May 12, 2025Marubeni Corporation
Marubeni has concluded an agreement with Soracom, Inc. (hereinafter, “Soracom”) for the establishment of a joint venture (hereinafter, the “New Company”) between Marubeni subsidiary Marubeni I-DIGIO Holdings Corporation (hereinafter, “Marubeni I-DIGIO”) and Soracom. This joint venture will entail strategic collaboration (hereinafter, this “Collaboration”) in the IoT*1 field.
Background and SignificanceIn recent years, advances in IoT, cloud, and AI technologies have created a demand for systems that can visualize on-site conditions in real time and control and optimize them remotely in a wide range of fields, including manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure, construction, energy, and finance. However, existing IoT platforms and communications infrastructure are unable to fully cater to the diverse needs of today’s customers due to differences in system requirements and communication environments at respective sites, as well as a lack of systems to centrally manage and operate networks across multiple overseas bases and regions.
This CollaborationMarubeni and Soracom will promote this Collaboration by combining the Japanese and international business assets and customer base of the Marubeni Group with the technological capabilities of Soracom. Starting with the IoT solutions provided by the New Company, Soracom and Marubeni I-DIGIO will work together while leveraging the assets of Marubeni subsidiaries, such as digital transformation consulting and data analysis, to cater to the diverse needs of various customers regardless of industry or region as well as to expand the use of IoT and digital transformation. Marubeni and Soracom also concluded a previous agreement in February 2025 to collaborate in the IoT field in overseas markets and will consider business expansion in infrastructure areas such as mobility, agriculture, electricity, and water supply overseas.
The New CompanyThe New Company will take over the MVNO*2 business of Marubeni Network Solutions Corporation (hereinafter, “ Marubeni Network”), a network outsourcing company under Marubeni I-DIGIO, and will operate as a joint venture, with 51% investment from Soracom. Marubeni Network is one of only a few Full MVNOs in Japan and operates its MVNO business using NTT Docomo’s network. Soracom is a Full MVNO that provides services using KDDI and global networks, providing communication services specialized for IoT. It has also developed a cloud-native customer management and control system using its own technology. By collaborating with the Marubeni Group, Soracom will provide mobile services, including higher-quality IoT communication, compatible with various communication environments as a multi-carrier Full MVNO operator.
OutlookUnder its Mid-Term Management Strategy, GC2027, Marubeni is focusing on Strategic Platform Investments that combine “Growth Domains x High Added Value x Scalability.” This collaboration will create high added value in MVNO businesses and global communication services through the establishment of the New Company in the growth area of the IoT market. In addition, since the IoT business can be widely expanded regardless of industry or region, it is expected to be scalable across the entire Marubeni Group. Through this collaboration, Marubeni will utilize its business assets and customer base both in Japan and overseas to aim to realize IoT and DX in various industries, thereby maintaining a competitive advantage in the rapidly changing digital market and promoting the improvement of corporate value by growing its business.
*1 Internet of Things: A concept involving the interconnection via the internet of various devices, such as sensors and cameras, to enable them to send and receive data. *2 Mobile Virtual Network Operator: A business that leases base station facilities from telecommunications carriers and provides telecommunications services. A Full MVNO is an MVNO that can issue its own SIM cards.
