What SECO does

SECO S.p.A. is an Italian technology company founded in 1979 and headquartered in Arezzo, Italy, publicly listed on Borsa Italiana under the ticker IOT. It designs and manufactures embedded computing hardware—including Computer-on-Modules (COM Express, COM-HPC, SMARC, Qseven, ETX, Myon, Trizeps), Single Board Computers, Human Machine Interfaces (Modular Vision, Pi Vision), embedded PCs, and the KarL4 contactless payment terminal—alongside the proprietary Clea software framework (Clea OS, Clea Astarte, Clea Edgehog, Clea Portal, Clea Studio AI, Clea Vend) for IoT orchestration, fleet management, and edge AI deployment across heterogeneous ARM, x86, and MCU architectures. SECO serves industrial OEMs across ten verticals: robotics and physical AI, defense and avionics, industrial automation, medical and laboratory, smart retail, building and security, vending and coffee, transportation and mobility, energy/utilities, and food processing equipment.

The company's business model combines one-time hardware sales with an expanding set of recurring software and cybersecurity subscriptions. Revenue streams include hardware (modules, SBCs, HMIs, embedded PCs), the Clea software framework licensed per deployment, the Clea Vend telemetry platform, the tiered Cyber Security Package (€4,240–€15,900/year, supporting CRA and RED compliance with 5-year patching), KarL4 payment systems deployed on more than 150,000 machines, and professional services for custom integration. SECO distributes through direct enterprise sales, a global reseller network, its e-commerce shop, and regional subsidiaries including SECO USA Inc. (AS9100D-certified) and SECO Mind US. Silicon partnerships span Intel (Gold), NXP (Gold), Qualcomm, MediaTek, Axelera, AMD, and Rockchip, and recent alliances with Exein (cybersecurity) and Qualcomm (Dragonwing, Snapdragon X) reflect a strategy to broaden platform reach. Operating geographies cover Italy, Germany, the UK, the US, China, and Japan, with manufacturing in Italy, Germany, and China. The company has executed four disclosed acquisitions (Garz & Fricke, Oro Networks, Hopenly, Fannal Electronics) as part of its inorganic growth strategy.

Name

SECO

Legal name

SECO S.p.A.

Website

https://seco.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

SECO S.p.A. is a publicly listed Italian embedded computing and IoT company that designs Computer-on-Modules, HMIs, payment terminals, and the Clea edge AI software framework for industrial OEMs across robotics, defense, industrial automation, medical, vending, and related verticals globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Embedded Computing Hardware

NAICS

Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (33411), Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (334118), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621)

SIC

Electronic Computers (3571), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Computer Peripheral Equipment, Nec (3577), Electronic Components & Accessories (3670)

akta.pro primary industry

System-on-Chip (SoC) Platforms (Mobile/Consumer/Embedded) (HDAHAJAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

IP Enablement, Characterization & Porting Services (HDAHAFAI), Embedded Software & Firmware Tools (Compilers, Debug, RTOS tooling) (HDAHAFAE), Embedded & Industrial Network Interfaces (PCIe/M.2/SOM/SoC NICs) (HDAFAEAI), Security & Trusted Hardware ICs (Secure Element/TPM/Crypto) (HDAHABAF)

Keywords

• Embedded computing
• System on module
• Edge AI platforms
• Industrial IoT
• Human machine interface

Headquarters

HQ city

Arezzo

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: Sale of embedded computing hardware including System-on-Modules, Single Board Computers, Human Machine Interfaces, and embedded PCs. Revenue is generated from one-time product sales with varying margins based on customization and volume.
2. Software and AI Platform (Clea): Clea software framework providing IoT orchestration, edge AI infrastructure, and fleet management. Revenue includes software licensing, platform subscriptions, and integration services.
3. Cybersecurity Package: Managed security services with tiered pricing (Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large) based on device volume. Includes CVE monitoring, patching, SBOM management, and compliance support for CRA and RED directives.
4. Payment Systems: Sale and integration of payment terminals (KarL4) and payment infrastructure for vending and retail applications. Integrated with Clea Vend platform.
5. Professional Services: Custom solutions, system integration, proof of concept, manufacturing, and software development services supporting OEM customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

SECO designs, manufactures, and sells embedded computing hardware including Computer-on-Modules, Human Machine Interfaces, Single Board Computers, Embedded PCs, AI-optimized modules, and the KarL4 payment terminal. Complementing the hardware, SECO offers the Clea software framework for IoT orchestration, edge AI development, fleet management, and a managed Cyber Security Package for CRA/RED compliance, serving industrial OEMs globally.

Product overview

SECO is an Italian technology company offering an integrated ecosystem of embedded systems, IoT platforms, and AI-driven solutions. The portfolio consists of a platform-plus-modules architecture centered on the Clea software framework (including Clea OS, Clea Studio AI, Clea Portal, Clea Edgehog, Clea Astarte, and Clea Vend) combined with hardware products including Computer on Modules (COM Express, COM-HPC, Qseven, SMARC, Myon, Trizeps), Human Machine Interfaces (Modular Vision, Pi Vision), Single Board Computers (Pico-ITX, 3.5-inch, Embedded NUC), Embedded PCs, AI-Optimized Hardware, and payment systems (KarL4). The Cyber Security Package provides CRA/RED compliance support. SECO collaborates with technology partners including Intel, NXP, Qualcomm, MediaTek, AMD, Rockchip, and Axelera for silicon, and offers edge AI solutions for industries including robotics, industrial automation, medical/laboratory, smart retail, defense, transportation, and vending.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Clea: Software framework for intelligent edge systems providing AI, IoT platform, and cloud connectivity solutions
• Modular Vision
• KarL4
• Clea Vend
• Cyber Security Package
• Pi Vision
• Clea Studio AI

Products and services

• Clea Software Framework Modular software framework for intelligent edge systems that connects devices, orchestrates data flows, manages fleets, and deploys AI-powered services at the edge. Designed for industrial OEMs and technology companies building IoT and edge AI products.
• Clea Vend Telemetry platform providing real-time data insights for vending operators, including sales tracking, error detection, and operational efficiency metrics. Integrates with SECO's KarL4 contactless payment terminals and offers retrofit Datalogger or API access for non-SECO terminals.
• Computer on Module (COM) Standardized Computer-on-Modules in form factors including COM Express, COM-HPC, Qseven, SMARC, Myon MicroModule, and Trizeps SODIMM, designed to reduce time-to-market for embedded computing product development.
• SOM-COMe-BT6-PTL Advanced edge AI computing module on COM Express form factor, powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors (formerly Panther Lake) delivering up to 180 TOPS of combined AI performance for industrial edge applications.
• SOM-SMARC-MX95 SMARC system-on-module based on NXP i.MX 95 applications processor with multicore processing, integrated AI acceleration, and advanced security features running on Clea OS.
• Human Machine Interface (HMI) Off-the-shelf and customized touch panel HMIs available on ARM or x86 processors with capacitive and resistive touchscreen options, supporting Linux, Android, and Microsoft IoT operating systems for industrial applications.
• Modular Vision HMI Scalable industrial HMI platform with display sizes from 7 to 15.6 inches, modular design, industrial-grade IP66 protection, and support for Arm and x86 platforms for industrial and edge AI applications.
• Pi Vision 10.1 CM5 Industrial-grade human-machine interface powered by Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5, offering rugged construction and broad software compatibility including Raspberry Pi OS and Clea OS for industrial, commercial, and prototyping applications.
• Single Board Computer (SBC) Range of single board computers including Pico-ITX SBC, 3.5-inch SBC, Embedded NUC, and other form factors for embedded computing applications.
• Embedded PCs Fanless and industrial embedded PCs designed for demanding environments across industrial automation, defense, medical, and edge AI applications.
• AI-Optimized Hardware Hardware platforms optimized for AI workloads including modules and systems with advanced AI acceleration capabilities for edge inference.
• KarL4 Payment Terminal Cashless and contactless payment terminal designed for flexibility and outdoor durability, with ultra-low standby power, quick payments under EUR 50 without PinPad, and built-in age verification for vending and retail applications.
• Cyber Security Package Managed cybersecurity service for CRA and RED compliance providing 5-year edge Linux patching, security by design, CVE monitoring, SBOM management, secure boot, encrypted updates, and long-term device governance across connected systems.

Quantifiable outcome

• KarL4 payment terminals deployed on over 150,000 machines with Clea Vend integration
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments10 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability11 records

Feature11 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and minor.

• ExeinstrategicTechnology or Integration · 18 July 2025Strategic alliance to integrate Exein's cybersecurity solutions into SECO's products, enhancing cybersecurity protections for IoT devices and extending protections to devices already in use.
• Qualcomm TechnologiescoreTechnology or Integration · 7 March 2025Collaboration to integrate Qualcomm Dragonwing processors and Snapdragon X Series platforms into SECO products targeting industrial HMIs, machine vision, robotic controls, and edge computing applications.
• MediaTekcoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic partnership for AI-powered SMARC modules using MediaTek Genio processors. SECO launched SOM-Trizeps-X-Genio360/360P platforms with 6nm architecture and over 8 TOPS AI performance. MediaTek won Best-in-Show award at Embedded World 2026 for Genio Pro platform.
• IntelcoreTechnology or IntegrationIntel Partner Gold status. SECO offers Intel-powered edge computing solutions including SOM-COMe-BT6-PTL module based on Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors delivering up to 180 TOPS of combined AI performance.
• NXP SemiconductorscoreTechnology or IntegrationNXP Gold Partner. SECO showcased NXP i.MX 95-based edge AI solutions at Embedded World 2026 including Modular Vision MX95 platform and SOM-SMARC-MX95 SMARC module.
• NVIDIAcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership announced at Embedded World 2026 with MediaTek and NVIDIA on the TAO AI toolkit for edge AI development.
• CamozziminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustrial automation partner for integrated solutions in manufacturing and production environments.
• ESD AllianceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSECO participates in ESD Tech Forum virtual events as a speaker and exhibitor for embedded systems design.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights2 records

Direct peers

• Kontron: Kontron is one of the closest direct competitors to SECO, offering a broad portfolio of Computer-on-Modules (COM Express, SMARC, Qseven), Single Board Computers, HMI panels, and IoT software — including its own SuspectCloud and industrial IoT management platforms — making it the most head-to-head embedded computing peer for SECO across product lines and target verticals.
• congatec: congatec is a leading pure-play SOM vendor with deep coverage across COM Express, COM-HPC, SMARC, and Qseven form factors, including edge AI modules based on Intel, NXP, and AMD silicon. It competes directly with SECO's Trizeps and SMARC/SOM products across both industrial automation and AI edge segments.
• Eurotech: Eurotech provides embedded boards, edge gateways, and an Everyware Cloud IoT integration platform, with strong traction in industrial, transportation, and medical verticals. Its software-plus-hardware edge stack is structurally analogous to SECO's Clea + module offering, and they compete for similar OEM customers in industrial automation and defense.
• Advantech: Advantech is a global leader in industrial PCs, embedded boards, and IoT platforms (WISE-PaaS), with broader scale than SECO and overlapping SBC/HMI/module product lines. It competes with SECO on MIPC SOMs, industrial HMI, and edge AI gateways across factory automation, retail, and transportation verticals.
• AAEON: AAEON manufactures industrial single-board computers, embedded modules, and edge AI systems (including Boxer and UP platforms), with deep collaboration with Intel, NXP, and Rockchip silicon. Its UP Bridge the Gap ecosystem is a close analogue to SECO's developer-focused module business in industrial and AI edge use cases.
• PHYTEC: PHYTEC designs and manufactures System-on-Modules (phyCORE) and SBCs for industrial and automotive use cases, particularly around NXP i.MX and Texas Instruments Sitara processors. It directly competes with SECO's SMARC and Trizeps SOM lines for OEM design wins in industrial and medical applications.
• Toradex: Toradex offers NXP i.MX-based System-on-Modules (Colibri, Verdin, Apalis) with its own Torizon software platform for OTA updates and edge AI deployment. Its hardware-plus-software stack is highly comparable to SECO's Clea + NXP SMARC/MX95 strategy, particularly for industrial HMI, medical, and transportation OEMs.
• ADLINK Technology: ADLINK provides embedded computing modules (COM Express, SMARC), industrial PCs, edge AI platforms, and the Neuron SDK for edge AI — comparable to SECO's Clea Studio AI. It competes directly for industrial automation, robotics, and machine vision OEM customers across EMEA, APAC, and the Americas.
• Beijer Electronics: Beijer Electronics produces industrial HMIs, edge controllers, and SCADA software targeting factory automation, marine, and energy customers. Its iX HMI panel family competes with SECO's Modular Vision HMI platform, particularly in industrial automation and building/energy vertical use cases.

Broad incumbents

• Texas Instruments: Texas Instruments is a major silicon supplier (Sitara ARM processors, Jacinto for industrial/automotive) and operates an extensive developer ecosystem with reference designs that overlap with SOM functionality. While not a direct module competitor, TI is a structural competitor/integrator in industrial and embedded markets where SECO plays, and is referenced by peer PHYTEC as a core silicon platform.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/Seco_Embedded
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/seco-global

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A4 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SECO