Fivecomm is a Spanish SME based in Valencia focused on the research and development of 5G IoT and Edge Computing solutions for industrial verticals. The company accelerates industrial digitalization with scalable and cost-effective IoT solutions, ranging from smart devices to advanced edge computing, and provides a full end-to-end solution that adapts to the needs of each sector.
GoHub Ventures’ ties to Fivecomm go back to 2020 when we invested €450,000 to boost the company’s growth and accelerate the introduction of the technology in the industrial sector.
Founded by three leading 5G experts in the Valencian Community, Narcís Cardona, José F. Monserrat, and David Gómez-Barquero, all esteemed professors and researchers at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV); Fivecomm stands as a powerful example of how university research can evolve into market-shaping innovation.
To learn more about their journey, recent breakthroughs, and what’s next, we spoke with Héctor Donat, CEO of Fivecomm, about how a university-born startup is now shaping the future of connectivity and sustainability across industries.
A Project Born from Research
Established in 2019, Fivecomm emerged as a startup born within the iTEAM Research Institute at the UPV. Since its inception, the company has focused on enabling the adoption of IoT and Edge technologies by vertical industries, combining academic expertise with practical market-driven solutions.
Today, Fivecomm has a team of 25 professionals, including both junior and senior profiles, with more than 15 years of experience in the telecommunications sector, and five PhDs specialized in telecommunications. Currently, Fivecomm operates on a global scale, collaborating with international partners and participating in projects across 9 countries to implement IoT and Edge solutions across various industries, with more than 20,000 IoT devices already deployed.
5G IoT for a More Sustainable World
Fivecomm designs smart devices that combine IoT, 5G, and AI, enabling real-time data acquisition and automation in complex environments. These solutions are backed by a flexible API at the edge, capable of integrating with any third-party IoT platform. Additionally, the company develops analytics apps at the edge to manage connected devices and process data in real time, bringing intelligence closer to where it’s needed.
The versatility of 5G technology allows its application in various sectors such as water, mobility, and ports. In the water sector, Fivecomm has developed a portfolio of solutions specifically designed by utilities, for utilities, including WIOTHUB, WIOTRAD, and WIOTPRESS. These devices capture accurate, real-time data about water consumption, flow, pressure, and level. Their seamless integration into utility networks enables proactive maintenance, resource optimization, and significant water savings.
In the mobility sector, Fivecomm’s 5G-enabled IoT technology facilitates real-time vehicle counting and classification in industrial zones. This capability enhances traffic management and contributes to the development of smart cities by reducing congestion and emissions.
Furthermore, Fivecomm is involved in enhancing maritime operations. The company has participated in projects like PORTWIN and 5G-RADAR, aiming to provide assistance and guidance to vessels during berthing operations by integrating 5G and Edge Computing capabilities with Berthing Radar Systems. Such initiatives improve operational efficiency and safety in port environments.
From Theory to Practice
Being part of GoHub Ventures goes beyond funding: it means becoming part of a network of companies where synergies and partnerships happen. As a venture capital firm born within Global Omnium, we always aim for our portfolio startups to work closely with companies inside the group.
A standout success story is the collaboration between Fivecomm and Idrica, a spin-off from Global Omnium that is now part of the global water technology group Xylem, which enabled the large-scale deployment of 5G-based solutions for the water sector. Thanks to this partnership, more than 20,000 IoT devices are currently deployed, powering smart water management through real-time monitoring and advanced data analytics.
Beyond Valencia, this innovative solution is already being validated internationally in countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Romania, the Netherlands, Germany, India, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, with the continued support of strategic partners like Idrica and Global Omnium. These deployments demonstrate the global relevance and scalability of Fivecomm’s 5G technology in driving more efficient and sustainable water systems.
Leading the Future of 5G IoT and Edge Computing
Fivecomm continues its journey toward becoming a leading player in 5G IoT and Edge Computing solutions for the industry. With its full-stack approach, from devices to connectivity, analytics, and integration, the company is redefining how industries interact with data. Its international expansion, strong partner network, and focus on sustainability position Fivecomm to face the future with purpose: delivering flexible, intelligent, and cost-effective solutions to digitize industrial sectors at scale.
