Data Direct’s Bold Move: Why Acquiring Belfast IoT Maverick Kinsetsu Could Ignite a Tech Revolution You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Ever wondered how layering decades of trust with cutting-edge technology can rocket a company into the fast lane of innovation? Well, Irish tech powerhouse Data Direct just pulled that card by acquiring Belfast’s Kinsetsu, a whiz kid in the Internet of Things and location-intelligence domain. Now, here’s the twist — Kinsetsu stays independent, but with a giant’s backing, thanks to Data Direct’s procurement muscle and nationwide reach. It’s a savvy move that blends four decades of solid client faith with the fresh pulse of IoT, promising smarter operations and blazing-fast decisions for over 600 clients across sectors like healthcare, finance, and transport. Plus, with tech guru Keith O’Loughlin steering the ship, this acquisition spells a thrilling next chapter in sensor-driven solutions. Who says you can’t mix time-tested reliability with futuristic tech? Ready to dive in? LEARN MORE

Irish technology provider Data Direct has announced the acquisition of Kinsetsu, the Belfast-based firm specialising in Internet of Things and location-intelligence services.

The transaction was completed through Data Direct’s subsidiary, Kiniot Ltd, and Kinsetsu will continue to operate as an independent business, backed by Data Direct’s procurement power, coordination and nationwide service capability.

The acquisition was managed by Daniel McKeown from Strangford Capital, who will also serve as a director in the new business. Otherwise Kinsetsu’s operations, staff and customers will be unaffected by the takeover.

Kinsetsu had accumulated losses of £3.9m after annual losses halved to £623,500 in 2024, according to its latest accounts.

Data Direct delivers IT procurement and technology solutions to more than 600 clients in government, security, health, finance, transport and enterprise.

Tech entrepreneur and investor Keith O’Loughlin recently acquired the firm, and the Kinsetsu deal is intended to accelerate the company’s expansion into high-growth, sensor-driven and location-aware solutions.

“This is about pairing Data Direct’s 40+ years of customer trust with Kinsetsu’s category-leading IoT and location tech,” said O’Loughlin, executive chairman of Data Direct and chairman of JKO Capital.

“Our customers want real-time, measurable outcomes—fewer risks, faster decisions, tighter compliance, and smarter operations. Kinsetsu gives us that edge today.”

Founded nine years ago, Kinsetsu has built a reputation for delivering IoT across the healthcare, defence, transport, and commercial sectors.

In healthcare, Kinsetsu’s platform helps hospitals and clinics locate critical equipment such as infusion pumps or defibrillators, reduce loss and rental costs, and ensure devices are available and maintained when and where they’re needed.

In temperature-sensitive environments such as hospital pharmacies to food production facilities, Kinsetsu’s sensors continuously monitor fridge and freezer temperature, humidity, and door events, automatically flagging exceptions and notifying teams before thresholds are breached.

With food safety now a board-level priority, Kinsetsu’s cold-chain monitoring provides early warning on equipment failure.

Kinsetsu’s location technology, including BLE, RFID, GPS and related methods, support indoor and outdoor tracking, workflow optimisation and safety use cases.

“IoT that simply works—from the sensor to the boardroom—changes how organisations operate,” O’Loughlin added. “Whether it’s a hospital locating life-critical equipment in seconds or a food manufacturer preventing a spoilage event at 2am, these are tangible gains in safety, quality, and cost.”

“Location intelligence isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s foundational,” said O’Loughlin. “From tracking sterile equipment to ensuring people are safe on large sites, location data closes the gap between what’s happening and what needs to happen next.”

Photo: Keith O’Loughlin. (Pic: Supplied)