Samsara (company)

Samsara Inc.

Company type	Public
Industry	Internet of Things, Telematics software, Operational analytics
Founded	2015 (2015)
Founder	Sanjit Biswas, John Bicket
Headquarters	San Francisco , United States
Area served	North America, Europe
Key people	Sanjit Biswas (Chairman and CEO), John Bicket (CTO)
Products	Telematics software, Operational analytics platform for physical asset management
Number of employees	3500 (2024)
Website	samsara.com

Samsara Inc. is a United States-based Internet of Things (IoT) enterprise headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company specializes in providing telematics software and operational analytics for physical asset management. Its services extend to clients throughout North America and Europe. Samsara’s cloud platform for connected operations offers data-driven insights to sectors such as transportation, construction, energy, utilities, public administration, and retail, aiming to improve both safety and operational efficiency.

Established in 2015 by Sanjit Biswas (Chairman and CEO) alongside John Bicket (CTO), Samsara is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “IOT.” By 2024, the firm reported revenues amounting to $937 million and employed approximately 3,500 personnel, solidifying its role as a major contributor to IoT-enabled fleet management and the digital transformation of physical operations.

History

Samsara was launched in 2015 by Sanjit Biswas and John Bicket, who had earlier co-founded Meraki before its acquisition by Cisco Systems in 2012. Initially, the company concentrated on developing sensor solutions for industrial applications, with early financial backing from Andreessen Horowitz during its Series A funding.

The company experienced swift expansion, reaching unicorn status by March 2018 with a valuation exceeding $1 billion. Subsequent investment rounds involving firms such as Andreessen Horowitz, General Catalyst, and Tiger Global Management increased its valuation to $6.3 billion by September 2019.

In December 2021, Samsara conducted its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker "IOT," issuing 35 million shares and raising $805 million at an $11.5 billion valuation. By December 2023, it had achieved over $1 billion in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR).

During 2022, Samsara contested the U.S. Postal Service's decision to award a $300 million contract to Geotab through a bid protest; however, this challenge did not succeed.

The company has been recognized as an outstanding workplace, receiving accolades such as Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work in 2023 and Best-Led Companies in 2024.

Market significance

Industry analyses frequently identify Samsara as a top contender within the commercial telematics sector, especially across North America. It competes alongside companies like Geotab, Lytx, and Wialon.

Samsara has established strategic collaborations with leading vehicle manufacturers including Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Navistar to embed its technology into their fleets. Its clientele encompasses major commercial organizations such as DHL and Sysco, as well as governmental entities like the cities of Boston, Houston, New Orleans, and the states of New Jersey and Tennessee.