Small Pixels
Small Pixels is an Italian AI company (University of Florence spin-off) that builds the proprietary SPAIQ framework for real-time AI video enhancement — reducing bandwidth, upscaling resolution, and restoring quality before encoding — sold via subscription licensing to broadcasters, telecom operators, and security providers through direct sales and a 12-country channel partner network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersFirenze, Italy
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Small Pixels does
Small Pixels S.r.l. is an Italian AI company founded in August 2020 as an academic spin-off of the University of Florence, headquartered in Florence with a corporate office in Milan. The company develops the proprietary SPAIQ (Small Pixels Artificial Intelligence) framework, a suite of lightweight neural network architectures that operate as a real-time pre-processing layer before video encoding. The product portfolio includes SPAIQ Stream (bandwidth reduction of up to 50% with preserved perceptual quality), SPAIQ ScaleUp (real-time AI upscaling to 4K), SPAIQ Sentinel (mission-critical video transmission for drones, bodycams, UGVs, and dashcams over low-bandwidth networks), SPAIQ FrameFlex (AI-powered frame rate conversion), SPAIQ Archive (restoration of legacy VHS, MPEG2, and analog content), and a joint SPAIQ Stream + Ultraziq solution developed with MulticoreWare.
The technology is encoder-agnostic, hardware-agnostic (supporting GPU, NPU, CPU, and ARM platforms), and deployable on-premises, in the cloud, or at the edge with power consumption below 20W and latency under 100ms. A proprietary library called the 'Pixel Zoo' provides content-specialized neural networks for sports, gaming, surveillance, nature, and movies/series.
Small Pixels sells through a custom-priced, multi-year subscription licensing model targeting broadcasters, media companies, telecom operators, and security providers. Distribution combines direct enterprise sales (book-a-demo funnel) with a 12-country global channel partner network and the strategic MulticoreWare joint solution. The company is venture-backed, having raised €1.67M in October 2025 and approximately $1.94M in January 2026, led by Vertis SGR with participation from Digital Magics, Frontech, CDP Venture Capital, Match Ventures, and others. As of the input data, only one production customer (Radio Deejay, a DVB-T broadcaster) is publicly disclosed with a case study.
Small Pixels firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Small Pixels
- Legal name
- Small Pixels S.r.l.
- Website
- https://smallpixels.ai
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Small Pixels is an Italian AI company (University of Florence spin-off) that builds the proprietary SPAIQ framework for real-time AI video enhancement — reducing bandwidth, upscaling resolution, and restoring quality before encoding — sold via subscription licensing to broadcasters, telecom operators, and security providers through direct sales and a 12-country channel partner network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Small Pixels industry classification
Industry- Product category
- AI Video Processing Software
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (513210), Postproduction Services and Other Motion Picture and Video Industries (51219)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Content-Aware/AI Media Processing (Per-Title Encode, Scene Detection) (MPAHAHAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- AI Application Enablement Platforms (Copilot/Agent Frameworks, SDKs) (HDAEANAJ), Real-Time Vision at the Edge (on-device CV/video) (HDAAAJAE), AI/Analytics Video Surveillance (Detection, LPR, People Counting) (HSAHACAF)
Keywords
Where Small Pixels is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Firenze
- HQ country
- Italy
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Small Pixels business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- AI Video Enhancement Software Licensing: Small Pixels licenses its SPAIQ AI technology as software for integration into professional video workflows. Pricing depends on deployment type (cloud/on-prem/edge), processing volume, and required optimizations. Custom plans are available. The company offers pilot integrations to evaluate performance on real production workflows before full deployment. The technology is positioned as a 'set-and-forget' appliance with no workflow disruption required.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Custom pricing based on deployment and volume requirements |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Small Pixels product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Small Pixels develops the SPAIQ AI framework, a proprietary real-time pre-processing layer that enhances video signals before encoding. The technology delivers up to 50% bandwidth reduction, real-time upscaling to 4K, frame rate conversion, mission-critical surveillance optimization, and legacy archive restoration for broadcasters, media companies, telecom operators, and security providers. The software is encoder-agnostic, hardware-agnostic, and deployable on-prem, cloud, or edge.
Product overview
Small Pixels offers SPAIQ, a unified AI video enhancement framework comprising six modular products. SPAIQ Stream serves as the core pre-processing engine for bitrate reduction; SPAIQ ScaleUp handles real-time upscaling; SPAIQ Sentinel addresses mission-critical surveillance; SPAIQ FrameFlex provides AI-powered frame rate conversion; SPAIQ Archive enables legacy content restoration; and SPAIQ Stream + Ultraziq delivers a joint end-to-end optimization solution with MulticoreWare. All products are built on proprietary lightweight neural architectures, operate in real-time (<100ms latency), and integrate as encoder-agnostic pre-processing layers without requiring infrastructure changes.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SPAIQ: Small Pixels Artificial Intelligence Quality enhancement framework - AI video optimization framework spanning Stream, ScaleUp, Sentinel, FrameFlex, Archive, and joint solution with Ultraziq
- SPAIQ Stream
- SPAIQ ScaleUp
- SPAIQ Sentinel
- SPAIQ FrameFlex
- SPAIQ Archive
- SPAIQ Stream + Ultraziq
- Pixel Zoo
Products and services
- SPAIQ Stream Real-time AI pre-processing layer that cleans and reinforces video signals before encoding, reducing bitrate requirements by up to 50% while maintaining or improving perceptual quality (VMAF gains up to +15 points). Encoder-agnostic, supporting AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265, and AV1 codecs with SDI, 2110, NDI, RTSP, RTMP, SRT protocols. Available as cloud or on-premise deployment for broadcasters, media companies, telecom operators, and streaming platforms.
- SPAIQ ScaleUp AI-powered real-time video upscaling engine that increases resolution up to 3x (e.g., 360p to 1080p, 1080p to 4K) using neural networks that reconstruct missing pixel information. Operates with less than 100ms latency and runs under 20W, suitable for mobile, surveillance, and embedded systems. Available as server-side or client-side solution.
- SPAIQ Sentinel Specialized AI engine for mission-critical video transmission in mobility scenarios (drones, bodycams, UGVs, dashcams). Delivers Full HD video quality at bitrates below 1Mbps over 4G/5G or RF networks with ultra-low latency. Codec-agnostic (H.264, H.265, AV1). Boosts mAP scores for computer vision object detection.
- SPAIQ FrameFlex Real-time AI frame rate conversion engine using neural motion synthesis to generate intermediate frames for smoother playback. Converts frame rates (e.g., 25fps to 50fps, 30fps to 60fps, 24.97 to 30/50/60fps) with physically consistent motion, avoiding artifacts like warping or soap opera effect. Includes slow-motion generation from standard footage with broadcast-grade smoothness.
- SPAIQ Archive AI-powered video restoration engine for legacy content (VHS, MPEG2, analog digitized files). Removes compression artifacts, VHS damage, analog noise, dust, and stains while preserving original creative intent. Supports SD to HD/4K upscaling with automatic aspect ratio adjustment and high-volume automation for batch processing of entire libraries. Available as cloud or on-premise service.
- SPAIQ Stream + Ultraziq End-to-end video optimization solution combining Small Pixels' SPAIQ Stream AI pre-processing with MulticoreWare's Ultraziq high-performance encoding framework. Delivers up to 40% bandwidth reduction and up to 20% faster encoding throughput with up to 50% reduction in cloud instance and storage costs. Supports x264, x265, x266, SVT-AV1 codecs.
Quantifiable outcome
- Up to 50% bandwidth reduction at equal perceptual quality
- +13 more outcomes
Companies that use Small Pixels
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Small Pixels technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability8 records
Feature8 records
Small Pixels partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- MulticoreWarecoreStrategic technology partnership combining Small Pixels' SPAIQ Stream (AI-based pre-processing) with MulticoreWare's Ultraziq (high-performance encoding framework) to create a unified optimization stack. The joint solution delivers up to 40% bandwidth reduction, up to 20% faster encoding throughput, and up to 50% reduction in cloud instance and storage costs. Targets OTT streaming, live sports, cloud gaming, surveillance, and XR/immersive streaming. The collaboration positions the partnership as delivering measurable ROI through faster processing, lower compute usage, and reduced bandwidth across cloud and infrastructure layers.
- Aicox SolucionesminorSpanish channel partner providing turnkey solutions for broadcast and telecommunications markets in the Iberian Peninsula. Integrates Small Pixels' AI technology within professional video workflows.
- Smart Video GroupminorAustrian broadcast equipment distributor with over 10 years of experience in the broadcast and multimedia market across the DACH region. Integrates and distributes Small Pixels' technology.
- Arce TechnologyminorBrazilian technology leaders specializing in advanced media workflows and broadcast infrastructure. Integrates Small Pixels' AI technology within professional video workflows in Brazil.
- OnStreamminorFrench experts in digital video distribution and streaming workflows focused on high-performance delivery. Integrates Small Pixels' AI technology within professional video workflows in France.
- Communication Video Engineering S.r.l. (CVE)minorItalian company specialized in high-end broadcast workflows and system integration for over 40 years. Integrates Small Pixels' AI technology within professional video workflows in Italy.
- Village IslandminorJapanese premier systems integrator in the APAC region, delivering high-end broadcast and professional video solutions. Integrates Small Pixels' AI technology within professional video workflows in Japan and APAC.
- Svc ArgentinaminorKey technology provider for the professional video and audio industry across Latin America. Integrates Small Pixels' AI technology within professional video workflows in Argentina and Latin America.
- Concilium TechnologiesminorSouth African strategic leader in broadcast and communication solutions, setting new standards for the Southern African landscape. Integrates Small Pixels' AI technology within professional video workflows in Southern Africa.
- Cybertec OEminorGreek specialist in communication technologies providing advanced video processing systems for the Greek market. Integrates Small Pixels' AI technology within professional video workflows in Greece.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Small Pixels competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Beamr Imaging: Israeli company that develops AI-based video optimization and per-title encoding technology, directly competing with SPAIQ Stream's pre-encoding bandwidth reduction for OTT and broadcast workflows.
- V-Nova: London-based compression and AI video enhancement company (LCEVC, PERSEUS) targeting OTT, broadcast, and surveillance with bitrate-reduction and quality-enhancement capabilities overlapping with SPAIQ Stream and ScaleUp.
- Bitmovin: Austria-based video encoding and streaming infrastructure vendor offering AI-driven per-title encoding and analytics; comparable to Small Pixels on the OTT/streaming workflow integration and SaaS licensing model.
- MainConcept: German codec and video processing SDK provider supplying AI-enhanced encoding tools to broadcasters and OTT platforms, competing in the same pre-encode/encoding pipeline that Small Pixels targets.
Broad incumbents
- Harmonic: US-listed vendor of video compression and broadcast infrastructure with AI-assisted encoding features, serving the same broadcasters and operators Small Pixels targets but at much larger scale with broader portfolios.
- Ateme: French broadcast and OTT compression vendor offering AI-enhanced encoding and statistical multiplexing, directly overlapping SPAIQ Stream's bandwidth-reduction value proposition for tier-1 operators.
- NVIDIA: Provides GPU-accelerated video AI SDKs (e.g., Maxine, Broadcast Engine) and edge AI platforms; an incumbent that could bundle AI video enhancement features that compete with SPAIQ Stream and Sentinel.
- InterDigital: US research and licensing company with AI-based video compression and perceptual quality research, addressing the same broadcast and streaming efficiency problems as Small Pixels.
Emerging players
- Mux: Developer-focused video API and analytics platform with per-title encoding and quality-optimization features, partially overlapping Small Pixels' OTT and streaming-enhancement positioning.
Regional players
- Net Insight: Swedish media transport and contribution specialist serving European broadcasters and live-event producers; comparable customer base and live-video focus even if product overlap is limited.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Small Pixels financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Small Pixels leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles17 records
Small Pixels funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors4 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Small Pixels 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 Small Pixels
What does Small Pixels do?
Small Pixels develops the SPAIQ AI framework, a proprietary real-time pre-processing layer that enhances video signals before encoding. The technology delivers up to 50% bandwidth reduction, real-time upscaling to 4K, frame rate conversion, mission-critical surveillance optimization, and legacy archive restoration for broadcasters, media companies, telecom operators, and security providers. The software is encoder-agnostic, hardware-agnostic, and deployable on-prem, cloud, or edge.
Is Small Pixels a public or private company?
Small Pixels is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Small Pixels founded?
Small Pixels was founded in 2020. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Small Pixels based?
Small Pixels is headquartered in Firenze, Italy, in the Europe region.
How does Small Pixels make money?
One revenue line is on record: AI Video Enhancement Software Licensing.
Who are Small Pixels's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Beamr Imaging, V-Nova, Bitmovin and MainConcept. Broad incumbents are Harmonic, Ateme, NVIDIA and InterDigital. Mux is listed as an emerging player. Net Insight is listed as a regional player.
Does Small Pixels have an API?
No public API is recorded for Small Pixels.
What industry is Small Pixels in?
Small Pixels's product category is AI Video Processing Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAHAHAH, Content-Aware/AI Media Processing (Per-Title Encode, Scene Detection), with a secondary code of HDAEANAJ, AI Application Enablement Platforms (Copilot/Agent Frameworks, SDKs). Its NAICS code is 513210 and its SIC code is 7370.