ProtoPixel
ProtoPixel is a Barcelona-based lighting technology company that sells a multi-protocol hardware-and-software control platform—used by brands, venues, and architects in retail, hospitality, corporate, sports, and cultural installations worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersBarcelona, Spain
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What ProtoPixel does
ProtoPixel SL is a Barcelona-based, privately held lighting technology company founded in 2015 that sells a multi-protocol lighting control platform combining proprietary hardware (Brain Experience controllers, Gate SPI wired/wireless, Gate Casambi), a software suite (Mapping Tool, Project Tool, Spaces app), and professional services for enterprise installations. The platform supports DMX, SPI, DALI, Art-Net, NDI, and Syphon protocols and is designed to scale from small retail spaces (e.g., Adidas Originals ZX launch) to stadium- and city-scale architectural projects (e.g., Warrington Wolves, Mineirão Stadium, Simon's 100,000+ point 'La Casa de la Luz' experiential space).
The company monetizes across three streams: hardware sales of Brain and Gate controllers, recurring software licensing for the Mapping Tool and Spaces app, and project-based professional services for design, integration, and custom development. Distribution is hybrid—direct enterprise field sales for marquee accounts, complemented by regional distributors (Apex Technologies in the USA, Light Walls in the UK and Ireland), implementation partners (POINT LED Korea, LED Dream, Lumalia, Holders Technology), and lighting-design studios (Antoni Arola, Ingo Maurer, Artec Studio). Customer segments span retail (Illa Diagonal, Diagonal Mar, Adidas, Nike, Amazon UK), hospitality (Nobu Barcelona, Akai Sora Brussels), corporate (SEAT/CASA SEAT, Factory Berlin, DEWA), stadiums and venues (Warrington Wolves, Mineirão, Primavera Sound, Sónar Festival), and cultural/healthcare installations.
Commercially, ProtoPixel is positioned as a design-led, integration-agnostic control layer competing with fragmented point solutions in the smart-lighting market. Its 135+ showcased projects across more than a dozen countries, channel partnerships on three continents, and a recurring cadence of product launches (most recently Gate Casambi and Gate SPI Wireless in 2025) suggest a scaling company operating with a small (11–50 estimated) Barcelona-based team, no disclosed institutional funding beyond the 2018 Techstars/METRO Xcel accelerator, and a quote-based enterprise pricing model.
ProtoPixel firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ProtoPixel
- Legal name
- Protopixel SL
- Website
- https://protopixel.io
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- ProtoPixel is a Barcelona-based lighting technology company that sells a multi-protocol hardware-and-software control platform—used by brands, venues, and architects in retail, hospitality, corporate, sports, and cultural installations worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ProtoPixel industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Lighting Control Systems
- NAICS
- Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512), Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (3351)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industry-Specific Low-Code Platforms (Vertical App Platforms) (HDAEAKAL)
Keywords
Where ProtoPixel is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Barcelona
- HQ country
- Spain
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
ProtoPixel business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: Sale of proprietary lighting control hardware including Brain Experience units, Gate SPI controllers, and related connectivity devices. Hardware forms the physical infrastructure for lighting control deployments.
- Software Subscriptions/Licensing: Software suite including Mapping Tool and Project Tool for lighting design and management. Likely subscription or perpetual licensing model.
- Professional Services: Implementation support, engineering consultancy, and custom development for large-scale projects. Company provides technical expertise for deployment and integration.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
ProtoPixel product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ProtoPixel is a multi-protocol lighting control platform that combines a Software Suite (Mapping Tool, Project Tool, Spaces app) with proprietary hardware controllers (Brain Experience, Gate SPI wired/wireless, Gate Casambi, Mini WiFi LED Controller) to design, deploy, and operate dynamic LED lighting installations. The platform unifies protocols such as DMX, NDI, Art-Net, SPI, and DALI, and is sold primarily to enterprises for retail, hospitality, corporate, and venue projects through direct and channel sales.
Product overview
ProtoPixel offers a modular lighting control platform consisting of software tools and hardware devices. The core offering includes the ProtoPixel Software Suite (Mapping Tool for lighting design and content creation, Spaces app for project control, and Project Tool for CAD-based project management) and hardware controllers (Brain Experience as the central orchestration unit, and various Gate devices for specific protocols including SPI wired/wireless and Casambi). The platform supports multi-protocol lighting control (DMX, DALI, Art-Net, SPI) for projects ranging from small retail spaces to large-scale architectural installations, and includes product digitalization solutions for lighting manufacturers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ProtoPixel Software Suite
- ProtoPixel Mapping Tool Visual design and mapping application used by lighting designers, studios, and system integrators to plan, preview, and program dynamic lighting scenes.
- ProtoPixel Project Tool CAD-based project management tool used to import floor plans, place fixtures, and configure installations in architectural environments.
- ProtoPixel Spaces Mobile and web application that allows venue staff and end-users to interact with lighting installations in real time.
- ProtoPixel Brain Experience Proprietary hardware controller that orchestrates multi-protocol lighting installations and integrates with the ProtoPixel Software Suite for centralized management.
- ProtoPixel Gate SPI (Wired Long-Range and Wireless) Hardware LED pixel controllers available in wired long-range and wireless variants for driving SPI-based LED fixtures.
- ProtoPixel Gate Casambi Plug-and-play hardware device integrating the ProtoPixel platform with Casambi-based lighting ecosystems.
- ProtoPixel Mini WiFi LED Controller Compact WiFi-enabled hardware controller for managing LED installations.
- ProtoPixel Enabler Hardware module that enables manufacturers to digitalize lighting-enabled products and connect them to the ProtoPixel ecosystem.
Quantifiable outcome
- 100,000+ light points managed through single platform
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use ProtoPixel
Customer profileNamed customers16 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
ProtoPixel technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration9 records
AI capability2 records
Feature5 records
ProtoPixel partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- LEDTUREcoreLighting manufacturer providing broadcast-grade stadium lighting for Warrington Wolves project. 48 Model A 2400W floodlights integrated with ProtoPixel control platform.
- Mucho (Design Studio)coreDesign directors Tilman and Joan from Mucho shaped ProtoPixel's new visual identity, translating company value into brand design.
- Artec StudioflagshipCreative studio (led by Maurici Ginés) collaborated on multiple projects including Aria Libera at Milan FuoriSalone, Espai Mataró Connecta facade, and Llum BCN festivals.
- iGuzziniflagshipItalian lighting manufacturer collaborated with ProtoPixel and Artec Studio for Aria Libera installation at Euroluce/Milan FuoriSalone 2023.
- LumaliacoreLighting studio and manufacturing partner for Espai Mataró Connecta digital facade project (311 bars, 36-meter display).
- LED DreamcoreEngineering, manufacturing, installation and execution partner for Espai Mataró Connecta multimedia facade.
- Apex Technologies (USA)coreUS distributor and support provider for high-end European lighting technology brands for domestic and commercial integrators. First project with ProtoPixel: home cinema installation with Cyber Group.
- Light Walls (UK & Ireland)corePartner and distributor for UK and Ireland market. Teamed with Apex Technologies and Cyber Group for home cinema installations.
- Elisava (Barcelona School of Design)coreOfficial lighting partner with educational institution. Includes student workshops, lighting control system updates for Public Protest Billboard, creative residencies, and internship program.
- Factory BerlincoreProtoPixel is official lighting partner since 2018 - strongest innovation ecosystem in Europe. Collaboration on Sónar+D workshops, Beats by Dre music studio, and creative events.
- POINT LEDcoreKorean lighting integration partner responsible for implementation of the I Park Godeok Biz Valley project. Handled setup of lighting systems across 9-floor mixed-use building, bringing concept to reality through precise implementation.
- Ingo MaurerflagshipCollaboration with legendary lighting designer Ingo Maurer's team to integrate ProtoPixel technology into MOODMOON luminaire. MOODMOON combines LED technology with Japanese paper and won NYCxDESIGN Award 2021.
- Simon (Electrical switches)flagshipTechnology partnership with Simon for 'La Casa de la Luz' experiential space. ProtoPixel designed and digitized all lighting for the 100,000+ point installation with Simon 100 switch integration.
- Holders TechnologycoreDelivery and integration partner for Warrington Wolves stadium lighting project.
- Estudi Antoni ArolaflagshipLong-term collaboration with renowned lighting designer Antoni Arola on numerous projects including Torre Glòries installations, Llum BCN festival works, ISE booth design, and residential installations.
- Estudi Jordi TamayocoreDesign studio collaborating on ISE booth design alongside Estudi Antoni Arola, creating demonstration space for ProtoPixel Platform.
- Acid House BarcelonacoreCreative studio partnership for multiple projects including Adidas Originals ZX installation, MONOLIGHT artist showcase initiative, and various brand activations.
- Folch StudiocoreDesign studio collaboration for MONOLIGHT initiative and Adidas ZX installation with lighting objects and experiential design.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
ProtoPixel competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Signify (Philips Lighting): Signify's Philips Dynalite, Interact and Color Kinetics platforms bundle controls with a global fixture portfolio — the broadest incumbent competitor that can offer integrated fixture-plus-controls procurement that ProtoPixel's partner-dependent model cannot match.
- Lutron Electronics: Lutron is the dominant lighting controls incumbent (HomeWorks, Quantum, myRoom) and competes across commercial and residential lighting control — overlapping with ProtoPixel in premium hospitality, corporate, and stadium deployments.
- Crestron Electronics: Crestron's broader smart-building platform includes lighting control alongside AV, shading, and BMS — competing for the same enterprise and high-end residential lighting control budgets as ProtoPixel, with far larger scale and dealer network.
- Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC): ETC provides entertainment and architectural lighting control (Eos, Paradigm, Mosaic) used in venues similar to those ProtoPixel serves (Warrington, Primavera Sound) — a deep incumbent in the entertainment/stadium lighting control niche.
Direct peers
- Helvar: Helvar manufactures DALI-based lighting control components and software (Helvar Insights, Designer) for commercial buildings — competing in the same multi-protocol lighting control category ProtoPixel serves, particularly in offices and hospitals.
- Traxon Technologies / e:cue: Traxon (an Osram/ams-OSRAM brand) ships dynamic architectural LED fixtures with the e:cue lighting control engine — a near-direct competitor pairing hardware fixtures with a control software platform for expressive architectural installations.
- eldoLED: eldoLED (acquired by Acuity Brands) produces LED drivers with built-in control intelligence (DMX, DALI, Casambi-like protocols) and accompanying configuration software — competing head-to-head with ProtoPixel's Gate controllers and Brain in the same lighting-fixture control stack.
- Pharos Architectural Controls: Pharos specializes in architectural and entertainment lighting control systems (controllers, Designer software, Designer Touch app) for permanent and temporary installations — directly overlapping ProtoPixel's lighting-control platform for stadiums, facades and venues.
- Madrix: Madrix provides pixel-mapping software and DMX/art-net control hardware for large-scale LED installations — addressing the same dynamic lighting, video-to-light, and architectural pixel-mapping use cases as ProtoPixel's Mapping Tool.
Emerging players
- Obsidian Control Systems: Obsidian (an ETC affiliate) builds Onyx lighting control platforms for entertainment venues and architectural installs, intersecting ProtoPixel's stadium and event-market focus with a more entertainment-centric product set.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ProtoPixel social profiles
Digital presenceProtoPixel financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ProtoPixel leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
ProtoPixel funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ProtoPixel 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 ProtoPixel
What does ProtoPixel do?
ProtoPixel is a multi-protocol lighting control platform that combines a Software Suite (Mapping Tool, Project Tool, Spaces app) with proprietary hardware controllers (Brain Experience, Gate SPI wired/wireless, Gate Casambi, Mini WiFi LED Controller) to design, deploy, and operate dynamic LED lighting installations. The platform unifies protocols such as DMX, NDI, Art-Net, SPI, and DALI, and is sold primarily to enterprises for retail, hospitality, corporate, and venue projects through direct and channel sales.
Is ProtoPixel a public or private company?
ProtoPixel is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was ProtoPixel founded?
ProtoPixel was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is ProtoPixel based?
ProtoPixel is headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, in the Europe region.
How does ProtoPixel make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are software Subscriptions/Licensing and professional Services.
Who are ProtoPixel's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Signify (Philips Lighting), Lutron Electronics, Crestron Electronics and Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC). Direct peers are Helvar, Traxon Technologies / e:cue, eldoLED, Pharos Architectural Controls and Madrix. Obsidian Control Systems is listed as an emerging player.
Does ProtoPixel have an API?
No public API is recorded for ProtoPixel.
What industry is ProtoPixel in?
ProtoPixel's product category is Lighting Control Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAEAKAL, Industry-Specific Low-Code Platforms (Vertical App Platforms). Its NAICS code is 334512 and its SIC code is 7373.