Damien Garot, CEO & Co-Founder of Stellar: $9.3M Raised to Build the Future of Reliable Internet Connectivity for Autonomous Vehicles

Stellar is revolutionizing mobile connectivity by solving one of technology's most persistent challenges: reliable internet access in moving vehicles. With $9.3M in funding, Stellar has developed innovative software that seamlessly aggregates multiple networks (cellular, WiFi, and satellite) to ensure consistent connectivity, laying the foundation for the autonomous vehicle revolution. In this episode of Category Visionaries, Damien Garot shares how Stellar is bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas while enabling the next generation of connected mobility.

Topics Discussed:

• The technical approach to solving mobile connectivity issues through network aggregation
• Stellar's dual go-to-market strategy targeting both immediate fleet solutions and long-term automotive integration
• The evolution of autonomous vehicles and their dependency on reliable connectivity
• Cultural differences in autonomous vehicle adoption across regions
• The importance of social acceptance and safety perception in autonomous technology
• How Stellar's technology mapping reveals connectivity gaps in major tech hubs
• The impact of winning the European Startup Prize for Mobility on fundraising

GTM Lessons for B2B Founders:

• Bridge the gap between long-term vision and immediate revenue: Stellar developed a plug-and-play solution (Global) to generate immediate revenue while pursuing longer-term automotive partnerships. This approach provides market validation, customer feedback, and credibility with major manufacturers.
• Adapt your strategy to market realities: The original plan rarely survives contact with the market. Stellar evolved from focusing solely on automotive integration to include a dual-track approach serving both immediate and future market needs.
• Build credibility through industry recognition: Winning the European Startup Prize for Mobility played a crucial role in Stellar's fundraising success, demonstrating how industry awards and endorsements can influence investor decisions, particularly in European markets.
• Understand regional investment dynamics: European fundraising often requires long-term relationship building with investors. Stellar spent up to 18 months nurturing investor relationships before securing investments, highlighting the importance of patience in European markets.
• Target both immediate pain points and future opportunities: While autonomous vehicles represent a massive future opportunity, Stellar addresses current connectivity challenges for existing vehicle fleets, creating immediate value while building toward their larger vision.