ObjectBox is the edge database that all your favorite mobile applications are running on such as Pinterest and Snapchat. Edge computing enables decentralization, so developers can store data close to the source, making it less vulnerable to outside attacks without a dependency on SQL. Not only does edge computing deliver insanely fast response rates, but it also costs less as information is only used when it is actually needed.
LondonTechWatch spoke with founder and CEO Vivien Dollinger to learn more on how ObjectBox is making a name for itself in the world of edge databases and the company’s recent round of funding.
Who were your investors and how much did you raise?
We are happy to announce ObjectBox has received a seed funding of $2M. Deep-tech investor Vito Ventures led the investment round. The round was also supported by Calvary Ventures and renowned international business angels such as Chris Adelsbach (Managing Director of Techstars), Lucas von Cranach (CEO of OneFootball), Andreas Mihalovits (Best European Early Stage Investor Award Winner), and Mick Halsband (Berlin Innovation Fund).
Tell us about the product or service ObjectBox offers.
ObjectBox (Techstars ’17) is an edge database for IoT and Mobile, which is 10x faster than any alternative. It enables companies to develop decentralized IoT and Mobile Applications that are independent of the cloud and perform in near-realtime.
We enable Edge Computing:
- Decentralization: Store data where it belongs (at or close to the source), meaning fewer vulnerabilities.
- Faster response times through on-device computing, no traversing costs (to cloud and back).
- Less cloud costs due to less data in the cloud and more efficient synchronization of data to the cloud – only when needed, useful, and possible.
What inspired you to start ObjectBox?
We deeply believe in decentralization (Edge Computing) because data stays where it belongs, and it is so much more resourceful and sustainable. We are aware that it is a highly technical way to make the world a better place, but some people can see beauty in code…
The way we approach the topic is in our DNA: We have a long history in Mobile and the data storage/persistence space.
We are also the team behind the open source projects greenDAO and EventBus, used by over 35% of the top-500 apps on Google Play, e.g. Pinterest, Booking, Snapchat are all using our prior libraries.
We are also the team behind the open source projects greenDAO and EventBus, used by over 35% of the top-500 apps on Google Play, e.g. Pinterest, Booking, Snapchat are all using our prior libraries.
How is ObjectBox different?
The database space on the server with e.g. MongoDB, MySQL etc. is very crowded. We are not in that space. Our data storage solution is optimized for much smaller devices and performs very well within these restricted environments, like e.g. on a mobile phone or Raspberry Pi. More technically: ObjectBox is the first high-performance NoSQL, ACID-compliant on-device database for Mobile and IoT. It is a novel combination of NoSQL approaches with object-orientation optimized for small connected devices. It is 10X faster and uses only 1/10th the code to implement compared to the industry leader.
What market is ObjectBox targeting and how big is it?
We are targeting the Mobile and IoT markets, which are estimated to be worth about $20B-$30B. However, we are specifically targeting IoT & Mobile app developers.
What’s your business model?
The ObjectBox database is free for maximum adoption, and we currently have 80K+ developers using ObjectBox and +15K unique apps.
What was the funding process like?
Fun; we learned a lot.
What are the biggest challenges that you faced while raising capital?
Having a super technical product that targets developers and both of us having a technical background. We’re still working on communicating the product to a broader audience…
What factors about your business led your investors to write the check?
We’ve been told, a big factor was the team, but the technical solution, our reputation in the developer community, and the early traction may also have helped.
What are the milestones you plan to achieve in the next six months?
Grow the community, do more IoT projects.
What advice can you offer companies in London that do not have a fresh injection of capital in the bank?
Move to Berlin, it’s cheaper 
Where do you see the company going now over the near term?
We envision ObjectBox to empower edge computing in Mobile and IoT around the world. We want to see all apps worldwide powered by our database and connected by our synchronization.
What’s your favorite outdoor activity in London?
Going to the Diana Memorial Playground or Diana Memorial Fountain in summer.
