What are the benefits of operating in Malta for a globally oriented IT enterprise?

Malta offers a favourable regulatory and business environment, particularly for tech companies. Its status as a European Union member state ensures compliance with EU regulations like GDPR, while offering easy access to EU markets. Furthermore, Malta’s commitment to advanced digital infrastructure is evident, with Melita investing heavily in next-gen technologies like its 10-Gigabit network, ensuring that homes and companies have access to fast and reliable internet services. The nationwide 5G network offers faster speeds, greater reliability and lower latency. This infrastructure positions Malta as a leading hub for IT and IoT enterprises aiming for global reach.

How did its acquisition by EQT affect the development of Melita.io?

Since EQT acquired Melita in 2019, the company has undergone significant transformation, focusing on expanding its infrastructure and global reach. Under EQT’s ownership, Melita has made substantial investments in high-speed internet and 5G networks, positioning itself as a leader in IoT connectivity. This has enabled Melita.io to offer innovative solutions like seamless global M2M communication, which in turn has helped secure clients worldwide. It is worth noting that we have also gained considerable insight into the practical use of AI, ranking among the top two in EQT’s global portfolio of companies.

[Editor’s note: Following this interview, in late 2024, Goldman Sachs Alternatives announced that it would be acquiring Melita from EQT Infrastructure, subject to regulatory approvals. Bloomberg reported the value of the transaction at around €750 million.]

“Its advanced digital infrastructure positions Malta as a leading hub for IT and IoT enterprises aiming for global reach.”

How easy is it to find highly skilled talent for roles involving complex tasks in Malta?

Malta has been making significant strides in developing its talent pool, particularly in the tech and IoT sectors. The country’s investment in education and various initiatives is geared towards nurturing a skilled workforce. However, due to the limited local population, Malta still relies on attracting foreign talent for complex technical roles and specialised expertise.

Can you share some brief insights on how Melita.io was able to penetrate foreign markets?

Melita.io’s global growth has been driven by strategic partnerships and collaborations. With employees in Germany, Kenya, the Philippines and Sweden, and over 295 global roaming agreements across 180+ countries, we deliver IoT connectivity solutions worldwide. Our strong partner ecosystem allows us to provide tailored IoT solutions that integrate technology with industry expertise. The acquisition of German IoT companies Crout and Conekkt, along with Q. Beyond’s IoT SIM product, has expanded our hardware and service offerings globally. Security, enhanced by Google Chronicle’s advanced AI-powered tools, remains central to our strategy, building trust with partners and customers.

As a technically proficient leader in a fast-growing field, what advice would you give to someone in a similar position looking to establish a base in Malta?

For anyone looking to establish a tech base in Malta, it’s crucial to focus on the country’s excellent internet connectivity and businessfriendly environment. Building relationships with local regulatory bodies and leveraging Malta’s strategic position within the EU can provide significant advantages. Additionally, tapping into local and EU grant programmes, while considering the need for foreign talent when necessary, will help foster growth. Leaders should also stay ahead of evolving regulations, particularly in cybersecurity and data protection, as these are critical in the tech space.