LiveDrop
LiveDrop is an Eindhoven-based deep-tech company that provides a patented optical communication protocol for secure, offline data transfer via displays and cameras, serving primarily NATO defense, intelligence, and government clients with secondary use in healthcare and cybersecurity.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersEindhoven, Netherlands
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What LiveDrop does
LiveDrop is a Dutch deep-tech company that has developed a patented optical communication protocol enabling secure, fully offline data transfer using standard device displays as senders and cameras as receivers. Files are encoded into a moving data matrix transmitted via visible light, decoded at the receiving end, and exchanged with no reliance on WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, cellular, or cloud connectivity. The protocol structurally eliminates RF emissions, making data transfer undetectable, unjammable, and resistant to man-in-the-middle, spoofing, replay, and interception attacks. The company is headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands (LiveDrop B.V.) and established a US subsidiary, LiveDrop Inc., in New York City in 2026.
The product portfolio spans Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Military Off-The-Shelf (MOTS) variants across iOS, Android, and Windows, plus a Software Development Kit (SDK) for OEM and integrator embedding, a Windows printer-driver product called LiveDrop Paperless Share, and a LiveDrop ATAK Plugin co-developed with Stauder Technologies Europe for tactical military users. Transfer speeds have been upgraded to 1 Mb/s, and the protocol is optimized for Intel Core Ultra processors to leverage integrated GPU and NPU acceleration. Customers are concentrated in defense and government — including the Dutch Ministry of Defence, multiple NATO defense units, special forces, and intelligence agencies — with secondary use cases positioned in healthcare (EHR interoperability), cybersecurity (software-based data diode for air-gapped networks), and other regulated industries.
The business model combines one-time software licenses (COTS/MOTS applications, Paperless Share), SDK licensing and royalties, custom development services for defense and intelligence clients, and a freemium consumer app for awareness. Go-to-market is hybrid: direct enterprise field sales with regional coverage in the EU and US, OEM embedding with Intel, and channel distribution through defense integrators including Tactical Solutions Group and Stauder Technologies Europe. The company has raised a $2.5 million oversubscribed seed round (June 2025) and is transitioning from a 12-person start-up to a scale-up with expanded North American operations.
LiveDrop firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- LiveDrop
- Legal name
- LIVEDROP B.V.
- Website
- https://livedrop.eu
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- LiveDrop is an Eindhoven-based deep-tech company that provides a patented optical communication protocol for secure, offline data transfer via displays and cameras, serving primarily NATO defense, intelligence, and government clients with secondary use in healthcare and cybersecurity.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
LiveDrop industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Secure Optical Communication Software
- akta.pro primary industry
- Secure File Transfer & Managed File Transfer (MFT) (HDADAFAK)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Live Streaming & Webcasting Platforms (BPAMAJAB)
Keywords
Where LiveDrop is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Eindhoven
- HQ country
- Netherlands
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
LiveDrop business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
Revenue model
- Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Applications: Ready-to-use LiveDrop applications for Android, iOS, and Windows. Delivered as APK, IPA, or standalone executable. Includes regular consumer version and Military (MOTS) versions for defense clients.
- LiveDrop SDK: Software Development Kit enabling third-party developers and partners to embed LiveDrop secure data transfer into their own applications. Includes C++ primitives, documentation, example code, and implementation support.
- LiveDrop Paperless Share: Windows printer driver that converts files into transferable LiveDrop codes. Sold as commercial product for enterprise document sharing.
- Custom Development Services: Development capabilities offered to assist partners or build custom applications. Co-development with defense and intelligence clients for specialized capabilities.
- Non-Commercial Free App: Free LiveDrop Offline Sharing app available in public app stores for non-commercial use. Serves as lead generation and awareness vehicle.
Go-to-market motion5 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
LiveDrop product offering
Product offeringCore offering
LiveDrop develops a patented optical communication protocol that enables secure, undetectable data transfer by encoding files into a moving data matrix displayed on any screen and decoded by any camera. The company offers Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Military Off-The-Shelf (MOTS) applications for Windows, iOS, and Android, an SDK for third-party integration, and a Windows-based Paperless Share printer driver, all operating fully offline without WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, cellular, or cloud connectivity.
Product overview
LiveDrop is a secure offline data transfer technology company offering a unified product ecosystem built around its proprietary optical communication protocol. The core protocol enables data transfer using standard displays and cameras without WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular networks, or cloud services. The product portfolio includes Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solutions for civilian use (Mobile App for Android/iOS, Windows App, Paperless Share printer driver, and COTS SDK) and Military Off-The-Shelf (MOTS) solutions for defense & intelligence environments (MIL-version Mobile App, MIL-version Windows App, MIL-version SDK, and ATAK Plugin). All products share the same underlying LiveDrop protocol but are differentiated by deployment method, security features, and target use case. The COTS line targets general consumers and commercial enterprises, while the MIL versions provide specialized capabilities for defense operations with full integration into command & control systems.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- LiveDrop Offline Sharing: Cross-platform application for secure, offline file transfer using optical encoding between displays and cameras, available for Android, iOS, and Windows.
- LiveDrop Paperless Share
- LiveDrop SDK
- LiveDrop Offline Sharing ATAK Plugin
- LiveDrop Data Diode Solution
Products and services
- LiveDrop Mobile App (COTS) Ready-to-use application for Android and iOS that adds the LiveDrop secure offline data transfer protocol to existing communication devices. Delivered as APK (Android) and IPA (iOS) for secure, offline deployment.
- LiveDrop Windows App (COTS) Ready-to-use application for Windows (version 7 and up) integrating the LiveDrop protocol into communication workflows. Distributed as a standalone executable.
- LiveDrop Paperless Share Windows printer driver that converts files into transferable LiveDrop codes for offline, cross-platform document sharing between Apple, Google, and Windows users without network connections.
- LiveDrop SDK (COTS) Software Development Kit enabling third-party developers to integrate LiveDrop secure offline data transfer into their own Android, iOS, and/or Windows applications, with reference code, documentation, and implementation support.
- LiveDrop Mobile App (MIL version) Military-grade application for Android and iOS delivered via MDM as APK (Android) and IPA (iOS) files, tailored for Defense & Intelligence operations with specialized capabilities co-developed with leading clients.
- LiveDrop Windows App (MIL version) Military-grade application for Windows (version 7 and up) integrating the LiveDrop protocol into regular or rugged devices. Distributed as a standalone executable.
- LiveDrop SDK (MIL version) Military-grade Software Development Kit for embedding LiveDrop in C2 applications, built for Defense & Intelligence environments with specialized capabilities. Includes C++ primitives, documentation, example code, and full implementation support.
- LiveDrop Offline Sharing ATAK Plugin Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) plugin developed with Stauder Technologies Europe that enables secure, undetectable, and jamming-resistant data exchange for tactical military operations without emitting radio frequencies.
- Custom Development Services Custom development and co-development services offered to defense, intelligence, and enterprise clients to build specialized applications leveraging the LiveDrop protocol.
Quantifiable outcome
- 1 Mb/s transfer speed matching Bluetooth standards
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use LiveDrop
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
LiveDrop technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature7 records
LiveDrop partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Stauder Technologies EuropecoreSubsidiary of US-based Stauder Technologies, leader in digital interoperability and situational awareness solutions. Developed and distributes the LiveDrop Offline Sharing ATAK Plugin for Android Tactical Assault Kit users. Enables data exchange without radio signals for tactical operations.
- Intel CorporationcoreStrategic collaboration to optimize LiveDrop software for Intel Core Ultra processors using integrated GPU and NPU. Enhanced performance and energy efficiency for OEM integration on Intel-based AI PCs. Showcased at CES 2025.
- Tactical Solutions GroupcoreUS-based specialist in technology solutions for special forces and intelligence agencies. Partnership formalised during NATO EDGE 2024 for market expansion in North and South America. Critical role in scaling LiveDrop technology within defense and intelligence sectors.
- CGI NetherlandsminorCommercial partner listed on LiveDrop website for defense and security market collaboration.
- Kwaan BearminorCommercial partner listed on LiveDrop website.
- SoftCryptumminorCommercial partner listed on LiveDrop website.
- IntellitronikaminorCommercial partner listed on LiveDrop website.
- Theon ConsultingminorCommercial partner listed on LiveDrop website.
- EarlyXSystemsminorCommercial partner listed on LiveDrop website.
- Sympler.iominorCommercial partner listed on LiveDrop website.
- GeartownminorCommercial partner listed on LiveDrop website.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
LiveDrop competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Stauder Technologies: US-based leader in digital interoperability and situational awareness, parent of Stauder Technologies Europe (LiveDrop's ATAK plugin partner). Direct peer in tactical data exchange solutions and a key channel partner for LiveDrop's defense business.
- Waterfall Security Solutions: Provider of unidirectional security gateways and data diodes for industrial control and defense environments. Competes directly with LiveDrop in the secure, one-way data transfer category that LiveDrop addresses via its optical protocol.
- Advenica: Swedish provider of high-assurance cybersecurity solutions for defense and government, including secure data diodes and cross-domain solutions. Comparable to LiveDrop in targeting European NATO defense customers with secure data transfer technology.
- Nexor: UK-based specialist in secure information exchange solutions for defense and government. Directly comparable niche focus on cross-domain, high-assurance data transfer for NATO-aligned customers, similar to LiveDrop's defense vertical.
- Owl Cyber Defense: Leading provider of hardware data diodes and cross-domain transfer solutions for defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure. Direct competitor to LiveDrop's software-based data diode approach, addressing the same unidirectional, air-gapped data transfer use case.
- Sectra: Swedish provider of secure communications and cryptography solutions for European defense and government agencies. Comparable as a European defense-focused secure communications vendor serving similar customer profiles to LiveDrop.
Broad incumbents
- Fox-IT: Dutch cybersecurity company specializing in high-assurance security solutions for government, defense, and critical infrastructure, now part of NCC Group. Comparable as a Netherlands-headquartered security vendor serving the same Dutch MOD customer set LiveDrop addresses.
- L3Harris Technologies: Major US defense prime offering tactical communications, electronic warfare, and intelligence systems. Comparable as an established supplier to the same defense and intelligence customer base LiveDrop targets with its ATAK-integrated tactical offering.
- BAE Systems: Global defense prime with a broad portfolio of secure communications, electronic warfare, and intelligence solutions. Represents the incumbent competitive set LiveDrop must displace when selling into NATO defense ministries and intelligence agencies.
- Persistent Systems: US provider of tactical mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) radio systems for defense and special operations. Overlaps with LiveDrop in enabling tactical communications for defense users, but as a much larger incumbent with radio-based offerings.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
LiveDrop social profiles
Digital presenceLiveDrop financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
LiveDrop leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
LiveDrop funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors4 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
LiveDrop 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 LiveDrop
What does LiveDrop do?
LiveDrop develops a patented optical communication protocol that enables secure, undetectable data transfer by encoding files into a moving data matrix displayed on any screen and decoded by any camera. The company offers Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Military Off-The-Shelf (MOTS) applications for Windows, iOS, and Android, an SDK for third-party integration, and a Windows-based Paperless Share printer driver, all operating fully offline without WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, cellular, or cloud connectivity.
Is LiveDrop a public or private company?
LiveDrop is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was LiveDrop founded?
LiveDrop was founded in 2021. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is LiveDrop based?
LiveDrop is headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, in the Europe region.
How does LiveDrop make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Applications are the primary driver. The others are liveDrop SDK, liveDrop Paperless Share, custom Development Services and non-Commercial Free App.
Who are LiveDrop's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Stauder Technologies, Waterfall Security Solutions, Advenica, Nexor, Owl Cyber Defense and Sectra. Broad incumbents are Fox-IT, L3Harris Technologies, BAE Systems and Persistent Systems.
Does LiveDrop have an API?
Yes. LiveDrop offers a Software Development Kit (SDK) for third-party developers to integrate secure, offline data transfer capabilities into their own applications. The SDK includes C++ primitives, extensive documentation, example code, and full implementation support. Available in both Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Military (MIL) versions for Android, iOS, and Windows platforms. OEM-focused SDK enables integration of secure, offline data transfers on Intel-based notebooks.
What industry is LiveDrop in?
LiveDrop's product category is Secure Optical Communication Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDADAFAK, Secure File Transfer & Managed File Transfer (MFT), with a secondary code of BPAMAJAB, Live Streaming & Webcasting Platforms.