To Be
To Be Srl is an Italian deep-tech company that designs and sells LiFi (LED-based) wireless communication and indoor geolocation solutions, serving cultural heritage institutions, corporations, and public entities primarily in Italy with expanding European presence.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersLatina, Italy
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What To Be does
To Be Srl is an Italian deep-technology company that designs, develops, and commercializes LiFi (Light Fidelity) wireless communication and indoor geolocation solutions based on LED light modulation compliant with IEEE 802.11 and 802.15 standards. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Ascoli Piceno with operational offices in Latina, Milano, Campobasso, and Napoli, the company sells a modular portfolio comprising LiFi Geolocation (with Hotspot and Indoor Navigation sub-products offering 2 cm positioning accuracy), LiFi Streaming (bidirectional 220 Mbps connectivity via infrared LEDs and USB dongles), LiFi P2P (point-to-point transmission up to 1 Gbps), LiFi Zone (general-purpose retail/healthcare/industrial), and LiFi Art (cultural-heritage specialization). The company has deployed at more than 15 Italian museums and cultural sites including Pompei, Museo Barracco, MArTA Taranto, and Museo Civico Archeologico Lavinium, alongside corporate customers such as E.ON, Enel, Maire Tecnimont, and CONI.
The business model combines hardware sales (modulated LED fixtures and receivers), software and recurring services (apps, BMS integration, content management), and project-based revenue from EU regional development grants (POR CAMPANIA FESR, PR MARCHE FESR, Regione Lazio, Molise FESR) that co-finance R&D and internationalization. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales with quote-based pricing, supplemented by SMAU trade-show presence and channel partnerships with ESCOs, system integrators (e.g., XAL, Dimensione S.r.l.), and corporate real-estate divisions. The company closed a €900K seed crowdfunding round on Mamacrowd in January 2024 with institutional participation from AZIMUT ELITF, CDP Venture Capital, Magic Spectrum, and Fondazione Social Venture Giordano Dell'Amore, and is currently expanding into Netherlands, Finland, and Portugal.
To Be firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- To Be
- Legal name
- To Be Srl
- Website
- https://tobe-srl.it
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- To Be Srl is an Italian deep-tech company that designs and sells LiFi (LED-based) wireless communication and indoor geolocation solutions, serving cultural heritage institutions, corporations, and public entities primarily in Italy with expanding European presence.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
To Be industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Optical Wireless Communication
- NAICS
- Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (3351), Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (33513), Electric Lamp Bulb and Other Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (335139)
- SIC
- Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640), Computer Communications Equipment (3576)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Smart Lighting & Shading Systems (HSAPAPAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Smart Lighting & Electrical (Bulbs, Switches, Outlets, Panels) (HSAPAQAC), Outdoor & Area Lighting (Street, Roadway, Parking, Flood, Sports/Architectural exterior) (IMAGAIAB)
Keywords
Where To Be is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Latina
- HQ country
- Italy
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
To Be business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- LiFi Hardware and Fixtures: Sale of modulated LED light fixtures and LiFi routers for various applications including geolocation, streaming, and P2P solutions.
- LiFi Software and Services: Software services including LiFi Zone app, content management, and ongoing support. Optional BMS software integration.
- Intelligent Lighting Solutions: Turnkey solutions combining light fixtures, optional BMS software, and LiFi services for smart buildings and workplaces. Includes circadian lighting systems.
- European Regional Project Funding: Co-funded projects through EU regional development programs including POR CAMPANIA FESR, PR MARCHE FESR, Region Lazio programs, and Molise Regional Programme ERDF ESF+. These contribute to R&D and internationalization activities.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Project-based pricing - LiFi Geolocation |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Project-based pricing - LiFi Streaming |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Project-based pricing - LiFi Zone |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
To Be product offering
Product offeringCore offering
To Be designs, develops, and sells LiFi (Light Fidelity) technology solutions that transmit data through LED light modulation, enabling wireless connectivity, indoor geolocation, and bidirectional networking without radio frequencies. The company offers modular products including LiFi Geolocation (for precise indoor positioning and content delivery), LiFi Streaming (for PC network connectivity), LiFi P2P (point-to-point transmission), LiFi Zone (multi-sector applications), and LiFi Art (cultural heritage solutions), delivered as turnkey systems combining proprietary LED light fixtures, software apps, and project services.
Product overview
To Be provides a modular LiFi technology portfolio centered on three core products: LiFi Geolocation, LiFi Streaming, and LiFi P2P. LiFi Geolocation includes two sub-products: LiFi G - Hotspot for point-of-interest content delivery, and LiFi G - Indoor Navigation for complete wayfinding and visitor analytics. LiFi Streaming enables bidirectional wireless network connectivity via USB dongles. LiFi P2P supports point-to-point transmission. LiFi Zone extends geolocation to retail, healthcare, corporate, and industrial sectors. LiFi Art is a specialized sub-brand for cultural heritage applications. All solutions are delivered as turnkey offerings combining LED light fixtures, optional BMS software, and LiFi services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- LiFi Art: LiFi solution specifically designed for cultural heritage digitization, enabling immersive and geolocated museum experiences
- LiFi Zone
- LiFi G (Geolocation)
- LiFi Streaming
- LiFi P2P
Products and services
- LiFi Geolocation Indoor geolocation system using LED light modulation to transmit binary codes received by smartphone cameras, enabling precise user positioning with a 2 cm margin of error. Each LED lamp has a specific address and triangulation enables content delivery and positioning. Used in cultural heritage sites, retail, healthcare, and corporate offices for proximity-based content and indoor navigation.
- LiFi Streaming Bidirectional network connection solution for one or more PCs using infrared LED transmitters and USB dongles, achieving up to 220 Mbps maximum speed. The access point is connected to the data network via RJ45 cable or PoE. Operates on IEEE 802.11 standard for secure wireless connectivity in offices and sensitive environments.
- LiFi P2P Point-to-point data transmission between devices over long distances without radio frequencies, supporting speeds up to 1 Gbps. Two optical devices create an immediate network connection via visual line of sight, enabling high-speed wireless links without RF emissions.
- LiFi Zone Comprehensive LiFi solution for retail, shopping centers, trade shows, logistics, healthcare, universities, corporate offices, public administration, airports, and Industry 4.0. Combines hardware (modulated light fixtures) with a dedicated software app for device signal reception, enabling proximity-based services and indoor positioning across multiple sectors.
- LiFi Art Specialized solution for digitalizing cultural heritage ecosystems including museums, archaeological parks, permanent exhibitions, and cultural events. Provides immersive, proximity-based content delivery through light-based geolocation, including accessibility features and wayfinding services for visitors with disabilities. Deployed in over 15 Italian museums.
Quantifiable outcome
- Position accuracy within 2 cm margin of error for indoor geolocation
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use To Be
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
To Be technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
To Be partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered strategic and project.
- XALstrategicStrategic partner for lighting technology component in Rome Public Photography Center project. XAL provides illumination expertise combined with To Be's LiFi and multimedia solutions.
- Archeologia Industriale 2030 ScarlstrategicLead partner coordinating architectural recovery and structural restoration for Rome Public Photography Center. Collaboration with To Be and XAL for technological and lighting integration.
- Dimensione S.r.l.strategicStrategic partnership for Samnium Innovation Hub project featuring circadian lighting and LiFi Surfing technology. Joint market offering for connected lighting solutions targeting professional market (enterprises and Public Administration).
- DB Ingegneria dell'Immagine SrlprojectPartner in Temporary Association of Enterprises (ATI) for Museo Barracco project. Specializes in graphic design and communication product development.
- Tecno Electric SrlprojectPartner in Temporary Association of Enterprises (ATI) for Museo Barracco project. Electrical systems and industrial automation company active since 1987.
- Università degli Studi del Molise (UNIMOL)projectUniversity research partner in MoLight project contributing advanced scientific expertise for intelligent lighting system development.
- SE4ESprojectInnovative company partner in MoLight project for intelligent lighting R&D activities.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
To Be competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- pureLiFi: pureLiFi is the most prominent pure-play LiFi technology company, offering LiFi networking components and modules. It is the most direct comparable to To Be's LiFi Geolocation, Streaming, and P2P product lines, both targeting enterprise and government customers seeking RF-free wireless connectivity.
- Signify Trulifi: Trulifi is Signify's LiFi product line providing optical wireless communication for enterprise customers. It is a direct competitor to To Be's LiFi Streaming and LiFi Zone offerings, marketed to enterprise and public-sector clients for secure, RF-free wireless connectivity.
Broad incumbents
- Signify (Philips Lighting): Signify is the global lighting leader and the parent of Trulifi, its LiFi product line. As an established incumbent with massive R&D, distribution, and partnerships, it competes with To Be in smart lighting and LiFi-enabled smart building deployments, particularly for enterprise customers.
- Acuity Brands: Acuity Brands is a major North American lighting and building solutions provider with smart lighting and IoT offerings. As an established incumbent with deep relationships in commercial real estate, it competes with To Be in smart building and intelligent lighting deployments.
- Zumtobel Group: Zumtobel is a European lighting manufacturer serving commercial, industrial, and architectural markets with smart lighting solutions. It is comparable to To Be as a competitor in the smart lighting and smart building space, particularly through partnerships with system integrators across Europe.
- Osram (ams OSRAM): ams OSRAM is a global leader in optical solutions and LED components, including those used in LiFi applications. It is comparable to To Be as a component supplier and lighting technology incumbent with broader portfolios spanning automotive, consumer, and industrial lighting.
Emerging players
- Velmenni: Velmenni is an early-stage LiFi company developing LiFi-based connectivity solutions targeted at enterprise and industrial customers. It is comparable to To Be as another emerging specialist pursuing commercial LiFi deployments outside the dominant Wi-Fi ecosystem.
- LVX System (Signify Trulifi predecessor): LVX System developed optical wireless communication technology for indoor positioning and data transmission, similar to To Be's LiFi Geolocation. It is comparable as a niche player addressing indoor positioning and secure wireless connectivity for enterprise and public-sector use cases.
- Zero1Light: Zero1Light is a LiFi specialty company offering visible light communication modules. It is comparable to To Be as a smaller, focused LiFi hardware competitor targeting niche industrial and commercial applications.
- NAVILENS: NAVILENS provides visual-based indoor navigation and wayfinding solutions using color-coded markers readable by smartphone cameras. It is comparable to To Be's LiFi Geolocation in the cultural heritage, transit, and accessibility segments, addressing similar indoor positioning use cases through alternative non-GPS technologies.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
To Be social profiles
Digital presenceTo Be financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
To Be leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
To Be subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
To Be funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors4 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
To Be 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 To Be
What does To Be do?
To Be designs, develops, and sells LiFi (Light Fidelity) technology solutions that transmit data through LED light modulation, enabling wireless connectivity, indoor geolocation, and bidirectional networking without radio frequencies. The company offers modular products including LiFi Geolocation (for precise indoor positioning and content delivery), LiFi Streaming (for PC network connectivity), LiFi P2P (point-to-point transmission), LiFi Zone (multi-sector applications), and LiFi Art (cultural heritage solutions), delivered as turnkey systems combining proprietary LED light fixtures, software apps, and project services.
Is To Be a public or private company?
To Be is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was To Be founded?
To Be was founded in 2020. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is To Be based?
To Be is headquartered in Latina, Italy, in the Europe region.
How does To Be make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. LiFi Hardware and Fixtures are the primary driver. The others are liFi Software and Services, intelligent Lighting Solutions and european Regional Project Funding.
Who are To Be's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are pureLiFi and Signify Trulifi. Broad incumbents are Signify (Philips Lighting), Acuity Brands, Zumtobel Group and Osram (ams OSRAM). Emerging players are Velmenni, LVX System (Signify Trulifi predecessor), Zero1Light and NAVILENS.
Does To Be have an API?
No public API is recorded for To Be.
What industry is To Be in?
To Be's product category is Optical Wireless Communication. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSAPAPAC, Smart Lighting & Shading Systems, with a secondary code of HSAPAQAC, Smart Lighting & Electrical (Bulbs, Switches, Outlets, Panels). Its NAICS code is 3351 and its SIC code is 3640.