KOBOL
Kobol Innovations Pte. Ltd. was a Singapore-based company that designed and sold open-source ARM-based Network Attached Storage hardware (Helios4 and Helios64) for self-hosted private data storage, serving home users, SOHO, and tech enthusiasts. The company ceased operations in August 2021.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersSingapore, Singapore
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What KOBOL does
Kobol Innovations Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-based private company that designed and sold open-source, open-hardware ARM-based Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems for self-hosted private data storage and backup. The company was founded by a three-person team — Gauthier Provost (Founder/CEO), Aditya Prayoga (Software Lead Engineer), and Dmitriy Sidorovich (Electronics Lead Engineer) — with backgrounds spanning aerospace engineering and data science, and was bootstrapped without disclosed external funding. Operations were formally ceased on August 25, 2021 due to ongoing manufacturing difficulties, electronic component procurement challenges, cost pressures, and team burnout.
Kobol's product portfolio consisted of two NAS platforms. Helios4, launched in 2017, was built on the Marvell ARMADA 388 dual-core ARM Cortex A9 SoC with 4 SATA 3.0 ports supporting up to 48TB of storage and 2GB DDR3L ECC memory. Helios64, launched in 2020 as the flagship successor, used the Rockchip RK3399(K) ARM 64-bit hexacore SoC with 4GB LPDDR4, 5 SATA 3.0 ports supporting up to 80TB, 2.5GbE Ethernet, a premium aluminum 5-bay hot-plug enclosure, and a differentiated built-in UPS subsystem. Both products shipped with full schematics, PCB layouts, and software published on GitHub and a public wiki, and integrated with Armbian (where the team served as official maintainers for the mvebu SoC family), OpenMediaVault, Nextcloud, Syncloud, and SolidRun's A38x MicroSoM. Helios64 achieved CE, FCC EMC, and RoHS certifications.
The business model was direct-to-consumer hardware sales through Kobol's own e-commerce storefront (shop.kobol.io), executed via batch-based pre-order campaigns with stated minimum funding goals, supplemented by accessory sales (cases, UPS battery packs, power adapters). Primary customer segments were individual home users seeking private cloud storage, SOHO/SMB buyers, and tech enthusiasts/makers. Distribution was global from a Hong Kong fulfillment warehouse, with an EU Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping option. Total disclosed scale included 1,000+ Helios64 pre-orders, ~500 Helios64 units shipped by September 2020, and 530 Helios4 Batch 3 units shipped. Pricing ranged from USD 14 (power adapter) to USD 295 (full Helios64 bundle), positioning Kobol at roughly 50% below traditional NAS alternatives while consuming ~50% less energy.
KOBOL firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- KOBOL
- Legal name
- Kobol Innovations Pte. Ltd.
- Website
- https://kobol.io
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Closed
- Short description
- Kobol Innovations Pte. Ltd. was a Singapore-based company that designed and sold open-source ARM-based Network Attached Storage hardware (Helios4 and Helios64) for self-hosted private data storage, serving home users, SOHO, and tech enthusiasts. The company ceased operations in August 2021.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
KOBOL industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Network Attached Storage (NAS) Hardware
- NAICS
- Computer Storage Device Manufacturing (334112)
- SIC
- Computer Storage Devices (3572)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Enterprise Storage Arrays (SAN/NAS/Object Storage) (HDACACAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Embedded & Managed NAND (eMMC/UFS/eMCP) (HDAHAKAG), Rack & Tower Servers (General-Purpose x86/ARM) (HDACABAA)
Keywords
Where KOBOL is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Singapore
- HQ country
- Singapore
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices2 records
Markets served
KOBOL business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: One-time sale of hardware products including boards, cases, power adapters, and accessories. Primary revenue stream from direct e-commerce sales.
- Accessories and Add-ons: 2.5 inch HDD/SSD adapters, UPS battery packs, and other peripherals sold separately.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Helios64 Board - ARM 64-bit Hexacore SoC RK3399(K), 4GB LPDDR4, 16GB eMMC, 5x SATA 3.0, 2.5GbE |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Helios64 Case - Premium aluminum 5-Bay with hot-plug tray system |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Power Adapter 12V/10A with 10000H rated capacitors |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | UPS Battery Pack - 2S1P pack with Panasonic Cell NCR18650BD |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Helios64 Full Bundle - Board, Case, UPS Battery, PSU |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels6 records
KOBOL product offering
Product offeringCore offering
KOBOL designs, manufactures, and sells open-source ARM-based Network Attached Storage (NAS) hardware for self-hosted private data storage and backup. The product line includes the Helios4 (4-bay) and Helios64 (5-bay) NAS boards sold as standalone boards, with premium aluminum enclosures, UPS battery packs, and power adapters sold as separate accessories. Both hardware schematics and supporting software (Armbian-based Linux distributions, OpenMediaVault, Nextcloud) are published as open source on GitHub and the company wiki.
Product overview
KOBOL (Kobol Innovations Pte. Ltd.) is a Singapore-based company specializing in open source and open hardware Network Attached Storage (NAS) solutions. The product portfolio consists of two ARM-based NAS products: Helios4 (launched 2017) and Helios64 (launched 2020). Helios4 features a Marvell ARMADA 388 dual-core processor with 4 SATA ports, while Helios64 is the newer flagship model with an ARM 64-bit Hexacore RK3399(K) processor, 5 SATA ports supporting up to 80TB storage, built-in UPS, and premium aluminum enclosure. Both products are designed as open platforms allowing users to customize and hack around, with support for multiple operating systems including Armbian, OpenMediaVault, Syncloud, and Nextcloud. The company ceased operations in August 2021.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Helios64: The Ultimate ARM Powered NAS featuring ARM 64-bit Hexacore SoC RK3399(K), 4GB LPDDR4, 5x SATA 3.0 ports, 2.5GbE Ethernet, built-in UPS, USB Type-C with DisplayPort and DAS modes, Nano-ITX form factor. Launched 2020, End-of-Life status.
- Helios4
Products and services
- Helios64 NAS Board The flagship ARM-based Network Attached Storage board featuring a 64-bit Hexacore SoC, 4GB LPDDR4, 5 SATA 3.0 ports, 2.5GbE Ethernet, built-in UPS, and hot-plug drive support, targeted at home and SOHO users seeking self-hosted private cloud storage.
- Helios4 NAS Board Open-source and open-hardware 4-bay NAS board based on Marvell ARMADA 388 dual-core ARM Cortex A9 SoC with hardware crypto engine and ECC memory, supporting up to 48TB raw storage, targeted at home and SOHO self-hosted storage users.
- Helios64 Premium Aluminum 5-Bay Case Premium aluminum 5-bay enclosure with hot-plug 3.5-inch drive trays, integrated control panel, front USB 3.0 port, and 2x 80mm PWM fans, designed to house the Helios64 NAS board.
- UPS Battery Pack for Helios64 2S1P battery pack built with Panasonic NCR18650BD cells that powers the Helios64 built-in UPS to protect data from loss during power interruptions.
- 12V/10A Power Adapter for Helios64 12V/10A power adapter with 10000H rated capacitors for stable power delivery to the Helios64 NAS board.
Quantifiable outcome
- Up to 50% cost savings compared to traditional NAS solutions
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use KOBOL
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
KOBOL technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
Feature6 records
KOBOL partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- ArmbiancoreArmbian provides lightweight Debian and Ubuntu-based Linux distributions specialized for ARM powered boards. They are the primary operating system provider for Kobol NAS products with official Helios4 and Helios64 support in Armbian builds. Kobol Team joined as official maintainer of Armbian build for mvebu SoC family.
- OpenMediaVaultcoreOpenMediaVault is an open-source NAS solution based on Debian Linux, providing simple out-of-the-box network attached storage administration without extensive knowledge requirements.
- SolidRuncoreSolidRun provides the A38x MicroSoM (System on Module) based on Marvell ARMADA 388 SoC that is the core of Helios4. They are a global leading developer of embedded computing solutions.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
KOBOL competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Asustor: Asustor is a dedicated NAS vendor (Asus subsidiary) selling multi-bay ARM and x86 NAS appliances aimed at home, prosumer and SMB users. Closely comparable to Kobol's positioning and target buyer profile.
- Synology: Synology is the leading prosumer/SMB NAS vendor with DiskStation Manager software and a broad hardware lineup. It is the most directly comparable competitor to Kobol's Helios line in terms of target customer (home/SOHO) and category (multi-bay ARM/x86 NAS).
- TerraMaster: TerraMaster produces multi-bay NAS enclosures and TOS-managed systems targeted at home and small business users, competing on price/performance similarly to Kobol's value proposition.
- QNAP: QNAP is one of the two dominant NAS hardware brands alongside Synology, offering multi-bay ARM and x86 systems with QTS/QHero software. Directly competes with Kobol for the same home, prosumer and SMB storage customer.
Broad incumbents
- Western Digital (My Cloud / WD NAS): Western Digital is a major storage incumbent offering My Cloud home NAS appliances and the broader Red drive ecosystem. Overlaps with Kobol's market but WD is a broad storage hardware giant, not a specialized NAS software/hardware vendor.
- Netgear ReadyNAS: Netgear's ReadyNAS line provides multi-bay NAS appliances for home and SMB. As a broader networking incumbent, it overlaps with Kobol's NAS category but does not focus on the open-source ARM niche Kobol targeted.
Emerging players
- Hardkernel (ODROID): Hardkernel's ODROID line offers ARM SBCs popular for self-built home servers and NAS applications. Comparable to Kobol in open-source spirit, ARM SoC selection and enthusiast/maker customer base.
- UGREEN (UGREEN NASync): UGREEN has recently entered the consumer/prosumer NAS market with the NASync line, positioning as a more affordable, design-forward alternative to Synology/QNAP. A relevant emerging competitor addressing the same self-hosted home/SOHO use cases Kobol targeted.
- Banana Pi (Shenzhen SINOVOIP): Banana Pi makes open-source ARM single-board computers frequently used in DIY NAS builds (e.g. NAS kits, CM4 alternatives). Comparable to Kobol on open hardware, ARM architecture and maker/DIY community focus, though it is a broader SBC vendor.
Others
- OpenMediaVault: OpenMediaVault is the Debian-based open-source NAS OS that was a core software partner for Kobol's Helios products. It is a software ecosystem peer and listed partner rather than a direct hardware competitor.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
KOBOL social profiles
Digital presenceKOBOL compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
KOBOL financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
KOBOL leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
KOBOL funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
KOBOL M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about KOBOL
What does KOBOL do?
KOBOL designs, manufactures, and sells open-source ARM-based Network Attached Storage (NAS) hardware for self-hosted private data storage and backup. The product line includes the Helios4 (4-bay) and Helios64 (5-bay) NAS boards sold as standalone boards, with premium aluminum enclosures, UPS battery packs, and power adapters sold as separate accessories. Both hardware schematics and supporting software (Armbian-based Linux distributions, OpenMediaVault, Nextcloud) are published as open source on GitHub and the company wiki.
Is KOBOL a public or private company?
KOBOL is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently closed.
When was KOBOL founded?
KOBOL was founded in -1.
Where is KOBOL based?
KOBOL is headquartered in Singapore, Singapore, in the Asia region.
How does KOBOL make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are accessories and Add-ons.
Who are KOBOL's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Asustor, Synology, TerraMaster and QNAP. Broad incumbents are Western Digital (My Cloud / WD NAS) and Netgear ReadyNAS. Emerging players are Hardkernel (ODROID), UGREEN (UGREEN NASync) and Banana Pi (Shenzhen SINOVOIP). OpenMediaVault is listed as an others.
Does KOBOL have an API?
No public API is recorded for KOBOL.
What industry is KOBOL in?
KOBOL's product category is Network Attached Storage (NAS) Hardware. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDACACAB, Enterprise Storage Arrays (SAN/NAS/Object Storage), with a secondary code of HDAHAKAG, Embedded & Managed NAND (eMMC/UFS/eMCP). Its NAICS code is 334112 and its SIC code is 3572.