U.S. KaIOS Technologies raises $22 mln from Google

San Diego-based designer and developer of mobile operating systems company KaiOS Technologies announced a $22 million Series A investment from technology giant Google to help bring the internet to the next generation of users.

KaiOS Technologies said that the funding will help it fast-track development and global deployment of KaiOS-enabled smart feature phones, allowing it to connect the vast population that still cannot access the internet, especially in emerging markets.

In addition to the investment, Google and KaiOS have also agreed to work together to make the Google assistant, Google Maps, YouTube, and Google Search available to KaiOS users.

KaiOS Technologies said that it plans to work with Google to deliver its services on more mobile devices as it helps overcome some of the limitations a keypad brings.