cost-effective hardware and software for low-power communication between connected devices. Their technical approach focuses on creating efficient, affordable connectivity, addressing the critical need for pervasive infrastructure within the rapidly expanding IoT ecosystem.
Founded in 2015 in Lund, Sweden, Mistbase was established by Magnus Midholt and Michal Stala. Their insight stemmed from the demand for optimized wireless communication in IoT, recognizing a need for more efficient and less expensive solutions. Michal Stala, with over 15 years in the telecommunications industry, provided a strong foundation for the company's specialized development efforts.
Mistbase's products serve device manufacturers and developers building IoT solutions, providing essential tools for robust and energy-efficient connectivity. The company’s vision was to underpin widespread IoT adoption by supplying fundamental communication layers. They aim to accelerate the proliferation of smart devices and environments by making wireless interaction seamless and economically viable.
Mistbase AB is a Lund, Sweden-based startup that developed hardware and software solutions for wireless communications in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector, focusing on cost-effective connectivity for connected devices.[1][2][4] The company targeted the growing demand for efficient, low-power wireless tech in IoT applications, serving developers and industries needing scalable device-to-device communication, and addressed the problem of high costs in traditional IoT hardware and software stacks.[4][6] It achieved significant growth momentum, securing early investment from LU Innovation and culminating in its acquisition by ARM in 2017, marking a successful exit for its founders.[3][6][7]
Mistbase AB was founded by Magnus Midholt and Michal Stala, both with over 15 years of experience in telecommunications and hardware/software development.[3] Midholt's background included R&D at Sony Ericsson/Sony Mobile and later AI/machine learning at ARM, while Stala served as a telecom expert and continued at ARM post-acquisition as Director of the LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) Group.[3] The idea emerged from their expertise in building affordable wireless solutions for IoT, gaining early traction with investment from LU Innovation, which fueled initial development.[6] A pivotal moment came in 2017 when ARM acquired the company, validating their technology and propelling the founders into new ventures like Mist Ventures.[3][4][7]
Mistbase stood out in the crowded IoT space through targeted innovations:
Mistbase rode the explosive growth of the IoT trend in the mid-2010s, when connected devices surged and demand spiked for affordable, low-power wireless protocols amid the rise of smart sensors, industrial automation, and edge computing.[1][2][4] Timing was ideal, as IoT hardware costs were a major bottleneck post-Smartphone era, and market forces like 5G precursors and LPWAN standards (e.g., those Stala later oversaw at ARM) favored nimble innovators over incumbents.[3][6] The company's ARM acquisition amplified its influence, injecting Swedish deep-tech into global supply chains and inspiring founder-led funds like Mist Ventures, which now back early-stage deep-tech firms in machine learning and biosensors—extending Mistbase's legacy in Europe's startup ecosystem.[3][5]
Post-acquisition, Mistbase's tech likely integrated into ARM's broader IoT and LPWAN portfolio, with founders Midholt and Stala channeling their success into Mist Ventures, which by 2026 continues investing in deep-tech like AI and nanowires.[3] Looking ahead, expect Mistbase's DNA to shape evolving IoT edges—such as AIoT and 6G—via alumni ventures amid trends like massive device proliferation and energy-efficient edge AI. Their influence may grow through operator roles in new unicorns, bridging Nordic innovation to global scale, much like their ARM pivot supercharged affordable connectivity for the masses.
Key people at Mistbase AB.
