Holafly provides international travelers with digital SIM cards (eSIMs) that offer seamless, unlimited mobile data in over 200 destinations, allowing users to easily connect to local networks and avoid expensive roaming charges the moment they land. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Holafly Chief Product Officer Jon Ross to learn more.
Jon Ross’ Background
Could you tell me more about your background? Ross said:
“I spent over five years at Zendesk, which is a market leader in customer service software and has been investing heavily in AI and automation. As VP of Product, I was responsible for the Web Widget, Messaging channels (like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger), and Mobile SDKs that enable end users to contact companies using Zendesk, as well as the Zendesk Mobile app.”
“Before that, I spent around 20 years working in the telecommunications space, which is obviously very relevant. Earlier in my career, I also worked at a startup building solutions for the travel industry.”
“So I bring together three key areas: telecom, customer service, and travel. That combination puts me in a very strong position to contribute at Holafly, where all three intersect.”
Primary Responsibilities
At Holafly, what are your primary responsibilities? Ross shared:
“I lead the product and design teams. My focus is on simplifying and continuously improving the experience travelers have when they need reliable mobile data while abroad.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for Holafly so far? Ross reflected:
“Definitely our first in-person leadership offsite in Lisbon in late November. It was a great opportunity for the leadership team to come together and align on our strategy for 2026 and beyond. That alignment was both energizing and incredibly valuable.”
Core Products
What are Holafly’s core products and features? Ross explained:
“At its core, Holafly provides hassle-free mobile data for travelers, whether they’re traveling for leisure or business. We offer unlimited data across more than 200 destinations, so customers don’t need to worry about usage limits. They simply choose their destination and the number of days, and it just works.”
“We also offer a subscription for frequent travelers, Holafly Plans, ensuring they always have access to mobile data when they travel. Even if a customer pauses their plan, we provide a free gigabyte of data every month. That safety net is incredibly useful, for example, if someone lands in a new country and forgets to reactivate their plan, they can still get online immediately.”
Evolution Of The Company’s Technology
How has Holafly’s technology evolved since launching? Ross noted:
“Since our early days, Holafly has continuously evolved its technology to better serve travelers. A major milestone came in 2022, when we transitioned from physical SIM cards to eSIMs, an inflection point that fundamentally transformed how we operate and how easily customers can get online while traveling.”
Impacting The Travel Landscape
From your perspective, how has Holafly positively impacted the travel and technology landscapes? Ross described:
“Holafly was born from a very real traveler problem. Our founders, Pedro and Yingyan (Lidia), experienced firsthand how difficult and frustrating it could be to get mobile data abroad. As smartphones have become central to our daily lives, losing access—even temporarily—can be a real shock.”
“Holafly removes that friction by making it easy for travelers to stay online wherever they go. Whether it’s streaming, messaging loved ones, or navigating a new destination, travelers can use their phones abroad just as they would at home.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of Holafly’s most significant milestones? Ross cited:
“Holafly’s growth has been marked by several defining milestones. As mentioned, in 2022 the company fully transitioned from physical SIM cards to eSIMs, a move that reshaped both the product and the business. The following year, Holafly launched its iOS and Android apps, further simplifying the experience for travelers.”
“In 2024, the company expanded into the B2B space with the launch of Holafly for Business. By 2025, Holafly had surpassed 15 million eSIMs sold globally, received the award for Best Company in Digital Customer Relationships at the Premios Excelencia Relación con Clientes, and exceeded a cumulative $500 million milestone since the COVID-19 period.”
“Looking ahead, Holafly is on track to surpass 20 million eSIMs sold worldwide in 2026.”
Revenue
Are you able to discuss funding and/or revenue metrics? Ross revealed:
“In 2025, Holafly surpassed a cumulative $500 million milestone in revenue since the COVID period.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates Holafly from its competition? Ross affirmed:
“Holafly doesn’t sell gigabyte packs. We sell peace of mind. Our unlimited data offering removes the anxiety travelers usually associate with mobile data abroad, allowing them to focus entirely on enjoying their trip without stress or constant monitoring of usage.”
“That philosophy is taken even further with Holafly Plans, the world’s first truly global data plan. With a single eSIM, one plan, and worldwide coverage, Holafly is challenging the traditional model and moving toward becoming the first genuinely international travel eSIM provider.”
“This isn’t just a new product, it’s the creation of a new category. For the first time, travelers can rely on one plan that stays permanently installed on their phone and works across borders, eliminating the need to purchase and manage multiple local SIMs. It’s simpler, more affordable, and far more intuitive.”
“Much like Netflix reshaped entertainment or Uber transformed transportation, Holafly is redefining how people access the internet when they travel. The result is greater freedom, more control, and a significantly better experience for millions of travelers worldwide.”
Future Goals
What are some of Holafly’s future goals? What is Holafly’s vision for growth in 2026? Ross emphasized:
“We’ve always differentiated ourselves by offering peace of mind through simplicity, unlimited data, clear pricing, and an effortless setup. Moving forward, we’re expanding that idea with our “Always On” concept.”
“If someone has traveled with Holafly in the past, we’ll give them a free gigabyte of data for their next trip. If they need more, they can easily purchase another package. Beyond mobile data, we’re also exploring other travel pain points where we can provide the same level of simplicity and reassurance.”
Additional Thoughts
Is there anything else you’d like to add? Ross concluded:
“What truly defines Holafly is our ability to take something complex and turn it into a simple, elegant experience. Ease of use, excellent customer experience, and world-class support are at the heart of everything we do.”
“We’re the company you choose when you don’t want any hassle, when you just want things to work. That philosophy guides how we build, expand, and evolve our product portfolio.”
