Press Room
We have always given a special place to journalists who are interested in the development of Aeklys.
«The possibilities of the ring are endless»
«Iconic designer Philippe Starck has created a smart ring»
«This product is a small revolution»
«The ring concentrates a multitude of services»
«Aeklys by Starck Payment Ring is a touchless payment alternative»
«Aeklys is a ring that will follow us and simplify our lives»
«An unusual ring»
Toutes les publications
AEKLYS by Starck, the ring made in France
April 06, 2022 by Quentin Chardome - Conso Mag
It's undeniable that we live in a society that is increasingly connected. Technology is in our cars, in our homes and in our pockets through our smartphones. Not so long ago, it even reached our wrists with connected watches and now it's inviting itself around our fingers thanks to the inventiveness of a young French company. Discover the AEKLYS by Starck connected ring...
If the pandemic that has hit us in the last two years has refocused everyone's priorities, it has also (and more than ever) worked to make the "contactless" obvious. This method of payment or validation has become a habit for most consumers, but it is already on the verge of being revolutionized. And for good reason, whatever you want to validate (or almost) your AEKLYS by Starck ring takes care of it for you.
A jewel of technology...
Before going into the details of how it works, let's look at the object itself. The AEKLYS ring was designed by the famous designer Philippe Starck (hence the name AEKLYS by Starck, you guessed it). And when it claims to be a jewel of technology, it leaves no stone unturned, i.e. it is certainly a condensed technology but also a real jewel that will perfectly match your style, and this, whether you choose it in classic version or in black edition.
A connected ring? But what does it mean?
The AEKLYS by Starck connected ring has a unique goal: to simplify your life. To do this, it has multiple functions (which we will come back to) but the main one is to offer you a contactless payment method around your finger...
To understand how it works, you have to know that the purchase of the ring is also linked to the creation of a personal and secure bank account that does not require any management fees or account opening. Why is this? Well, simply because your AEKLYS by Starck ring will act as a means of payment. But don't panic, the process is as simple as secure. As soon as you receive your ring, you send a proof of identity and residence to the company and that's it.
For the rest, everything will be managed via theAeklys application whoseergonomic and intuitive side must be praised. From there, you will be able to manage all the aspects of your ring, consult the history of the payments made and add money to your linked account in order to be able to use your AEKLYS by Starck ring with ease. And as for the way it works, well, it's simply child's play! Once you've finished shopping, just place the ring over the contactless reader of the store terminal and press the small button on the side of the ring with your thumb. A few seconds and the payment is validated. No need to take out your wallet or rummage through your purse!
A ring to revolutionize them all...
As we said, the AEKLYS by Starck ring is much more than a simple contactless payment device. It can also be used to unlock your computer, to open your electronic locks, to access your gym and even as a transport ticket!
Of course, regarding these last two points, you will have to make sure that your gym is compatible with the AEKLYS system as well as to check that the public transport of your city has established a partnership with the brand. For the moment, some large international cities are compatible (London, Milan, Vienna, Chicago, etc.) and the network is in full development in France since cities such as Angers, Dijon, Aix-en-Provence, Bordeaux (bus) or Toulouse (metro) are compatible.
And what about security?
As soon as your ring becomes your main means of daily payment, the question of security becomes crucial. Well, rest assured, in this matter, AEKLYS teams have left nothing to chance. First of all, in order for your ring to issue a payment, it is essential that you press the small button located on the side of the ring. This activates the patented anti-fraud Wave Control system© and ensures that your ring only interacts with its environment when the button is pressed and held. Moreover, in case of loss or theft, you can easily deactivate the payment function of your AEKLYS by Starck ring from your mobile application. Simple, efficient and above all perfectly secure!
And the small big plus
But that's not all, the AEKLYS by Starck ring also has a few extra tricks up its sleeve. First of all, it is entirely made in France, from the conception (Corsica) to the industrial production (Savoie), including the design (Paris) or the electronic circuit (Normandy). Yes, it is a ring that makes Cocorico! Then, the ring never needs to be recharged because it is powered by energy via electromagnetic induction. This means that when it approaches an electromagnetic field generated by a reader (of payment, for example), the field will generate a current in the antenna of your ring and feed its components. In another register, your AEKLYS by Starck ring will also allow you to share your business card to a smartphone. And last but not least, the AEKLYS by Starck ring offers a cashback system which will allow you to get points for each payment, reloading or sponsoring (permanent cashback of 1% and can go up to 5%).
In conclusion
What more can we say except that with the AEKLYS by Starck ring, the future is simply at your fingertips...
The Aeklys connected ring in "Qui veut être mon associé?" on M6.
January 25, 2022 by Malaurie KRALL - Ouest France After launching their start-up in 2016, Fabien Raiola and Jérémy Neyrou invented a unique tool in the world. A smart ring, called "Aeklys", which allows contactless payment or even unlocking a computer. The two friends from Corsica, will try to seduce investors in the show "Who wants to be my partner?" broadcast on "M6" Wednesday, January 26, 2022.
It is with a great motivation and "a lot of determination" that Fabien Raiola and Jérémy Neyrou will present their invention in the new episode of "Who wants to be my partner? Facing the five investors present on the set, the two friends from Corsica will defend an unusual and original creation. "It's an intelligent ring that is 100% made in France," explains Fabien Raiola, CEO and co-founder of the start-up Icare Technologies.
It is with great motivation and "a lot of determination" that Fabien Raiola and Jérémy Neyrou will present their invention in the new episode of Who wants to be my partner broadcast on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 on M6. Facing the five investors present on the set, the two friends from Corsica will defend an unusual and original creation. "It's an intelligent ring that is 100% made in France," explains Fabien Raiola, CEO and co-founder of the start-up Icare Technologies.
This connected ring, unique in the world, has multiple powers: "Our ring is both the keychain and the wallet of tomorrow," says the 30-year-old entrepreneur. In particular, it allows you to pay without contact, anywhere in the world and without any fees. To use this service, all you have to do is install an application and create a personal bank account. "Everything is completely secure thanks to an anti-fraud system. It is also possible to geolocate your payments and obtain a history."
An "impossible" piracy
The Aeklys ring can also be used as a digital business card, to unlock a computer or a lock. It facilitates access to compatible gyms and certain public transport. "For example, you can store your ticket and validate it," says Fabien Raiola. This service is available in a few French cities such as Lille and Dijon, but also in London and Milan in Europe. "We are in discussion with the RATP so that the Navigo pass can also be stored in the ring.
All of these services can be achieved through the app. "It is the control center of the ring and it is what guarantees the security of each of the operations," the entrepreneur assures. What happens if the ring is lost?"Thanks to the app, we can deactivate the ring remotely at any time." In addition, hacking into the recorded data would be "impossible" thanks to a security sensor installed on the side of the product. "You have to hold it down if you want to perform a transaction. Otherwise, nothing happens."
A design by Philippe Starck
In addition to its multiple functionalities, the ring justifies several other advantages according to its co-creator. "It is waterproof and totally autonomous, because it works without battery and without network." In addition, it would not present any risk to the health of users because it has a patented anti-viral and anti-bacterial coating.
"Its greatest asset is that it was designed by Philippe Starck", Fabien Raiola acknowledges. To their delight, the famous French designer agreed to collaborate with the two friends. "We pestered him for months because we really wanted to work with him. His signature represents a real guarantee of quality for our customers." The comfortable and ergonomic design notably prevents rotation around the finger. For even more comfort, the application allows you to measure precisely your finger circumference. Eight different sizes are available.
It is with great motivation and "a lot of determination" that Fabien Raiola and Jérémy Neyrou will present their invention in the new episode of Who wants to be my partner broadcast on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 on M6. Facing the five investors present on the set, the two friends from Corsica will defend an unusual and original creation. "It's anintelligent ring that is 100% made in France," explains Fabien Raiola, CEO and co-founder of the start-up Icare Technologies.
This connected ring, unique in the world, has multiple powers: "Our ring is both the keychain and the wallet of tomorrow," summarizes the 30-year-old entrepreneur. In particular, it allows contactless payment, anywhere in the world and without any fees. To use this service, all you have to do is install an application and create a personal bank account. "Everything is completely secure thanks to an anti-fraud system. It is also possible to geolocate your payments and obtain a history."
An "impossible" hack
The Aeklys ring can also be used as a digital business card, to unlock a computer or a lock. It facilitates access to compatible gyms and some public transport. "Forexample, you can store your ticket and validate it," says Fabien Raiola. This service is available in a few French cities such as Lille and Dijon, but also in London and Milan in Europe. "We are in discussion with the RATP so that the Navigo pass can also be stored in the ring.
All of these services can be achieved through the app. "It is the control center of the ring and it is what guarantees the security of each of the operations," the entrepreneur assures. What happens if you lose the ring? "Thanks to the application, the ring can be deactivated remotely at any time." In addition, the hacking of the recorded data would be "impossible" thanks to a security sensor installed on the side of the product. "You have to hold it down if you want to perform a transaction. Otherwise, nothing happens."
A design by Philippe Starck
In addition to its multiple functionalities, the ring justifies several other advantages according to its co-creator. "It is waterproof and totally autonomous, because it works without battery and without network." In addition, it would not present any risk to the health of users because it has a patented anti-viral and anti-bacterial coating.
"Its greatest asset is that it was designed by Philippe Starck", Fabien Raiola acknowledges. To their delight, the famous French designer agreed to collaborate with the two friends. "We pestered him for months because we really wanted to work with him. His signature represents a real guarantee of quality for our customers." The comfortable and ergonomic design notably prevents rotation around the finger. For even more comfort, the application allows you to measure precisely your finger circumference. Eight different sizes are available.
A project supported by Blaise Matuidi
Fabien Raiola and Jérémy Neyrou embarked on this adventure in 2016. "Jérémy had lost his keys in the middle of a totally isolated beach. Thanks to today's technology, he thought we could find a solution so that this wouldn't happen again. Our first goal was to give people more freedom and above all to save them time," says the director of the start-up, which has eight employees. Together, they imagined a connected ring, "more practical than a bracelet or a watch". The two friends created their company, raised funds and went ahead with their project.
Today, two models are available for sale. The Aeklys by Starck ring at a price of 149€, and its "little sister" sold 49€. The latter can only be used for contactless payment. The entrepreneurs are now looking to improve their product and add new features. But this requires funding. And that's why they decided to participate in Who Wants to be My Partner. "It was an amazing experience that I totally recommend. We got valuable advice and gained visibility", Fabien Raiola is delighted. Their clever ring has already seduced the footballer Blaise Matuidi who has invested in the project. Will the investors of the M6 show follow him?
The Corsican ring Aeklys awarded at the Lépine competition 2021
November 3, 2021 by Corse Matin Aeklys, the intelligent ring invented by Jérémy Neyroux and Fabien Raiola, has won the Léonard de Vinci prize at the Lépine 2021 competition, along with 2,000 euros and a gold medal. "We came5th among the 302 inventions that were selected, we are very happy to have won the Leonardo da Vinci trophy that recognizes innovation, it's an extraordinary wink," says Fabien Raiola, CEO and co-founder of Icare technologies. The connected ring that replaces keys and bank cards and works without a battery was created in 2016. It was designed by the famous designer Philippe Starck. The start-up Icare, which entered the incubator Inizia, then the M3E of the Capa, "is now flying on its own wings," ensures Fabien Raiola.
2.5 million in European funds
The 2.5 million European funds (Feder) obtained in 2018 via the Economic Development Agency of Corsica (Adec), allowed him in particular to finance the industrialization of the ring (more than one million euros) and to pay for, among other things, the patents and the realization of the mobile application. We have made very good use of the European funds," says the general manager. We have sold about 10,000 rings. The object now costs 149 euros. It is sold on the website aeklys.com and at the Fnac in Ajaccio. The sales contracts signed for marketing on the sites of Darty.com, Boulanger.com and Fnac.com have however ceased, "the commissions to ensure this marketing were too high," justifies Fabien Raiola. Raiola does not disclose the turnover of his company and only says: "We did what we said we would do with our shareholders". Among them are the international footballer Blaise Matuidi, the designer Philippe Starck and the judoka Teddy Riner. The company, based in the Castellani building in Aiacciu, is preparing in the next few months to raise new funds from private investors. The first prize of the Lépine contest was won this year by a computer scientist, Omar Seck, for the creation of a multi-function coffee table, named "Jobstable", capable of transforming itself in 30 seconds into a complete computer station.
