What Sixfab does

Sixfab is a privately-held connected-edge computing platform founded in 2016 and headquartered in Berlin, with a US headquarters in San Jose and a wholly-owned manufacturing subsidiary (Dene Teknoloji A.Ş.) in Turkey. The company sells hardware, embedded software, and cloud-based device management to two primary customer bases: individual developers and makers (via development boards, cellular modem kits, and SIM cards) and industrial enterprises (via the ALPON line of ruggedized edge AI computers). Its flagship products include the ALPON X4 and ALPON X5 AI industrial edge computers, the Sixfab AI HAT+ for Raspberry Pi 5, the Edge AI Expansion Board, 3G/4G/LTE Base HATs, and Sixfab SIM multi-IMSI cellular connectivity cards. Core technology integrates third-party DEEPX NPU silicon (up to 25 TOPS at INT8) with a proprietary DXNN SDK, pre-compiled Model Zoo (YOLOv8, MobileNet, ResNet), and Sixfab Core/Connect/ALPON Cloud management platforms.

Sixfab generates revenue through four streams: hardware product sales (one-time purchases ranging from $6 DIN Rail mounts to $640 ALPON X4 units), recurring SIM and cellular data plans ($2-$3 SIM cards with pay-as-you-go or shared data pool subscriptions), cloud services subscriptions (Sixfab Core, Sixfab Connect, ALPON Cloud for fleet management), and OEM/ODM customization services for enterprise customers. Distribution is multi-channel: direct e-commerce at sixfab.com/shop, global distributors Avnet Silica and DigiKey, the official Raspberry Pi Design Partner program, and direct enterprise sales. The company has deployed 110K+ devices across 1,000+ subscriber companies in 100+ countries, with a recent strategic pivot toward higher-margin industrial AI applications evidenced by CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award recognition for the ALPON X5 AI.

The business is operationally lean (11-50 employees, remote-first) and largely bootstrapped, with only $157K raised across a 2016 crowdfunding round and a 2017 seed investment. Key strategic relationships include a core co-development partnership with DEEPX for NPU integration, an Official Raspberry Pi Design Partner designation with Raspberry Pi, and a global distribution agreement with Avnet Silica. Recent product launches in 2026 (AI HAT+, Edge AI Expansion Board) and the ALPON industrial line (2024) demonstrate a portfolio expansion from maker-grade tools into industrial Physical AI systems, supported by certifications (FCC, CE, RoHS) in progress for new SKUs and ongoing development of integrated AI + storage + connectivity form factors.

Name

Sixfab

Legal name

Sixfab, Inc.

Website

https://sixfab.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Sixfab is a connected-edge computing platform selling ruggedized ALPON edge AI computers, Raspberry Pi development tools (AI HAT+, cellular modems), and multi-IMSI SIM connectivity to industrial enterprises and developer/makers across 100+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Edge AI Computing Hardware

NAICS

Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (33411), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334290)

SIC

Electronic Computers (3571), Computer Communications Equipment (3576)

akta.pro primary industry

Edge AI Hardware & NPUs (SoCs, modules, accelerators) (HDAAAJAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Edge Computing & Gateways (IMAIAMAC), Edge AI Deployment, Orchestration & OTA Model Updates (HDAAAJAI), Real-Time Vision at the Edge (on-device CV/video) (HDAAAJAE)

Keywords

• Edge AI computing
• IoT connectivity solutions
• Cellular modem hardware
• Industrial edge computers
• Raspberry Pi accessories

Headquarters

HQ city

Allen

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Hardware Product Sales: Sale of edge AI computers (ALPON X4 at $640, ALPON X5 AI early access at $50), development tools (AI HAT+ at $63-$90, cellular modem kits at $125, Base HATs at $45), accessories, and outdoor/industrial enclosures. One-time hardware revenue with optional accessories and expansion modules.
2. SIM Cards and Cellular Data Plans: Sixfab SIM cards ($2-$3) with pay-as-you-go or shared data pool subscription plans. Provides cellular connectivity for IoT devices globally with multi-IMSI eSIM technology enabling carrier profile management.
3. Cloud Services (Sixfab Core): Cloud-based device management platform (Sixfab Core) and Sixfab Connect platform for remote IoT device and SIM management. Subscription-based cloud services for device fleet management.
4. OEM/ODM and Customization Services: Custom design services for OEM/ODM solutions, including hardware customization and embedded software development services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Sixfab designs and manufactures rugged connected edge computing hardware and supporting software for IoT and AI deployments. The product portfolio includes industrial ALPON edge AI computers (X4, X5 AI), Raspberry Pi developer tools (AI HAT+, Edge AI Expansion Board, Base HAT, cellular modem kits), multi-IMSI cellular SIM cards with global IoT data plans, and cloud platforms (Sixfab Core, Sixfab Connect, ALPON Cloud) for remote device and SIM management. Solutions target industrial enterprises (manufacturing, transportation, energy, smart cities) and the developer/maker ecosystem through self-serve e-commerce and authorized distributors.

Product overview

Sixfab provides a comprehensive connected-edge solutions portfolio combining rugged hardware products with software services for IoT and AI deployments. The core product lines include: (1) ALPON Edge Computers (X5 AI and X4) - industrial-grade edge AI computers for demanding deployments; (2) AI Development Tools including AI HAT+ for Raspberry Pi 5 (up to 25 TOPS DEEPX NPU acceleration), Edge AI Expansion Board (combining AI + NVMe + LTE/5G), and cellular connectivity kits (Base HAT, 4G/LTE Modem Kit, Pico LTE, 5G Development Kit); (3) Software services including Sixfab Core for device management, Sixfab SIM for cellular connectivity, Sixfab Connect Platform for centralized management, ALPON Cloud for fleet management, and DXNN SDK/Model Zoo for AI model deployment. The company operates as an Official Raspberry Pi Design Partner with products targeting manufacturing, transportation, energy, smart cities, retail, and agriculture sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ALPON: Industrial edge AI computers and edge computers for rugged deployments in manufacturing, transportation, energy, smart cities, retail, and agriculture sectors
• Sixfab Core
• Sixfab SIM
• Sixfab AI HAT+

Products and services

• ALPON X5 AI Industrial edge AI computer combining Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 with DEEPX DX-M1 accelerator chip (up to 25 TOPS at INT8) for real-time, on-device AI processing. Fanless, rugged, IP40-rated design for factories, smart cities, and distributed industrial sites. Managed via ALPON Cloud.
• ALPON X4 Edge Computer Industrial edge computer designed for edge computing projects, providing essential connectivity and computing features for deployment in manufacturing, logistics, and smart city applications. DIN Rail mountable, priced at $640 per unit.
• Sixfab AI HAT+ for Raspberry Pi 5 HAT+ compliant edge AI acceleration board for Raspberry Pi 5 with soldered DEEPX NPU (13 TOPS DX-M1ML at $63 or 25 TOPS DX-M1M at $90). Connects via PCIe Gen 3 x1 over 16-pin FFC cable. Plug-and-play with single APT package install. Runs vision AI workloads locally without cloud or external GPU.
• Sixfab Edge AI Expansion Board for Raspberry Pi 5 Under-board expansion base for Raspberry Pi 5 combining DEEPX DX-M1 M.2 AI module (up to 25 TOPS at INT8), NVMe SSD slot, and LTE/5G modem slot. PCIe Gen 2/3 x1 for NPU, USB 3.2 Gen 1 hub for storage and cellular. Single USB-C PD powers full stack.
• Sixfab 3G-4G/LTE Base HAT for Raspberry Pi

Quantifiable outcome

• 110K+ devices deployed globally
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability5 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• DEEPXcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSixfab and DEEPX have a strategic co-development partnership to integrate DEEPX's ultra-low-power NPU technology into Sixfab's edge AI hardware. Joint products include the DEEPX AI HAT+ for Raspberry Pi 5 and the Sixfab Edge AI Expansion Board, both featuring DEEPX DX-M1/DX-M1M AI accelerators (up to 25 TOPS at INT8). DEEPX CEO Lokwon Kim stated the launch represents a cornerstone of DEEPX's strategy to establish its platform as the global standard for Physical AI at the edge.
• Raspberry PicoreTechnology or IntegrationSixfab is an Official Raspberry Pi Design Partner with certified compatibility for products built on Raspberry Pi technology. The partnership provides access to the Raspberry Pi ecosystem and enables products like AI HAT+ and cellular modem kits to be part of the Powered by Raspberry Pi program (350+ products). Raspberry Pi representatives attended CES to celebrate Sixfab's Best of Innovation Award win.
• Avnet SilicamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal distribution agreement with Avnet Silica for promoting DEEPX chips and Sixfab products across high-performance embedded sectors in Europe. Avnet Silica is actively promoting DEEPX chips and Sixfab solutions at Embedded World 2026 and through their global distribution network.
• DigiKeymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDigiKey serves as a distribution partner for Sixfab products, enabling global reach to individual developers and small businesses purchasing development tools and accessories.
• Dene Teknoloji A.Ş.coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerDene Teknoloji A.Ş. is the Turkish subsidiary and manufacturer of Sixfab's cellular connectivity solutions hardware and IoT products. Sixfab Inc and Sixfab GmbH hold exclusive licenses granted by Dene Teknoloji A.Ş. to utilize and commercialize the intellectual property rights. Products are Made in Turkey by Dene Teknoloji A.Ş. and billed through Sixfab Inc. or Sixfab GmbH.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Particle Industries: Particle provides cellular IoT modules, edge gateways, and a device management cloud platform targeting developers and enterprise IoT deployments. Directly comparable to Sixfab's cellular HATs, SIM/data plans, and Sixfab Core cloud platform with overlapping maker-to-enterprise GTM.
• Soracom: Soracom offers multi-IMSI cellular IoT connectivity, eSIM management, and a cloud platform for connected devices. Closely comparable to Sixfab SIM and Sixfab Connect services, with both companies selling global cellular connectivity plus device orchestration to IoT builders.
• Arduino: Arduino provides development boards, shields, and an IoT cloud platform widely used by makers and increasingly by enterprise. Comparable to Sixfab's developer tools (AI HAT+, Base HAT, cellular kits) and community-driven GTM, though Arduino has a broader and more mature ecosystem.
• OnLogic: OnLogic builds rugged industrial edge computers for harsh environments (manufacturing, energy, smart cities). Directly comparable to Sixfab's ALPON X4/X5 product line in target verticals, form factor, and industrial certifications, though OnLogic serves higher-volume enterprise customers.
• Hologram.io: Hologram provides global cellular IoT connectivity with a SIM management platform and developer-friendly tools. Comparable to Sixfab SIM and Connect Platform with a similar multi-IMSI approach targeting developers building connected prototypes and scaling to production fleets.
• Axiomtek: Axiomtek designs and manufactures industrial edge AI computing systems, embedded boards, and IoT gateways for verticals including manufacturing, transportation, and energy. Directly comparable to ALPON edge computers on rugged form factors and industrial certifications.

Broad incumbents

• NVIDIA (Jetson): NVIDIA's Jetson line is the dominant edge AI compute platform, offering higher TOPS and a mature software stack. Competes with Sixfab's ALPON and AI HAT+ in industrial vision AI use cases, but targets higher-end workloads and price points ($500-$2,000+) with deeper enterprise reach.
• Advantech: Advantech is a large industrial IoT and edge computing vendor with a broad portfolio of gateways, edge servers, and embedded boards. Overlaps with Sixfab ALPON in manufacturing, energy, and transportation verticals but operates at much larger scale across multiple product lines.
• Moxa: Moxa provides industrial networking, edge connectivity, and rugged computing solutions for mission-critical industrial IoT. Comparable to Sixfab's ALPON and cellular connectivity products in industrial customers, with broader networking portfolio and deeper enterprise channel presence.

Emerging players

• Balena: Balena offers an IoT device fleet management platform and edge OS for connected Linux devices. Comparable to Sixfab Core/ALPON Cloud on the software side, though Balena focuses on software (no own hardware) and serves fleets built on Raspberry Pi and similar SBCs that Sixfab also targets.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SixfabIoT
• Facebookfacebook.com/sixfab
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sixfab

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Sixfab