What 5G Open Innovation Lab does

5G Open Innovation Lab, doing business as Khasm Labs LLC, is a Seattle-based private startup ecosystem platform founded in 2019. It operates an accelerator program (the 5G OI LAB) and a curated deal-flow service connecting mixed-stage startups (Seed to Series C) with global enterprises and communications service providers, claiming a 153-startup alumni network and positioning itself as a direct conduit to major CSPs and technology providers. Portfolio startups have reported a roughly 30% reduction in enterprise deal-closing timelines as a result of the relationship access provided.

Name

5G Open Innovation Lab

Legal name

Khasm Labs LLC

Website

https://5GOILab.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2025

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Khasm Labs is a Seattle-based startup ecosystem platform that runs an accelerator and curated deal-flow service connecting mixed-stage startups with global enterprises and major communications service providers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Khasm Labs operates an accelerator and innovation ecosystem platform (5G OI LAB) that connects a curated network of mixed-stage (Seed to Series C) startups with global enterprise partners, communications service providers, and technology providers. The core service includes bi-weekly mentorship meetings, facilitated introductions to enterprise stakeholders, startup validation and vetting for enterprise-readiness, and ongoing alumni network engagement post-program.

Product overview

Khasm Labs operates as an accelerator and ecosystem platform that connects startups with enterprise partners. The platform provides startup scouting services, partnership facilitation, and validation processes for enterprises seeking innovative solutions. Services include curated deal flow management, investor connections, and access to a global network of 153 startups and corporate partnerships. However, no specific named individual products, modules, or sub-brands are identified in the source material — the offering is described as a unified platform approach rather than a defined portfolio of distinct branded products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 5G OI LAB Accelerator Program A structured accelerator program that admits mixed-stage startups (Seed to Series C) and runs bi-weekly meetings providing mentorship, industry knowledge, customer introductions, and partner access. Graduates become part of an ongoing alumni network of 153 teams.

Quantifiable outcome

• 30% reduction in enterprise deal timeline

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• 5G Oil / 5G OI LABcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner5G OI LAB accelerator program provides startups with mentorship, industry knowledge, and network access. Testimonials indicate the Lab is a direct conduit to major CSPs and technology providers, with partnerships cutting enterprise deal timelines by 30%. Startups receive bi-weekly meetings with team members Jim, Sumay, Steven, and Kevin.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Techstars: Global startup accelerator operating multiple thematic programs (including telecom/connectivity) with enterprise sponsor-driven models, directly comparable to 5G OI LAB's accelerator and corporate-partnership structure.
• Founders Factory: Corporate-backed accelerator and venture builder that designs programs around specific enterprise partners, structurally similar to 5G OI LAB's enterprise-scouted cohorts and curated deal flow.
• Plug and Play: Innovation platform and accelerator connecting enterprise partners (including telcos) with vetted startups, with a similar startup scouting, corporate partnership facilitation, and alumni network model.
• Y Combinator: One of the largest startup accelerators globally, providing mentorship, network access, and investor introductions; competes for the same Seed-to-Series C startup applicant pool that 5G Open Innovation Lab targets.

Regional players

• T-Mobile Accelerator: Carrier-operated accelerator program (T-Mobile / T-Mobile for Business) focused on 5G and emerging tech startups; competes for the same telco-focused startup pipeline and enterprise sponsorship dollars.
• Telecom Council of Silicon Valley: Industry association that connects telecom carriers and vendors with startups through curated meetings and pitch events, with a similar matchmaking value proposition for 5G/telco startups.

Broad incumbents

• Verizon Ventures: Corporate venture and innovation arm of a major U.S. carrier running startup engagement programs and direct investments in 5G-adjacent startups, offering an alternative channel that overlaps with Khasm Labs' enterprise offering.
• AWS Startups / AWS ISV Accelerate: Hyperscaler-run startup programs offering cloud credits, technical mentorship, and enterprise introductions; competes for attention from the same Seed-to-Series C cloud and 5G-applied AI startups as Khasm Labs.
• Nokia NGINX / Nokia Bell Labs: Telecom infrastructure incumbent with open-innovation and startup engagement programs targeting 5G and network software, representing a competing ecosystem for telco-focused startup partnerships.
• Ericsson Ventures: Telecom-equipment incumbent's venture and innovation arm, which engages 5G startups through investment and partnership programs analogous to the corporate-startup facilitation that Khasm Labs offers.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/5GOILab

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments17 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 5G Open Innovation Lab