Memberi2Coalition Member Spotlight Q&A: IPXO
Since its launch in August 2021, IPXO has become a multi-million-dollar company with over 1100 B2B customers. With potential access to over 3.2 million IPv4 addresses and a strong presence within the Regional Internet Registry (RIR) community, IPXO is emerging as a business-critical infrastructure platform for enterprises worldwide.
IPXO is a member of the i2Coalition, taking part in the Insights & Innovations Committee to help Internet infrastructure providers make better decisions regarding technology and business procedures, as well as removing barriers to underserved groups within the tech industry.
We chatted with Vincentas Grinius, CEO of IPXO, about the complexities of the IP address market, refining a company mission, and breaking down the walls that divide us.
i2Coalition: Can you give us the elevator pitch for IPXO?
Vincentas Grinius: Our mission is to bridge the gap between IP holders and those in need, facilitating the efficient utilization of IP resources across different regions, and ultimately contributing to a more borderless internet. By leading the industry and addressing market fragmentation, we empower businesses to unlock the full potential of their IP addresses and improve their operations. Our comprehensive suite of services includes IP address management, delegated RPKI, abuse management, IP geolocation, DNS management, and more. We provide consulting, integration, collaboration, visibility, revenue generation, and monitoring to support organizations in their IP-related needs.
i2Coalition: Your team works in a field that most people probably never even think about. How does IP address leasing contribute to a more open Internet?
VG: Our platform facilitates the leasing of IP addresses between RIRs, breaking down the barriers between them and providing businesses with the resources necessary to expand their operations and reach more users. This way we address the immediate IP address shortage while also fostering a more inclusive and interconnected Internet ecosystem. It allows businesses in regions with limited IP resources to compete on a global scale.
i2Coalition: What were the biggest surprises you encountered during the first year of your operations? What about just in the past year?
VG: One of the significant surprises was the growing demand for IP addresses for dynamic projects such as data acquisitions and security assessments. This highlighted the evolving nature of businesses’ needs and the importance of providing flexible IP solutions to meet their requirements.
Another was the complexity and time-consuming nature of IP address information management. We realized that navigating the fragmented market and ensuring IP reputation was a considerable challenge, which companies should not have to do alone. These surprises emphasized the importance of our mission at IPXO.
i2Coalition: How has your company’s identity been shifting, and what has led to that?
VG: The identity of IPXO has been evolving as we transition from being just a marketplace to becoming the whole ecosystem. This shift has been driven by our commitment to providing comprehensive solutions and expanding our range of services to better serve our customers. We recognized the need to offer more than just IP lease and monetization, and thus we have been actively working towards building a robust ecosystem that caters to the diverse needs of our clients.
i2Coalition: What impact do you think recent geopolitical events have had on your more recent business performance?
VG: As a company serving clients primarily located in the US, IPXO strives to ensure a stable and reliable service experience. Our commitment to providing secure and trusted IP address management solutions remains unwavering. By upholding strict compliance measures and actively monitoring industry developments, we aim to safeguard our clients’ interests and maintain uninterrupted service delivery.
While IPXO does not directly engage in political matters, we recognize that geopolitical events can create an atmosphere of uncertainty and affect the broader business environment. Our approach is to stay agile, adapt to changes, and continue providing exceptional service to our clients.
It is worth mentioning that IPXO’s decision to ban certain countries, including Russia, from using our services is driven by our dedication to security, combating abuse, and protecting our clients’ interests. This decision aligns with our commitment to maintaining a safe and trusted IP address ecosystem.
i2Coalition: Why did your team find it important to join the i2Coalition?
VG: Internationally, regional IP registries are subjected to different regulations, and the lack of a uniting policy highlights the need for a common global standard. By actively participating in the i2Coalition and developing the community, we aspire to become flag-bearers in its establishment.
The i2Coalition’s successful special projects, such as the VPN principles process, demonstrate the value of collective efforts and the potential for positive outcomes. Launching a similar initiative for IP leasing principles aligns with our goal of promoting ethical practices and establishing industry standards.
Engaging with the i2Coalition enables collaboration with industry peers, resource pooling, and collective work towards a common objective. It helps us to enhance credibility, contribute to the advancement of the IP leasing sector standards, and make an impact that benefits the entire industry.
i2Coalition: Which i2C initiatives connect most deeply with your team’s ethos?
VG: We recognize the need for collaboration and cooperation among industry peers and organizations to tackle the diverse challenges we face. Therefore, the i2Coalition’s Insights and Innovation Committee provides a platform for important discussions and cooperation on methods and practices related to security, safety, and privacy. This aligns perfectly with our goal of providing a secure and open internet that offers equal opportunities for all.
Furthermore, the committee’s efforts to empower member organizations through webinars on timely issues, ranging from technology and security to business and cultural matters, greatly resonate with our focus on continuous innovation, improvement, and learning. By sharing knowledge and best practices, we can collectively enhance the Internet infrastructure industry and build a sustainable and safe Internet ecosystem.
i2Coalition: Where does government policy interface with your work on a daily basis?
VG: As a company operating in the IP leasing and management industry, we comply with regulations and legal frameworks governing IP address allocation, usage, transfer, data privacy, and security. Policies related to Internet governance, cybersecurity, and data protection also significantly affect our industry. We stay updated on these developments and adapt our practices accordingly.
One important aspect where government policy intersects with our work is the allocation and management of IP addresses. RIRs handle IP address resources within designated regions, and inter-RIR transfers facilitate IP address transfers between organizations across different regions. For example, ARIN and RIPE NCC have policies enabling organizations to transfer IP addresses across regions, accommodating businesses operating internationally.
Our collaboration with RIRs, membership in industry organizations like the Pacific Telecommunication Council (PTC), and the i2Coalition, and active participation in relevant events demonstrate our involvement in shaping government policies in the IP leasing and management sector. These efforts aim to ensure fair and balanced support for industry growth and sustainability.