LORIOT: The startup that connects the Internet of Things

19.01.2022 07:00, Isabelle Mitchell

A jury of experts and investors went through 90 applications and selected LORIOT to participate in the Venture Leaders Mobile 2022 roadshow. In February, the IoT startup and the Swiss National Startup Team members will attend the Mobile World Congress 2022 in Barcelona. Before the 10 entrepreneurs meet with top-notch investors and industry leaders to strengthen their business network and advance their globalization, we want to introduce you to LORIOT founder and CEO Julian Studer.

LORIOT aims to enable long-range IoT solution deployments in every corner of the globe—and space. The Zurich-based IoT company provides a distributed LoRaWAN® (Long Range Wide Area Network) infrastructure and an easy-to-use software platform: The LORIOT solution enables users to build, operate, and scale a secure IoT network to advance SmartCity, SmartAgriculture, or SmartFactory applications. 

Name: Julian Studer
Location: Zürich
Nationality: Swiss
Job title: Founder and CEO of LORIOT
Number of employees: 23
First touchpoint with Venturelab: We have participated in several startup events, but I think the first touchpoint was in 2016. 

Julian, can you summarize what LORIOT does? 
LORIOT is a secure, reliable, and scalable LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) operator and service provider that is present in 152 countries. Our solution allows operating large-scale IoT networks through a global infrastructure: LORIOT’s mission is to enable the Internet of Things everywhere, and make it accessible to everyone worldwide.

How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup?
In 2015, I worked in the finance industry for one of Switzerland’s biggest wealth management banks when I realized that I needed a change. At the same time, the opportunity came up to start something in the very promising IoT sector. I jumped at it, and now, in our sixth year, I am happy to confirm that it has been the right decision.

What do you expect from the Venture Leaders Mobile roadshow, and how will it help you achieve your vision? 
We expect to connect to potential investors, employees, partners, and business contacts. Also, in terms of marketing, the roadshow will help us expand in the market, get known, build up an even better reputation, and get more traction. We also want to learn from Venturelab and the participants.

What is one thing not many people know about you?
Most people say that I am lucky in life. I would frame it differently, and my interpretation of luck is: (1) To see an opportunity (2) To take the opportunity and realize it (3) Fight to get the right output of this opportunity. Some people don’t even realize (1). Others don’t even try (2) or (3). I am a person who jumps at nearly every opportunity.

What would be the title of your biography?
Everybody dies, but not everybody lives. 
I really live my life; I am always on track, traveling, experiencing, trying… never resting.

What is a topic you would like to learn more about?
Cryptocurrencies because I see a big future in them.

What are you most proud of?
We had some difficult times from 2019 to 2021 in the company. I never gave up and fought for it, and today’s outcome is fantastic. It’s worth it to fight. 

What was your favorite subject in school?
Mathematics! At first, I had issues until I understood how numbers work based on logic and system. I like numbers, and I work with numbers every day. Numbers are like poems of life.

How did you come up with the name of your startup?
LORIOT is an acronym for Long Range Internet Of Things.

How and where do you clear your mind?
Freediving: I can hold my breath for six minutes and dive to 55 meters depth without oxygen. It’s a kind of meditation where I completely leave behind everything on the surface. Here is a video from December 2021.

Who inspires you?
Arnold Schwarzenegger: It’s incredible what he has achieved in his life. He is a fighter, he has crazy charisma, and he has always been friendly and funny.
 
Which startup do you wish you had founded?
Google: There is a smart solution behind it; everyone knows Google, and it is one of the strongest companies worldwide.

What is the most challenging aspect of being a founder?
To be able to switch off. It has been nearly impossible to switch off since I started LORIOT six years ago.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a founder?
To see that my team is happy. My absolute focus and the focus of our management are our people. They drive the company, and it is the most beautiful reward to see them happy and comfortable.

What is something you wish you had known about being a founder?
Not to forget to sign a shareholder’s agreement while funding the company. Know how important it is to get a proper lawyer to prepare the whole documentation.
 
What is the most important lesson you have learned as a founder?
Be skeptical about whom you trust and protect yourself with contracts. It is ok to ask and get help from experienced people.

What is your greatest professional failure, and what did you learn from it?
Not being careful enough. I tend to see the positive in people. I quickly gain confidence and always believe that nearly everyone is good. My mistake: I trusted the wrong people. 


For more information and updates on LORIOT and the Venture Leaders Mobile, follow the Venture Leaders Mobile 2022 team with #VleadersMobile on social media or subscribe to our newsletter. 
 
This year’s Venture Leaders Mobile program is supported by Huawei, Swisscom, and VISCHER.