Apcela
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersReston, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
Apcela firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Apcela
- Legal name
- Apcela
- Website
- https://apcela.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Apcela industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Software-Defined Networking / Managed Network Services
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Wired and Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (51711)
- SIC
- Communications Services, Nec (4899), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Edge Networking & SD-WAN/uCPE for Edge Sites (HDABAOAE)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- iPaaS / Cloud Data Integration (HDAEACAD)
Keywords
Where Apcela is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Reston
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Apcela business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Managed Network Services: Apcela provides software-defined, cloud-optimized network services delivered as a managed service. This includes SD-WAN management, multicloud connectivity, cloud acceleration, and managed security services for enterprises.
- In-Flight Connectivity Services: Recurring subscription and usage-based connectivity services for business aviation operators using the ATG network. Operators pay for connectivity service, with Sign and Fly financing available to enable upgrades.
- Professional Services: Consultative design services and implementation support for enterprises building cloud-optimized networks. Includes network assessment, architecture design, and cloud migration services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Sign and Fly Financing Program - 4% loans for ATG system upgrades |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Apcela product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Apcela provides software-defined, cloud-optimized network services for enterprises, anchored by the Arcus Platform—an enterprise multicloud WAN combining Arcus Connect, Arcus Secure, and Arcus Intelligence—and supported by managed SD-WAN, Cloud Acceleration, Managed Security, and Professional Services. Following its 2024 acquisition of the SmartSky ATG Network, the company also offers Apcela ATG in-flight broadband connectivity (ONE ATG and DUAL ATG systems) for business aviation operators via a Preferred and Premier Dealer network and a Sign & Fly financing program.
Product overview
Apcela provides software-defined, cloud-optimized networks for enterprises. The core offering is the Arcus Platform, an enterprise multicloud WAN solution comprising Arcus Connect (WAN extension), Arcus Secure (distributed security), and Arcus Intelligence (automation and analytics). Supporting services include SD-WAN, Managed Network Solutions, Cloud Acceleration, Managed Security, and Professional Services. The company also operates a specialized Alpha Platform for capital markets and, following its 2024 acquisition of SmartSky, now offers inflight connectivity (ATG) solutions including ONE ATG and DUAL ATG systems for business aviation. The Global NOC provides 24/7 support across their network infrastructure.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Arcus Platform Enterprise multicloud WAN platform providing connectivity, intelligence, and security. Comprises Arcus Connect for WAN extension with SaaS/IaaS on-ramps, Arcus Secure for distributed security, and Arcus Intelligence for automation and network visibility. Sold to large enterprises with mission-critical multicloud workloads.
- Managed SD-WAN Software-defined wide area networking service that reduces MPLS costs and improves application performance by optimizing routing per application and policy. Sold to enterprise customers as a managed service over the Apcela global backbone.
- Managed Network Solutions End-to-end management of customer networks over Apcela's low-latency, high-performance global backbone, including design, deployment, monitoring, and ongoing operations. Sold to enterprises seeking fully outsourced network operations.
- Cloud Acceleration Managed service that accelerates performance for Office 365, AWS, Salesforce, SAP, and other SaaS/IaaS platforms over Apcela's multicloud on-ramps. Sold to enterprises experiencing cloud application latency.
- Managed Security Distributed managed security service providing firewall, URL filtering, IDS/IPS, and related capabilities without sacrificing application performance, layered on top of the Arcus Platform. Sold to enterprises that need consistent security across distributed locations.
- Professional Services Consultative services to map enterprise applications, analyze network and application performance, and design cloud-optimized network architectures as part of customer engagements. Sold to enterprises planning network transformation initiatives.
- Alpha Platform (Capital Markets) Specialized low-latency trading network platform for capital markets, including TradingHUB technologies, UltraFast Market Data for the Cloud, and proximity to market centers. Sold to financial services firms, including buy-side trading desks.
- Apcela ATG In-flight Connectivity Air-to-ground broadband connectivity service for business aviation, delivered via patented beamforming technology across 320+ U.S. ground stations with STCs covering 16,000+ aircraft. Sold to operators of business jets via a Preferred and Premier Dealer network with optional Sign & Fly financing.
- ONE ATG System Next-generation single-antenna inflight WiFi hardware system for business aircraft, providing high-speed broadband cabin connectivity when paired with the Apcela ATG network service. Sold to business aviation operators as an upgrade to legacy systems.
- DUAL ATG System Dual-antenna inflight WiFi hardware system for business aircraft requiring higher connectivity performance, paired with the Apcela ATG network service. Sold to business aviation operators seeking enhanced cabin broadband capacity.
Quantifiable outcome
- Up to 40x improvement in application performance
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Apcela
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Apcela technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
Apcela partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, premier and minor.
- SmartSky NetworkscoreApcela signed a definitive agreement to acquire the SmartSky ATG Network in October 2024, completing the transaction by year-end. This strategic acquisition brought the most advanced ATG infrastructure ever developed, including 320+ ground stations, STCs covering 16,000+ aircraft, and patented technologies. SmartSky's former Chief Network Officer Mike Dodson joined as President of the new aviation business unit.
- Altus AerospacecorePreferred Dealer in the Apcela ATG Dealer Network, performing installations and support for business aviation connectivity upgrades.
- Brunswick Aviation ServicescorePreferred Dealer in the Apcela ATG Dealer Network, offering installation and support for in-flight connectivity upgrades.
- Davinci Jet ServicescorePreferred Dealer in the Apcela ATG Dealer Network providing business aviation connectivity services.
- Elliott AviationpremierPremier Dealer that performed ENG Aviation's Citation Excel installations using the Sign and Fly financing program. Represents the top tier of Apcela's dealer network.
- Liberty PartnerscoreCollaborated with Apcela to develop upgrade paths for installation of Apcela systems on legacy business aircraft. FAA approved engineering and PMA installation kits bring repeatable, fixed-price connectivity upgrades to Learjet, Citation, Hawker, Falcon, and Gulfstream operators.
- Xtreme XperienceminorCo-marketing partnership for the Xtreme Xperience Tour 2026. Apcela sponsors events where attendees drive Porsches, Lamborghinis, and Ferraris on racetracks to engage prospects and build customer relationships.
- HPE Aruba NetworkingcoreApcela joined HPE Aruba Networking Channel Program as Gold Partner. Aruba EdgeConnect powers Apcela's Arcus Multicloud Transit Hubs and Open Access Network Edge infrastructure.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Apcela competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Cato Networks: Cato Networks is a direct SD-WAN/SASE peer offering a cloud-native managed SD-WAN platform with global points of presence. Competes head-to-head with Apcela's Arcus Platform for enterprise multicloud WAN business, particularly in mid-market and enterprise segments.
- Aryaka Networks: Aryaka is a direct peer in managed SD-WAN and SASE, offering a global private backbone with integrated networking and security. Closely comparable to Apcela's managed network services model and target enterprise buyer profile.
- Expereo: Expereo is a managed SD-WAN and global internet connectivity provider comparable to Apcela's Open Access Network and managed network services. Competes for the same enterprise customers seeking vendor-agnostic global connectivity orchestration across hundreds of local access providers.
- Versa Networks: Versa Networks is a direct SD-WAN/SASE peer, offering both on-premises and cloud-delivered secure access. Versa is even explicitly listed by Apcela as a supported device-agnostic partner, making it a head-to-head competitor in the same enterprise deals.
- Gogo Business Aviation: Gogo is the dominant incumbent in business aviation inflight connectivity and is the primary competitor Apcela's ATG network displaces — including through the Gogo 3G sunset referenced in Apcela's pain-point narrative. Directly comparable on cabin connectivity products and target operators.
Broad incumbents
- Viasat: Viasat is a broad incumbent in aviation and enterprise satellite connectivity, offering Ka-band inflight connectivity competing with Apcela's ATG for business aviation. Comparable as a competing connectivity layer serving similar operators, but at much larger scale and with satellite (not ground-based) technology.
- HPE Aruba Networking (Silver Peak): HPE Aruba is both a technology partner (Aruba EdgeConnect powers Apcela's hubs) and a broad incumbent in enterprise SD-WAN/SASE. Comparable as a competing SD-WAN vendor serving the same enterprise buyers, but as part of HPE's much larger networking portfolio.
- Hughes Network Systems: Hughes is a broad incumbent in managed network services and satellite connectivity for enterprises, including aviation-adjacent managed WAN offerings. Comparable to Apcela's managed network solutions business, particularly for distributed enterprise sites requiring reliable connectivity.
Others
- Equinix: Equinix is the carrier-neutral colocation provider whose datacenters host Apcela's 120+ Arcus Multicloud Transit Hubs. Not a direct competitor but an enabling ecosystem participant — Apcela leverages Equinix's global footprint to deliver multicloud on-ramps to enterprise customers.
Emerging players
- Starlink Aviation (SpaceX): SpaceX's Starlink Aviation is an emerging satellite-based inflight connectivity service for business aviation, offering global coverage. It is a partial-overlap competitor to Apcela's US-only ATG service and is reshaping buyer expectations for cabin connectivity performance.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Apcela social profiles
Digital presenceApcela financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Apcela leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Apcela funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Apcela M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Apcela
What does Apcela do?
Apcela provides software-defined, cloud-optimized network services for enterprises, anchored by the Arcus Platform—an enterprise multicloud WAN combining Arcus Connect, Arcus Secure, and Arcus Intelligence—and supported by managed SD-WAN, Cloud Acceleration, Managed Security, and Professional Services. Following its 2024 acquisition of the SmartSky ATG Network, the company also offers Apcela ATG in-flight broadband connectivity (ONE ATG and DUAL ATG systems) for business aviation operators via a Preferred and Premier Dealer network and a Sign & Fly financing program.
Is Apcela a public or private company?
Apcela is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Apcela founded?
Apcela was founded in 2005. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Apcela based?
Apcela is headquartered in Reston, United States, in the North America region.
How does Apcela make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Managed Network Services are the primary driver. The others are in-Flight Connectivity Services and professional Services.
Who are Apcela's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Cato Networks, Aryaka Networks, Expereo, Versa Networks and Gogo Business Aviation. Broad incumbents are Viasat, HPE Aruba Networking (Silver Peak) and Hughes Network Systems. Equinix is listed as an others. Starlink Aviation (SpaceX) is listed as an emerging player.
Does Apcela have an API?
No public API is recorded for Apcela.
What industry is Apcela in?
Apcela's product category is Software-Defined Networking / Managed Network Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDABAOAE, Edge Networking & SD-WAN/uCPE for Edge Sites, with a secondary code of HDAEACAD, iPaaS / Cloud Data Integration. Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 4899.