Guidewheel
Guidewheel operates an AI-powered FactoryOps platform that uses non-invasive clip-on sensors to connect factory machines, providing real-time visibility, anomaly detection, and predictive maintenance to over 500 manufacturers from mid-sized plants to Fortune 500 operators across automotive, plastics, food and beverage, steel, and consumer goods.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersSan Francisco, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Guidewheel does
Guidewheel (legal entity: Safi Analytics PBC, a California Public Benefit Corporation) operates an AI-powered FactoryOps platform that connects factory machines to a cloud intelligence layer via proprietary non-invasive clip-on sensors. The sensors attach to machines in minutes and read their electrical signatures to determine operational state (running, struggling, stopped), enabling real-time monitoring of downtime, OEE, production output, energy consumption, and condition metrics without PLC integration or disruption to production. The platform serves manufacturers across plastics and packaging, food and beverage, steel and metals, automotive, construction and building materials, and consumer goods; its customer base spans mid-sized plants to Fortune 500 operators and is reported at 500+ accounts. Named enterprise customers include General Motors, Johnson & Johnson, Kimberly Clark, Cargill, Hershey, Georgia-Pacific, U.S. Steel, GE Aerospace, Ecolab, STIHL, and Steelcase.
The core product stack consists of the FactoryOps software platform (hosted on Google Cloud with a 98% monthly uptime SLA), the Scout AI-powered predictive maintenance module launched in July 2024, and proprietary hardware (CT sensors, meters, routers, accessories) sold or leased alongside subscriptions. The platform integrates natively with SAP, Oracle, Epicor, CMMS platforms, and BI tools, with additional connectivity through Workato iPaaS and an open API. AI capabilities are concentrated in anomaly detection and predictive analytics on structured time-series machine data, with a documented data flywheel across the customer base.
Guidewheel monetizes primarily through annual SaaS subscriptions starting at $15,000 per year (first 10 machines included), supplemented by hardware purchases or 3-year leases and optional professional installation services; fee increases are capped at 7% annually. The go-to-market combines enterprise field sales targeting Fortune 500 accounts, product-led inside sales for mid-market customers, a Private Equity partner program for portfolio-wide deployment, and an Ambassador referral network. The company is venture-backed, having raised approximately $40 million in total funding across rounds, including a $9 million Series A-1 led by Breakthrough Energy Ventures (December 2022) and a $31 million Series B led by Decarbonization Partners, a BlackRock–Temasek joint venture (August 2024).
Guidewheel firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Guidewheel
- Legal name
- Safi Analytics PBC dba Guidewheel
- Website
- https://guidewheel.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Guidewheel operates an AI-powered FactoryOps platform that uses non-invasive clip-on sensors to connect factory machines, providing real-time visibility, anomaly detection, and predictive maintenance to over 500 manufacturers from mid-sized plants to Fortune 500 operators across automotive, plastics, food and beverage, steel, and consumer goods.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Guidewheel industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Manufacturing Intelligence / Industrial IoT Software
- NAICS
- Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)
- SIC
- Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Motor Encoders, Feedback & Condition Monitoring (Encoders, Vibration, Predictive) (IMAGACAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Fleet, Asset Tracking & Telematics Location Platforms (BPAMANAF), Equipment & Tool Tracking (Powered/Non-Powered) (TLABAJAD)
Keywords
Where Guidewheel is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Francisco
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Guidewheel business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Operations
Revenue model
- SaaS Subscription: Annual subscription-based pricing for the FactoryOps platform. Starting at $15,000 per year including first 10 machines. Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled 30 days prior to Renewal Date. Fee increases capped at 7% annually.
- Hardware (Sensors and Equipment): Non-invasive sensors and hardware devices (meters, routers, accessories) can be purchased directly or leased. Hardware lease period is typically 3 years, after which hardware is deemed purchased. Hardware purchase requires active subscription for firmware license.
- Professional Installation Services: Optional professional installation services including assembling hubs, mounting, clipping CTs to power supply, connecting to internet. Installation warranty provided for 30 days.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | AI-Powered FactoryOps - Starting Package |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Hardware Purchase or Lease |
| Other | One time/ perpetual license | Professional Installation Services |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Guidewheel product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Guidewheel offers an AI-powered FactoryOps platform that connects factory machines via non-invasive clip-on sensors, reading each machine's electrical signals to deliver real-time visibility into machine state, OEE, downtime, production, and energy consumption. The platform includes the Scout AI module for predictive maintenance and anomaly detection, plus supporting hardware (sensors, meters, routers) sold or leased separately, enabling manufacturers to reduce unplanned downtime, increase output from existing assets, and drive continuous improvement without replacing equipment or requiring PLC integration.
Product overview
Guidewheel offers a unified FactoryOps platform for manufacturing intelligence, consisting of the core FactoryOps software platform augmented by the Scout predictive maintenance module and supporting hardware (sensors, meters, routers). The platform connects to factory machines via non-invasive clip-on sensors and processes machine data to deliver real-time visibility, AI-powered anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, energy monitoring, and condition-based alerts. The core FactoryOps platform provides foundational machine monitoring, while Scout adds advanced AI-driven predictive maintenance capabilities. Hardware components are available for purchase or lease and must be paired with an active software subscription. Pricing starts at $15,000/year for the first 10 machines.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- FactoryOps: AI-powered FactoryOps platform that provides real-time intelligence for every machine in every plant. Uses non-invasive sensors to connect factory machines and drive efficiency and sustainability.
- Scout
Products and services
- FactoryOps Platform AI-powered FactoryOps platform for manufacturers that uses non-invasive clip-on sensors to connect factory machines of any age, make, or model without PLC integration, providing real-time visibility into machine performance, downtime, OEE, production, energy consumption, and condition monitoring for mid-market and Fortune 500 manufacturers.
- Scout (AI-Powered Predictive Maintenance) AI-driven predictive maintenance module that uses advanced AI models to analyze machine performance data and detect anomalies before they cause downtime or equipment failure, integrating into existing workflows without additional hardware.
- Hardware (Sensors, Meters, Routers, Accessories) Non-invasive hardware devices (clip-on CT sensors, meters, routers, accessories) that attach to factory machines in minutes to read electrical signals and enable the FactoryOps platform; sold or leased separately and require an active software subscription for firmware.
- Professional Installation Services Optional professional installation services that include assembling hubs, mounting devices, clipping current transformers to the power supply, and connecting hardware to the internet, with a 30-day installation warranty.
Quantifiable outcome
- 30% profit lift from existing machines
- +8 more outcomes
Companies that use Guidewheel
Customer profileNamed customers20 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Guidewheel technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
AI capability5 records
Feature8 records
Guidewheel partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Google CloudcoreGuidewheel's databases are hosted on Google Cloud platform in the US. Data is encrypted in transit and at rest. Google Cloud provides the cloud infrastructure for the SaaS platform.
- SAPcoreSAP is listed as an integration partner. Guidewheel integrates with SAP ERP systems for data synchronization.
- OraclecoreOracle is listed as an integration partner. Guidewheel integrates with Oracle ERP and cloud applications.
- EpicorcoreEpicor is listed as an integration partner. Guidewheel integrates with Epicor ERP systems for manufacturing operations data.
- Private Equity PartnerscoreGuidewheel partners with PE firms to accelerate performance across their manufacturing portfolios. Start with a high-impact pilot, then scale what works to unlock portfolio-wide results.
- Ambassador Program MembersminorThe Ambassador Program empowers respected professionals in manufacturing to introduce Guidewheel to their networks. Low-lift referral program with rewards for successful introductions.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Guidewheel competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Augury: Augury provides AI-driven machine health and process optimization solutions for manufacturing using vibration and temperature sensors. It is the closest direct competitor to Guidewheel, targeting similar Fortune 500 and mid-market manufacturers with comparable predictive maintenance value propositions.
- Sight Machine: Sight Machine is an AI/analytics platform purpose-built for discrete and process manufacturers, providing real-time production analytics, OEE, and root-cause analysis. It is a direct peer competing in the same FactoryOps/manufacturing intelligence category as Guidewheel.
- Uptake: Uptake is an industrial AI and IoT analytics platform serving manufacturing, energy, and heavy-equipment customers with predictive maintenance and asset performance use cases. It is comparable to Guidewheel in serving industrial customers with AI-driven machine intelligence.
- Tulip Interfaces: Tulip builds frontline operations apps for manufacturers, including machine monitoring, OEE, and operator-driven data capture. It is comparable to Guidewheel in targeting manufacturers with cloud software that connects machines, operators, and operations without heavy PLC integration.
- Braincube: Braincube offers an industrial AI and analytics SaaS platform for manufacturers focused on production optimization, OEE, and continuous improvement. It targets a similar buyer (operations leaders at discrete/process manufacturers) with comparable use cases to Guidewheel's FactoryOps.
- Fiix (by Rockwell Automation): Fiix is a cloud-based CMMS platform for maintenance management, now part of Rockwell Automation. It is comparable to Guidewheel in addressing unplanned downtime and maintenance optimization, though via maintenance work-order workflows rather than non-invasive machine sensing.
Broad incumbents
- Samsara: Samsara is a large publicly-traded IoT platform whose Connected Operations product line covers equipment monitoring, asset utilization, and condition monitoring for industrial and fleet customers. While broader than manufacturing, it overlaps with Guidewheel on machine/asset monitoring and is a credible competitor for industrial buyers.
- PTC (ThingWorx): PTC's ThingWorx is a broad industrial IoT and operations management platform offering machine connectivity, OEE, and predictive maintenance. It is a broad incumbent alternative for large enterprises evaluating manufacturing monitoring platforms alongside Guidewheel.
- Siemens (MindSphere / Insights Hub): Siemens' Insights Hub (formerly MindSphere) is an industrial IoT platform from one of the world's largest automation vendors, offering machine connectivity, analytics, and predictive maintenance. It is a broad incumbent competitor for enterprise manufacturers standardized on Siemens automation.
- C3.ai: C3.ai provides enterprise AI applications including manufacturing AI suites for predictive maintenance, asset performance, and process optimization. It is comparable as a broad enterprise AI platform addressing industrial customers with similar machine intelligence use cases to Guidewheel.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Guidewheel social profiles
Digital presenceGuidewheel financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Guidewheel leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Guidewheel funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds5 records
Investors20 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Guidewheel 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 Guidewheel
What does Guidewheel do?
Guidewheel offers an AI-powered FactoryOps platform that connects factory machines via non-invasive clip-on sensors, reading each machine's electrical signals to deliver real-time visibility into machine state, OEE, downtime, production, and energy consumption. The platform includes the Scout AI module for predictive maintenance and anomaly detection, plus supporting hardware (sensors, meters, routers) sold or leased separately, enabling manufacturers to reduce unplanned downtime, increase output from existing assets, and drive continuous improvement without replacing equipment or requiring PLC integration.
Is Guidewheel a public or private company?
Guidewheel is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Guidewheel founded?
Guidewheel was founded in 2015. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Guidewheel based?
Guidewheel is headquartered in San Francisco, United States, in the North America region.
How does Guidewheel make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. SaaS Subscription is the primary driver. The others are hardware (Sensors and Equipment) and professional Installation Services.
Who are Guidewheel's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Augury, Sight Machine, Uptake, Tulip Interfaces, Braincube and Fiix (by Rockwell Automation). Broad incumbents are Samsara, PTC (ThingWorx), Siemens (MindSphere / Insights Hub) and C3.ai.
Does Guidewheel have an API?
Yes. Guidewheel offers an open API for custom integrations. Additionally, the platform provides native integrations and connections through Workato (iPaaS).
What industry is Guidewheel in?
Guidewheel's product category is Manufacturing Intelligence / Industrial IoT Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGACAJ, Motor Encoders, Feedback & Condition Monitoring (Encoders, Vibration, Predictive), with a secondary code of BPAMANAF, Fleet, Asset Tracking & Telematics Location Platforms. Its NAICS code is 334519 and its SIC code is 3829.