From concept to 80,000+ customers: the ZIM Connections story

ZIM Connections is a leading UK eSIM marketplace where customers can browse and purchase affordable global travel data plans.

The founders had a big idea and were looking for a specialist partner with advanced mobile telco experience to help this new venture become a reality. Collaborating with eSIM Go has been fundamental to ZIM’s success, allowing them to leverage the power of our flexible API to strengthen a product that’s connecting people all over the world.

ZIM was founded by serial travellers Giulia Acchioni and Irina Gheorghiu. During many adventures together, they repeatedly faced the problem of getting an internet connection abroad. In 2019, after their visit to the Philippines, they decided to join forces and find a solution. One year later, they founded ZIM Connections in London, rapidly transforming into a leading eSIM technology hub.

Their main objectives were to:

• Bring eSIM technology to consumers
• Make it easy for travelers to connect with people back home
• Help consumers avoid unfair roaming bills
• Develop an online marketplace that champions choice and flexibility

Meeting face to face at MWC Barcelona in 2021, it was clear that ZIM Connections and eSIM Go had very similar visions. Both were on a mission to bring eSIM to the global consciousness and make data roaming easy and affordable for everyone. eSIM Go also stood out as the only provider with:

• Extensive experience of the telco industry and comprehensive understanding of eSIM technology
• Products based exclusively on the highest quality Tier 1 mobile network providers
• A sound understanding of regulatory requirements and legalities
• A comprehensive eSIM platform ideal for wholesale distribution
• Robust, fully documented API for easy integration
• A clear pricing structure
• A shared passion for changing the telco landscape with eSIM

“eSIM Go and ZIM Connections are eager partners who have tirelessly expanded the world of connectivity and eSIM for the past three years. Collaborating with eSIM Go has been fundamental to building and delivering our product to connect 80K+ travelers worldwide. As we are leaning further towards a new era of mobile connectivity, strengthening our partnership is vital for both companies and the success of the eSIM revolution.”

eSIM Go has empowered ZIM Connections to become the leading eSIM marketplace in the UK. The app sees a 30% MOM returning customer rate and 4.7 review rating, thanks to a broad choice of high-quality products that travelers can trust.

Since the beginning of the partnership, the co-founders have:

• Achieved global success in a consolidated industry
• Solved mobile data roaming challenges for over 80,000 customers
• Won multiple business awards for successfully realizing their entrepreneurial vision
• Added to their successful B2C approach by launching a new B2B sales model and offering for corporate customers
• Extended product choice with unlimited bundles and customized data plans

“The introduction of unlimited plans has been a huge success and has really helped our customers. One of the things we’re most commonly asked is how much data people need, and now they don’t have to think about it. This is all a big part of our ethos of giving people the choice and information they need to make informed decisions.”

ZIM Connections is continuing to expand its B2B offering for companies looking to keep their workforce connected as they travel. After a successful pilot in Switzerland the service is being duplicated across different markets, with support from a dedicated customer success manager at eSIM Go. As billions more eSIM-only devices are flooding the market and consumer awareness of eSIM continues to grow, it’s an exciting time.

“We’re living in the second golden age of the telco sector. It’s pleasing to witness the innovation eSIM has brought to this traditional sector, and exciting to share the journey with eSIM Go, a trailblazer company and trusted partner. 2025 will be the “Game of Thrones” for eSIM, and together we’re ahead of the curve.”