Somewear Labs
Somewear Labs is a San Francisco software-defined networking company that provides resilient multi-network tactical communications — across cellular, WiFi, mesh, and Iridium satellite — to U.S. defense, public safety, and commercial teams operating in cell-denied or contested environments.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersSan Francisco, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Somewear Labs does
Somewear Labs is a San Francisco-based software-defined networking company that builds resilient tactical communications for defense, public safety, and commercial teams operating in cell-denied, spectrum-contested, or bandwidth-constrained environments. Its platform automatically routes mission data across cellular, WiFi, mesh radio, and Iridium LEO satellite links using proprietary SmartRouting and SmartBackhaul algorithms, unifying position, messaging, telemetry, and biometric data between edge operators and command.
The product portfolio centers on three purpose-built hardware devices — Global Hotspot (compact narrowband satellite messenger), Node (first-of-its-kind pocket-sized hybrid mesh + satellite device), and Horizon (low SWaP-C multi-network radio for attritable unmanned systems with MAVLink compatibility) — paired with the Grid software platform available on iOS, Android, Web, and as an ATAK plugin. Grid includes Workspaces for encrypted, role-based data sharing across agencies and coalition partners, and integrates natively with TAK servers, Sit(x), and major MANET radios (Silvus, TrellisWare, Doodle Labs). Developer-facing Beam API, Mobile SDK, and Firmware SDK enable third-party hardware and unmanned systems OEMs to integrate Somewear's network into their stacks. Deployments span commercial encrypted cloud, VPC, and on-prem bare metal.
Somewear generates revenue through hardware sales (Hotspot, Node, Horizon) bundled with Grid software subscriptions, enterprise licensing for the developer/API/SDK layer, and direct enterprise field sales to defense and government customers. The company sells primarily through a sales-led motion targeting U.S. Defense (multiple DoD branches via AFWERX SBIR, TACFI, and DIU programs), federal/state/local public safety (Border Patrol, Texas Rangers, sheriff's offices), and commercial segments (outdoors, energy, private security). Named customers include the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps (DIU-sponsored), 2D Recon BN, Texas DPS, Coconino County Sheriff's Office, and Lollapalooza medical teams. The company raised a $13.7 million Series A in 2022 and operates with 11-50 employees.
Somewear Labs firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Somewear Labs
- Legal name
- Somewear Labs
- Website
- https://somewearlabs.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Somewear Labs is a San Francisco software-defined networking company that provides resilient multi-network tactical communications — across cellular, WiFi, mesh, and Iridium satellite — to U.S. defense, public safety, and commercial teams operating in cell-denied or contested environments.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Somewear Labs industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Tactical Communications & Edge Networking
- NAICS
- Satellite Telecommunications (51741), Satellite Telecommunications (517410), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)
- SIC
- Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Communications Equipment, Nec (3669), Communications Services, Nec (4899)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Enterprise Satellite Connectivity & Managed Services (VSAT, SD-WAN over Satcom) (HDAIAJAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE) (HDAFAIAM), Edge Orchestration & Management Platforms (Provisioning, Fleet Mgmt) (HDABAOAF), Service Provider Edge Routing (PE/BNG/Carrier Ethernet) (HDAFABAC), Fleet, Asset Tracking & Telematics Location Platforms (BPAMANAF)
Keywords
Where Somewear Labs is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Francisco
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Somewear Labs business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales (Hotspot, Node, Horizon): Somewear sells proprietary hardware devices (Global Hotspot, Node, Horizon) that serve as the network-enabling layer for its software platform. Hardware is sold with accompanying software platform access (Grid). Revenue is generated from initial hardware purchase with ongoing software subscription for platform access.
- Software Platform Subscription (Grid): Grid platform is available on iOS/Android/Web and via ATAK plugin. Sold as a subscription, likely per-seat or enterprise-wide, providing access to SmartRouting, Workspaces, command & control features, and over-the-air device management. Deployment options include encrypted commercial cloud, VPC (GCP/AWS/Azure), and on-premises bare metal.
- Developer API and SDK Licensing: Beam API, Mobile SDK, and Firmware SDK provide integration pathways for third-party hardware and software vendors. Revenue generated through API access and SDK licensing for third-party integrators embedding Somewear's network capabilities.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Somewear Labs product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Somewear Labs sells a software-defined networking platform for tactical edge communications, pairing the Grid command-and-control platform (Web, iOS/Android, ATAK plugin) with three purpose-built hardware products—Global Hotspot (satellite messenger), Node (hybrid mesh + satellite device), and Horizon (multi-network radio for attritable unmanned systems). The platform uses proprietary SmartRouting and SmartBackhaul algorithms to automatically route mission data across cellular, WiFi, mesh radio, and Iridium LEO satellite transports, and is offered alongside a developer-facing Beam API and SDKs for third-party integration.
Product overview
Somewear Labs offers a software-defined networking platform for tactical edge communications, combining purpose-built hardware devices with the Somewear Grid cloud platform. The portfolio centers on three hardware products: Global Hotspot (compact satellite-only messenger for asset tracking and isolated personnel), Node (first-of-its-kind hybrid combining mesh radio and satellite with SmartBackhaul), and Horizon (multi-network radio for attritable unmanned systems with MAVLink compatibility). The Somewear Grid platform (Web, iOS/Android, ATAK) unifies these devices, providing automated network management via SmartRouting that dynamically routes data across cellular, WiFi, mesh, and satellite networks. Developer tools include Beam software agent, Mobile SDK, and Firmware SDK. The platform serves defense, public safety, and commercial customers requiring resilient communications in degraded, contested, or bandwidth-constrained environments.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Global Hotspot A compact, ruggedized narrowband satellite communicator using Iridium's LEO satellite network. Designed for asset tracking and isolated personnel who require SATCOM to stay connected, with IP68 water resistance, MIL-STD-810 shock/vibration rating, BLE, GPS accuracy to 2.5m, and 1000+ messages per charge. Sold to defense, public safety, and commercial customers.
- Node Multi-Network Device A first-of-its-kind pocket-sized multi-network device that combines the efficiency of mesh radios with the resilience of satellite connectivity. Features SmartBackhaul dynamic wireless backhaul routing, AES 256-bit encryption, ATAK integration, and automatic failover across cellular, WiFi, mesh, and satellite via SmartRouting for dismounted tactical and field teams.
- Horizon Multi-Network Radio A multi-network radio purpose-built for attritable unmanned operations, providing resilient LOS and BLOS control, telemetry, and tasking in contested environments with automatic LOS-to-BLOS transition. MAVLink compatible for plug-and-play integration with autopilots, GCS, and autonomy workflows, with a low SWaP-C design scaled for defense unmanned programs.
- Somewear Grid Platform A software-defined network platform providing command and control with persistent situational awareness, available on Web, iOS/Android mobile apps, and as an ATAK plugin. Includes Workspaces for secure, role-based data sharing across agencies and coalition partners, over-the-air device management, and flexible deployment (encrypted commercial cloud, VPC, or on-prem bare metal). Sold as a subscription to defense, public safety, and commercial customers.
- Beam Software Agent A software agent that runs on any operating system and bridges Somewear's network to third-party hardware or networks, enabling SmartRouting for field sensors and integrating with the Grid platform for wider operational control. Supports MAVLink-based UAS integration and is licensed to unmanned-systems OEMs and integrators.
- Mobile SDK A software development kit that lets third-party mobile applications leverage Somewear's software-defined network, including Node's mesh and satellite networking. Optimizes data transmission and bandwidth usage in constrained network environments. Licensed to third-party application developers.
- Firmware SDK An SDK that enables third-party hardware to integrate with Somewear's patented software-defined network, granting intelligent data routing across available modalities (SmartRouting) for reliable communications in challenging environments. Designed for critical-response tool developers and licensed to hardware OEMs.
Quantifiable outcome
- Coconino County Sheriff's Office reduced information flow delays from 45-90 minutes to near-real-time, saving hours per operation
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Somewear Labs
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Somewear Labs technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration9 records
AI capability2 records
Feature8 records
Somewear Labs partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Uptake TechnologiescoreUptake (AI/ML-driven predictive maintenance) and Somewear were awarded a Phase II SBIR contract from the U.S. Air Force via AFWERX. Somewear's resilient network and integration framework send vehicle diagnostics into Uptake's predictive analytics platform over mesh and satellite, enabling predictive maintenance insights even in disconnected environments. Somewear connects deployed Air Force vehicle fleets at Kadena Air Force Base to command in real time.
- 3AM Innovationscore3AM Innovations and Somewear partnered to combine 3AM's FLORIAN platform (real-time AI/3D personnel tracking for firefighters) with Somewear's software-defined network and multi-network hardware (Node). The integration ensures continuous tracking and communications in any environment, pushing Somewear's low-bandwidth satellite data into the FLORIAN app. This partnership addresses requirements of the Dingell Act (2019) for improved wildfire management through technology.
- Guardian Premier SolutionscoreGuardian Premier Solutions (human performance consultancy) partnered with Somewear to deliver a solution for the U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Training Wing that broadcasts real-time location data paired with biometrics. Somewear's satellite-based solution integrated with Guardian's sensors to relay heart rate, body temperature, respiratory rate, and body posture data, enabling proactive force health monitoring.
- Unmanned Systems / UxS Ecosystem PartnerscoreSomewear's formal partner program targets UxS, mission systems, and autonomy companies. At the Tough Stump Rodeo 2025, Somewear demonstrated integrations with Silvus Technologies (StreamCaster MANET radios), TrellisWare (Shadow 950 MANET radios), Doodle Labs (Mesh Rider radios), and Quaze Technologies (wireless charging stations for unmanned assets). These partnerships enable Somewear to serve as the underlying data fabric bridging disparate MANET networks and extending autonomous operational reach.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Somewear Labs competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- goTenna: goTenna makes mesh networking devices (Pro, Pro 2+, Edge) for off-grid team communications used by military, public safety, and outdoor users. It is the closest direct peer to Somewear in the mesh radio layer of the tactical communications stack, though it historically lacked integrated satellite backhaul.
- Silvus Technologies: Silvus manufactures StreamCaster MANET radios used widely by U.S. and allied special operations forces. Silvus is both a Somewear integration partner (Tough Stump Rodeo 2025 demonstration) and a direct competitor in tactical networking, with deeper DoD program penetration.
- Persistent Systems: Persistent Systems builds the MPU5 MANET radio, a dominant tactical networking platform for U.S. Army and allied forces. Competes with Somewear in the contested-environment tactical communications layer and is increasingly expanding into integrated satellite + mesh offerings.
- Garmin: Garmin's inReach satellite messengers directly compete with Somewear's Global Hotspot in the satellite-only narrowband segment for outdoor and asset-tracking customers. Garmin is a much larger, consumer-facing brand but lacks Somewear's multi-network and tactical ecosystem integration.
- TrellisWare Technologies: TrellisWare produces the Shadow 950 tactical MANET radio used by U.S. SOCOM and allied forces. It is a Somewear integration partner but also a competitor in tactical mesh radio systems serving the same defense customer base.
- Doodle Labs: Doodle Labs manufactures the Mesh Rider line of industrial-grade mesh radios used on unmanned systems and tactical platforms. A Somewear partner at Tough Stump Rodeo 2025, it is also a partial competitor in the drone/UxS communications segment.
Broad incumbents
- Iridium Communications: Iridium operates the LEO satellite constellation Somewear's Hotspot uses and provides satellite IoT services directly. While not a direct tactical-networking competitor, it is the underlying infrastructure Somewear depends on and a potential vertical-integration threat.
- L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a major defense prime with deep DoD program relationships in tactical radios, satellite communications, and integrated C2. It is a broad incumbent that could compete with Somewear on larger program of record opportunities and potentially acquire competing technology.
Emerging players
- ZOLEO: ZOLEO offers a satellite communicator/companion device targeting outdoor and remote-worker use cases via Iridium. It overlaps with Somewear's Global Hotspot in the consumer/SMB outdoor segment but lacks tactical, mesh, or defense integration.
- Bivystick: Bivystick provides a portable satellite hotspot and two-way messaging device aimed at backcountry and emergency-response users. It competes with the Global Hotspot in the commercial/outdoor segment but does not address defense or mesh networking.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Somewear Labs social profiles
Digital presenceSomewear Labs compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Somewear Labs financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Somewear Labs leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Somewear Labs funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors5 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Somewear Labs 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 Somewear Labs
What does Somewear Labs do?
Somewear Labs sells a software-defined networking platform for tactical edge communications, pairing the Grid command-and-control platform (Web, iOS/Android, ATAK plugin) with three purpose-built hardware products—Global Hotspot (satellite messenger), Node (hybrid mesh + satellite device), and Horizon (multi-network radio for attritable unmanned systems). The platform uses proprietary SmartRouting and SmartBackhaul algorithms to automatically route mission data across cellular, WiFi, mesh radio, and Iridium LEO satellite transports, and is offered alongside a developer-facing Beam API and SDKs for third-party integration.
Is Somewear Labs a public or private company?
Somewear Labs is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Somewear Labs founded?
Somewear Labs was founded in 2017. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Somewear Labs based?
Somewear Labs is headquartered in San Francisco, United States, in the North America region.
How does Somewear Labs make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales (Hotspot, Node, Horizon) is the primary driver. The others are software Platform Subscription (Grid) and developer API and SDK Licensing.
Who are Somewear Labs's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are goTenna, Silvus Technologies, Persistent Systems, Garmin, TrellisWare Technologies and Doodle Labs. Broad incumbents are Iridium Communications and L3Harris Technologies. Emerging players are ZOLEO and Bivystick.
Does Somewear Labs have an API?
Yes. Somewear Labs offers a developer API for satellite data access. The API enables developers to build applications for tracking assets and creating use cases leveraging low-bandwidth satellite data. Additional developer tools include Beam (a software agent that bridges Somewear's network with third-party hardware/networks), Mobile SDK for optimizing data transmission in constrained network environments, and Firmware SDK for integrating third-party hardware with Somewear's software-defined network (SmartRouting). SDKs grant access to Somewear's patented intelligent data routing across multiple modalities. Developer documentation is at docs.somewear.app/developer-docs.
What industry is Somewear Labs in?
Somewear Labs's product category is Tactical Communications & Edge Networking. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAIAJAB, Enterprise Satellite Connectivity & Managed Services (VSAT, SD-WAN over Satcom), with a secondary code of HDAFAIAM, Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE). Its NAICS code is 51741 and its SIC code is 3576.