Saco

What Saco does

SACO Technologies Inc. is a privately held Montreal-based designer, manufacturer, and integrator of bespoke solid-state LED video lighting fixtures and modular LED media systems. Founded in 1987 as SACO Controls by brothers Fred and Bassam Jalbout, the company began in industrial control panels before pivoting into LED video technology in the mid-1990s with the SMARTVISION and SHOCKWAVE product lines, and rebranding to SACO Technologies Inc. in 2015. It is currently led by co-founders-turned-executives Fred Jalbout (Executive Chairman and CEO), Bassam Jalbout (Co-Founder and technical lead), and Jonathan Labbee (Co-CEO and CMO), operating with approximately 60 core full-time staff supplemented by project-based contractors, and maintaining offices in Montreal (HQ), Toronto, Portland (US), Orlando, Zaragoza (Spain), and Monaco.

The company's core technology is built on the proprietary V-Stream communication protocol, which provides 16-bit data sampling for 65,536 shades per color across a tightly integrated stack of LED video screens (SMARTVISION, S-Line, C-Thru, M-Series), architectural lighting fixtures (V-Stick, V-Line, V-Pix, DELTA RGBW, ALFA RGBW), and control/processing hardware (NANO 4K, V-Brain 200/600/1600/X, PICO Processor, FRX fiber receivers). A flagship custom innovation is the S-POK LED 'puck,' a self-contained, replaceable unit with 48 LED diodes developed for Sphere Las Vegas. The product surface is complemented by two service arms: SACO Design Lab (3D visualization, conceptual design, prototyping, manufacturing, and certification bridging architects, lighting designers and SACO R&D) and SACO Media Collective (bespoke digital content creation for installations).

SACO sells exclusively through project-based, custom-quote enterprise engagements with no public pricing or e-commerce; multi-year contracts are the norm. The go-to-market is enterprise field sales led by Fred Jalbout, supported by a worldwide partner network of touring channel partners (Solotech, Nighthawk Video) and regional lighting agents (3S Lighting, Reflex Lighting, SDA, Lightspec). Customers are marquee enterprise accounts across Sports & Entertainment Venues (SoFi Stadium, Gillette Stadium, Roig Arena, U2 PopMart, Taylor Swift Reputation Tour, Elton John Farewell Tour, Céline Dion Courage Tour, Michael Bublé, Jonas Brothers, Pink, Cher, Bruno Mars), Architectural & Landmark Projects (Burj Khalifa with Emaar, Bee'ah HQ with Zaha Hadid Architects, Cadillac Fairview towers, AT&T The Globe with Gensler, Expo 2020 Dubai Al Wasl Dome), Transportation Hubs (Delta LaGuardia Terminal C, Orlando International Airport), Healthcare (WVU Medicine Children's Hospital), and Artists & Creative Collaborations (Brendan Murphy). The Sphere Las Vegas contract, which delivered both the world's largest exterior LED screen (580,000 sq ft, 1.2M S-POK pucks) and the world's highest-resolution interior LED screen (160,000 sq ft at 120x HD resolution), functions as the company's flagship commercial reference and brand anchor.

Name

Saco

Legal name

SACO Technologies Inc.

Website

https://saco.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

SACO Technologies Inc. is a Montreal-based designer and manufacturer of bespoke solid-state LED video lighting fixtures and modular LED media systems, serving architectural, sports, aviation, healthcare, and live touring entertainment clients worldwide through project-based enterprise sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

LED Video Lighting Systems

NAICS

Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Electric Lighting Fixture Manufacturing (335132), Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (334310)

SIC

Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640)

akta.pro primary industry

Digital Signage & Commercial Displays (HDACADAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Video/IMAG & LED Wall Production (MPAGAKAD)

Keywords

• LED video screens
• Architectural video lighting
• Media facades
• Touring LED displays
• Video processing systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Montreal

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom LED Video Systems & Fixtures: Sale of bespoke, project-specific LED video screen systems and architectural lighting fixtures for permanent installations (stadiums, arenas, airports, architectural facades) and touring applications. Revenue is generated on a project-by-project basis with custom engineering and manufacturing.
2. Professional Services & Design: Design consultancy, 3D modeling, conceptual design, prototyping, manufacturing, testing, certification, and installation support services through SACO Design Lab and Media Collective.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

SACO Technologies Inc. designs, engineers, and manufactures custom LED video screen systems (SMARTVISION family) and solid-state architectural video lighting fixtures (SHOCKWAVE family) for permanent installations such as stadiums, arenas, airports, and building facades, as well as modular touring screens for concert tours. The company also provides end-to-end project services including 3D visualization, conceptual design, prototyping, manufacturing, installation, and content management through SACO Design Lab and SACO Media Collective.

Product overview

SACO Technologies Inc. is a pioneer company dedicated to advancing solid-state LED technology since 1987, combining integrated technology, design, and manufacturing to supply high-quality video lighting fixtures and media elements for commercial, retail, and specialty niche market applications. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio organized around three core product lines: SMARTVISION (LED video screen systems including M-SERIES, S-LINE, and C-THRU sub-brands), SHOCKWAVE (architectural lighting including V-Stick, V-Line, V-PIX, ALFA, and DELTA RGBW fixtures), and system controls (NANO 4K Video Processor, V-Brain series controllers, and fiber receivers). The proprietary V-Stream communication protocol underpins all products, enabling high-speed, high-resolution video pixel control with 16-bit data sampling. The portfolio is complemented by two service offerings: SACO Design Lab (design consultancy, R&D, and manufacturing services) and SACO Media Collective (digital content creation and multimedia production). The company operates on a project-to-project basis with global operations across North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SMARTVISION: Innovative LED video screen system using state-of-the-art electronics in an easy to deploy, modular design for various applications including touring, advertising, and entertainment.
• SHOCKWAVE
• SACO Media Collective
• SACO Design Lab

Products and services

• S-Line LED Video Screen System Modular LED video screen system with varying pixel pitches (S6, S9, S12, S18) for concert touring applications, fully compatible with C-THRU media touring solutions and SACO's video processors.
• C-THRU LED Video Screen System Lightweight, open-frame, see-through LED video screen system designed to be used in front of performers or staging elements, allowing up to 70% transparency for live media layering techniques in touring and live event applications.
• M-Series LED Video Screen System Sturdy, durable tileable LED video screen system for both temporary and permanent installations, based on proprietary V-STREAM communication protocol.
• V-Stick G6 LED Video Lighting Fixture Compact, easily dissimulated LED video fixture using highest-performing Video LEDs to deliver uninterrupted lines of light, available in 300mm and 500mm sizes with 12.5mm and 25mm pixel pitches and IP67 rating for outdoor endurance.
• V-Stick S LED Video Lighting Fixture Direct-view linear LED video light tool with clean architectural integration for facade and media architecture applications; award-winning specialty solid-state lighting design (Sapphire Award, Architectural SSL PIA).
• V-Line LED Fixture Highly adaptable direct or indirect view LED fixture with high lumen packages, High CRI (RGBW version), pixel cluster control and Micro-mapping as standard, controllable exclusively via SACO V-Stream proprietary protocol.
• V-PIX S LED Video Lighting Fixture LED video lighting fixture for architectural applications, integrated into stadium and arena installations such as the SoFi Stadium ETFE roof canopy (26,995 fixtures) and Al Wasl Dome (2,664 fixtures).
• V-PIX Pro LED Video Lighting Fixture Professional-grade LED video lighting fixture for architectural applications.
• DELTA RGBW LED Fixture High output, high performance linear washer LED fixture with RGBW capability, cluster control down to 75mm, 16-bit processing, customizable LED color or white color temperatures, available in 300mm and 600mm sizes with narrow, medium, wide, and oval optic options.
• ALFA RGBW LED Fixture RGBW LED fixture for architectural video lighting applications.
• NANO 4K Video Processor Video processing powerhouse with 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), 10-bit at 60Hz, 16-bit data sampling per channel for 65,536 shades per color, 48x V-Stream Fiber Optic Outputs, based on proprietary V-Stream protocol.
• V-Brain 200 Control and Power System Control and power system for LED video lighting fixtures within the V-Brain series.
• V-Brain 600 Control and Power System Higher capacity control and power system for LED video lighting fixtures within the V-Brain series.
• V-Brain 1600 Control and Power System High capacity control and power system for LED video lighting fixtures in large-scale installations.
• V-Brain X Control and Power System Advanced control and power system for LED video lighting fixtures.
• PICO Processor Compact video processor for LED video screen systems.
• FRX4 Fiber Receiver Fiber optic receiver for V-Stream communication protocol integration.
• FRX32 Fiber Receiver Fiber optic receiver for V-Stream communication protocol integration.
• SACO Design Lab Design consultancy service that bridges lighting designers, architects and SACO's R&D group, offering project planning, 3D visualizations, conceptual design, prototyping, manufacturing, and testing/certification services.
• SACO Media Collective Digital content creation service bringing together media creators and producers in collaboration with SACO's creative management team to deliver multimedia experiences, specializing in concept development, programming, and integration of content for projects and installations.

Quantifiable outcome

• World's largest LED screen on Earth (Sphere Las Vegas exterior: 580,000 sq ft)
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers25 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature11 records

Partnerships

38 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Brendan MurphyflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 June 2025Creative partnership between SACO and world-renowned contemporary artist Brendan Murphy (known for BOONJI Spaceman and monumental sculptural works). The collaboration merges SACO's LED video lighting technology with Murphy's artistic vision to explore new forms of physical-digital storytelling. Murphy's iconic BOONJI Spaceman sculpture is temporarily on display at SACO's Montreal headquarters as a symbol of the partnership.
• SolotechcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSolotech is a major touring partner for SACO, serving as the primary video and lighting solutions provider for numerous major concert tours including Taylor Swift (Reputation Stadium Tour), Elton John (Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour), Celine Dion (Courage World Tour), Michael Buble, Cher, Pink, Paul McCartney, and others. Solotech provides all video and lighting solutions as the tour's designated video vendor.
• Nighthawk VideocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNighthawk Video is listed as a touring partner for SACO, providing LED video solutions for touring applications.
• Poet Creator SoftwarecoreTechnology or IntegrationContent powering partner for the Roig Arena project in Valencia, Spain. Poet Creator Software provides the content management system that enables real-time content changes during gameplay for the arena's media facade.
• HOKminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitect for the Roig Arena project, collaborating with SACO on the integration of video lighting solutions within the arena's architectural design.
• ERREminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitectural firm collaborating on the Roig Arena project in Valencia, Spain.
• Domingo Gonzales AssociatesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLighting designer for Delta Terminal C at LaGuardia Airport project.
• SDAminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLighting agent representing SACO for the Delta Terminal C project at LaGuardia Airport.
• CorganminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitect for Delta Terminal C at LaGuardia Airport project.
• Lam PartnersminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLighting designer for Gillette Stadium Lighthouse project.
• Reflex LightingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLighting agent for Gillette Stadium Lighthouse project.
• PopulousminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitectural firm for Gillette Stadium project.
• Emaar Properties DubaiflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier real estate developer in the UAE and owner/operator of Burj Khalifa. Emaar tasked SACO to design and create the LED media facade system for the world's tallest building, resulting in multiple Guinness World Records.
• 3S Lighting SolutionscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal partner and on-site logistics provider for Burj Khalifa project, and supply/integration partner for Al Wasl Dome at Expo 2020 Dubai and Bee'ah Headquarters. 3S provides local support, installation, and integration services for SACO projects in the UAE region.
• ARUPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerOwner's testing consultant for the Burj Khalifa LED media facade project.
• CD+M Lighting Design GroupminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerOwner's system consultant for Burj Khalifa LED media facade project.
• Zaha Hadid ArchitectsflagshipImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWorld-renowned architectural firm that designed Bee'ah's headquarters in Sharjah, UAE. SACO's V-Stick S was integrated into the roof structure of this iconic Zaha Hadid-designed building.
• Buro HappoldminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMEP consultant for the Bee'ah Headquarters project.
• Sardi DesigncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExecutive creative director for Orlando International Airport Terminal C project. SACO has collaborated with Sardi Design on multiple successful LED screen installations.
• MRA International GroupminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExecutive producer for Orlando International Airport Terminal C project.
• GentilhommeminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEME content production studio for Orlando International Airport Terminal C project, providing multimedia content for the LED installations.
• Electrosonic Systems IncminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSystems integrator for Orlando International Airport Terminal C project.
• AT&TflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAT&T Discovery District in Dallas, TX features The Globe sculpture illuminated by SACO V-Stick S2 technology. SACO collaborated with AT&T and multiple creative/technology partners to deliver the immersive audio-visual experience.
• GenslerflagshipImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitectural firm for AT&T The Globe sculpture in Dallas, TX.
• TAITcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering, build, and automation partner for major touring productions including Taylor Swift Reputation Stadium Tour and Paul McCartney Freshen Up Tour. TAIT provides robotic video wall systems and automation that integrates with SACO LED screens.
• Stufish Entertainment ArchitectscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerStage architect and designer for U2 PopMart Tour and Innocence + Experience Tour, as well as Elton John Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, Michael Buble tour, and Mumford & Sons Delta Tour. Stufish is a key creative partner for SACO's touring LED screen solutions.
• Silent House Productions (Baz Halpin)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerShow designer/director for Taylor Swift Reputation Stadium Tour and Pink Beautiful Trauma World Tour, both of which used SACO LED video screens. Silent House creates the ambitious stage designs that incorporate SACO technology.
• Cherokee NationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOwner of Hard Rock Hotel Tulsa, for which SACO provided V-Stick S products and custom extrusions for the facade renovation.
• ME EngineeringminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLighting designer for Hard Rock Hotel Tulsa project.
• Lightspec LLCminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLighting agent for Hard Rock Hotel Tulsa project.
• Expo 2020 DubaiflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpo 2020 Dubai was the client for Al Wasl Dome, featuring 2,664 SACO V-Pix S fixtures integrated into the 130-meter-wide domed steel trellis, creating the largest 360-degree projection surface in the world.
• Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill ArchitectureflagshipImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitectural firm for Al Wasl Dome at Expo 2020 Dubai.
• Sphere Entertainment Co.flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSphere Entertainment partnered with SACO to design and manufacture the LED technology for Sphere's exterior and interior media display planes - the largest LED screen on Earth (exterior: 580,000 sq ft) and the world's highest resolution LED screen (interior: 160,000 sq ft).
• Cadillac FairviewcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading North American real estate developer that commissioned SACO for LED video lighting systems at 160 Front Street West (Toronto) and Calgary City Centre. Cadillac Fairview is a repeat client for SACO's architectural media facade solutions.
• Focus LightingminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLighting designer for Calgary City Centre media facade project, collaborated with SACO Media Collective to provide digital video content.
• AS + GG ArchitectureminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitectural firm (Smith Gill) for 160 Front Street West in Toronto, a 46-storey commercial tower.
• LDCminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCollaborated with SACO and Poet Creator Software team on the Roig Arena project in Valencia, Spain.
• MSG Ventures / MSG EntertainmentflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMSG Ventures (division of Sphere Entertainment Group LLP) focused on developing advanced technologies for live entertainment. David Dibble, CEO of MSG Ventures, noted SACO's innovative and entrepreneurial spirit in delivering the Sphere project.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Megapixel (Megapixel VR): Premium LED display provider for high-end broadcast studios, virtual production and architectural installations. Comparable to SACO in serving demanding, image-quality-critical customers with bespoke LED walls and processing.
• Daktronics: Largest North American manufacturer of LED video displays and scoring systems for sports venues, stadiums and live events. Directly comparable to SACO's SMARTVISION, S-Line and M-Series LED video screens serving stadiums, arenas and touring productions.
• Barco: Global technology company with a major LED display division serving events, venues and corporate installations. Comparable to SACO's high-end LED screens and video processing for fixed installations and live-event applications.
• ROE Visual: Specialist in high-end LED video panels for concert touring, broadcast and live events, with strong presence on major music tours. Closely comparable to SACO's S-Line and C-Thru touring LED walls and similar end customers (touring video vendors, production companies).
• Christie Digital: Provider of high-brightness projection and LED video wall solutions for entertainment venues, theme parks and immersive attractions. Comparable to SACO in supplying large-format visual display technology to marquee venues such as Sphere-like immersive spaces.
• Brompton Technology: Specialist in LED video processing (Tessera) for high-end touring, broadcast and architectural LED installations. Comparable to SACO's V-Brain and NANO 4K video processors as a control backbone for premium LED systems.

Broad incumbents

• LG Electronics (Business Solutions / LED Signage): Diversified electronics conglomerate with a growing commercial LED signage and DVLED (direct-view LED) business serving airports, retail, stadiums and corporate installations. Comparable to SACO as a large incumbent expanding into the architectural/venue LED market.
• Leyard (Planar): Global LED display and video wall provider with broad product lines for control rooms, retail, broadcast and large venues. Comparable as a larger incumbent in the LED display industry competing for the same venue/architectural accounts.
• Absen: One of the world's largest LED display manufacturers, serving rental, fixed installation, retail and stadium markets globally. Comparable as a broader incumbent in the same LED display category where SACO competes for premium architectural and venue projects.
• Unilumin: Large Chinese LED display manufacturer with broad product lines spanning rental, commercial and stadium installations. Comparable as a mass-market incumbent competing against SACO for stadium and architectural LED projects.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/officialsaco
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/SACOofficial
• Facebookfacebook.com/officialsaco
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/officialsaco
• Instagraminstagram.com/officialsaco

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

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 Saco