Tecla
Tecla (Komodo OpenLab Inc.) is a Toronto-based social enterprise that builds the tecla-e Bluetooth assistive device, enabling individuals with upper-body mobility impairments to control smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart home devices via adaptive switches or wheelchair controls.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersToronto, Canada
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Tecla does
Tecla, operated by Komodo OpenLab Inc., is a Toronto-based social enterprise that designs, assembles, and sells assistive technology for individuals with upper-body mobility impairments. The company's core product, the tecla-e, is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) hub that connects adaptive switches, head arrays, sip-and-puff devices, joysticks, or powered wheelchair driving controls (via D-Sub 9-pin ECU/IOM) to consumer electronics. A single tecla-e can control up to 8 paired devices — smartphones, tablets, computers, Apple TVs, and smart home platforms — and the companion iOS/Android Tecla App extends this with custom button configurations, Amazon Alexa, Logitech Harmony, and IFTTT integration, plus optional subscription-based location and environmental monitoring.
The product portfolio is anchored by the $499 USD tecla-e and packaged kits ranging from $624 to $689, supplemented by accessories (mounts, cables, Ablenet adaptive switches, joystick, multi-switch adapter) and two adjacent product lines: the Obi Robot for independent eating and the Pico8 accessible IR remote. The business model is hybrid: direct-to-consumer e-commerce via gettecla.com (Shopify) coexists with a channel program serving 150+ assessment centers, rehabilitation hospitals (including partnerships with Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab), and global resellers across Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, India, and six EU countries. Klarna-powered installment financing and a 28-day return policy reduce purchase friction. The company has accumulated 4,000+ users worldwide over 15 years and runs with a sub-10-person team, positioning it as a niche, mission-driven hardware business rather than a venture-scaled software platform.
Tecla firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Tecla
- Legal name
- Komodo OpenLab Inc.
- Website
- https://gettecla.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Tecla (Komodo OpenLab Inc.) is a Toronto-based social enterprise that builds the tecla-e Bluetooth assistive device, enabling individuals with upper-body mobility impairments to control smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart home devices via adaptive switches or wheelchair controls.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Tecla industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Assistive Technology Hardware
- NAICS
- Home Health Equipment Rental (532283)
- SIC
- Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Assistive Technology, Adaptive Equipment & Home Exercise Program Training In-Home (HSABADAN)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Mobility Device Sales, Rental & Service (Wheelchairs, Scooters, Walkers) (HSABAKAC), Consumer Health Wearables & Fitness Trackers (Wellness Monitoring) (HLAHACAJ)
Keywords
Where Tecla is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Toronto
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Tecla business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Hardware Device Sales: One-time purchase of assistive devices including tecla-e ($499), kit bundles ($624-$689), and accessories. Primary revenue stream from direct-to-consumer e-commerce and reseller channel.
- Subscription Monitoring Service: Optional subscription-based location monitoring service that tracks device location, temperature, and light levels for caregiver oversight
- Accessories and Add-ons: Sales of adaptive switches, mounts, cables, and other peripherals to complement core device
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | tecla-e Core Device |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | tecla-e Joystick Kit |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | tecla-e Pillow Switch Kit |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | tecla-e Switch Kit |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | tecla-e Wheelchair Kit |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | tecla-e Mount |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Ablenet Buddy Button |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Ablenet Pillow Switch |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 4-Way Joystick |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Wheelchair Cable |
| Other | Monthly | Klarna Payment Plan |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Tecla product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Tecla (Komodo OpenLab Inc.) designs and sells the tecla-e, an assistive hardware device that lets people with upper-body mobility impairments control iOS and Android smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart home devices using adaptive switches or their wheelchair's driving controls. The company also offers the Obi robotic eating device (Canada only), accessories and kits, a companion Tecla mobile app, and a subscription-based location monitoring service for caregivers.
Product overview
Tecla, designed and assembled by Komodo OpenLab in Toronto, Canada, offers an assistive technology ecosystem centered on the tecla-e device. The core tecla-e is an assistive hub that connects to external switches or powered wheelchair driving controls, enabling hands-free control of smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart home devices. This core product is complemented by multiple configuration kits (Joystick Kit, Pillow Switch Kit, Switch Kit, Wheelchair Kit) that bundle the tecla-e with appropriate switches and mounts for different user needs. Tecla also offers the Obi Robot as a separate product line for independent eating. The product portfolio includes dedicated accessories such as mounts, cables, and various Ablenet adaptive switches. The companion Tecla App (iOS/Android) extends functionality with smart home integration (Amazon Alexa, Logitech Harmony, IFTTT), remote control customization, location monitoring, and firmware management.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Obi: A revolutionary eating device for individuals with upper extremity strength and mobility limitations. Ships within Canada only.
- tecla-e
- Pico8
Products and services
- tecla-e
Quantifiable outcome
- 4000+ users worldwide
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Tecla
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Tecla technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
Feature5 records
Tecla partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Toronto Rehabilitation InstitutecorePartnered with Canada's largest rehabilitation hospital for product development and testing. Mauricio Meza previously worked as assistive tech leader at Toronto Rehab before founding Komodo OpenLab.
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation HospitalcoreStrategic partnership with major pediatric rehabilitation hospital for product development and clinical feedback.
- Bell MobilityminorMobility partner mentioned in reseller page for distribution of assistive technology products.
- InvacareminorWheelchair manufacturer partner for ECU integration compatibility with Invacare power wheelchairs (MK6i electronics).
- 150 Assessment Centers GloballycoreGlobal network of assistive technology assessment centers providing product demos, trials, and local sales support. Includes US state programs, Canada, UK, Australia, India, Ireland, Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands.
- KlarnaminorPayment solutions partnership offering customers buy-now-pay-later options including 4 interest-free installments and monthly financing at checkout.
- Amazon AlexacoreTecla app integration with Alexa enables voice command control through custom buttons or direct speech through the app for users who are nonverbal or prefer hands-free operation.
- Logitech Harmony HubcoreTecla app integrates with Logitech Harmony Hub for triggering activities and controlling IR devices (TV, Apple TV, entertainment systems) through the Tecla app remote.
- IFTTT (If This Then That)coreTecla app connects to IFTTT applets for automating actions like sending Facebook Messenger messages, controlling smart home devices, and creating custom automation workflows.
- AblenetcoreResells Ablenet adaptive switches including Buddy Button, Micro Light Switch, Pillow Switch, and Sip-and-Puff Switch as part of product ecosystem.
- Adaptive Switch Laboratories (ASL)coreWireless ATOM wheelchair driving controls from ASL integrate directly with tecla-e. Head Array products compatible for switch-based control.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Tecla competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Origin Instruments: Origin Instruments produces adaptive input hardware including sip-and-puff, head-tracking, and switch interfaces for people with severe physical disabilities. Their products target the same end-users as tecla-e and are often evaluated alongside it through assistive technology assessment centers.
- Ablenet: Ablenet is one of the largest US manufacturers of adaptive switches and assistive devices serving individuals with disabilities. Tecla actively resells Ablenet switches (Buddy Button, Pillow Switch, Micro Light Switch) as part of its accessibility ecosystem, making Ablenet both a supplier partner and a direct adjacent competitor in adaptive input hardware.
- Adaptive Switch Laboratories (ASL): ASL manufactures wireless ATOM wheelchair driving controls and head arrays that integrate directly with tecla-e. ASL serves the exact same population of powered wheelchair users with mobility impairments as Tecla, with overlapping clinical and assessment-center distribution.
Broad incumbents
- Apple (Accessibility): Apple's native Switch Control and Voice Control features are the underlying platform enabling tecla-e to control iOS devices. Apple is both an enabler and a potential competitive threat if they expand native accessibility hub functionality. Direct platform dependency makes Apple the most consequential industry incumbent for Tecla.
- Tobii Dynavox: Tobii Dynavox is the dominant incumbent in assistive communication and computer-access devices for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. They offer eye-tracking, speech-generating devices, and switch interfaces serving the same clinical and end-user population as Tecla, though with a much broader product portfolio and global reimbursement infrastructure.
- Google (Accessibility / Switch Access): Google provides Android Switch Access, the native accessibility feature that tecla-e uses to control Android phones and tablets. Google is a key platform enabler and a broad incumbent in accessibility technology that could choose to bundle similar functionality natively.
Regional players
- Inclusive Technology: Inclusive Technology is a UK-based supplier of assistive hardware and learning aids for students with disabilities. Their switch and access products share the same end-user population as Tecla, primarily serving UK schools and assessment services rather than the global DTC/reseller model Tecla employs.
- BJ Adaptaciones: BJ Adaptaciones is a Spanish-based assistive technology distributor offering switch interfaces, adapted mice, and environmental control units for people with disabilities. Their product and channel overlap mirrors Tecla's, but they primarily serve the Iberian and Latin American markets.
Emerging players
- QuadStick: QuadStick is a mouth-controlled joystick designed for quadriplegics to play video games and control computers. Shares Tecla's mission of enabling hands-free device control for people with upper-body impairments through accessible input hardware, though focusing on gaming and computer control rather than mobile/smart home.
- Control Bionics: Control Bionics develops assistive communication devices using EMG, eye-tracking, and switch-based control for individuals with severe mobility and speech limitations. Their technology overlap with Tecla's wheelchair/switch control mission, though focused more on AAC (augmentative and alternative communication).
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Tecla social profiles
Digital presenceTecla financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Tecla leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Tecla funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Tecla 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 Tecla
What does Tecla do?
Tecla (Komodo OpenLab Inc.) designs and sells the tecla-e, an assistive hardware device that lets people with upper-body mobility impairments control iOS and Android smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart home devices using adaptive switches or their wheelchair's driving controls. The company also offers the Obi robotic eating device (Canada only), accessories and kits, a companion Tecla mobile app, and a subscription-based location monitoring service for caregivers.
Is Tecla a public or private company?
Tecla is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Tecla founded?
Tecla was founded in 2010. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Tecla based?
Tecla is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Tecla make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Device Sales are the primary driver. The others are subscription Monitoring Service and accessories and Add-ons.
Who are Tecla's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Origin Instruments, Ablenet and Adaptive Switch Laboratories (ASL). Broad incumbents are Apple (Accessibility), Tobii Dynavox and Google (Accessibility / Switch Access). Regional players are Inclusive Technology and BJ Adaptaciones. Emerging players are QuadStick and Control Bionics.
Does Tecla have an API?
No public API is recorded for Tecla.
What industry is Tecla in?
Tecla's product category is Assistive Technology Hardware. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSABADAN, Assistive Technology, Adaptive Equipment & Home Exercise Program Training In-Home, with a secondary code of HSABAKAC, Mobility Device Sales, Rental & Service (Wheelchairs, Scooters, Walkers). Its NAICS code is 532283 and its SIC code is 3842.