What CatEye does

CATEYE CO., LTD. is a privately held Japanese manufacturer of bicycle safety equipment, founded in 1954 and headquartered in Osaka. The company produces a portfolio spanning five product categories: rechargeable headlights (AMPP and VOLT series, ranging from 800 to 2,200 lumens), safety lights (ViZ, NANO, SYNC, and WEARABLE families), cycle computers (entry-level wired models through GPS-enabled wireless units such as the Padrone Digital and AirGPS II), accessories (brackets, mounts, sensors), and reflectors (front, rear, wheel, pedal). Core technologies include the proprietary OptiCube lens system for wide and even beam distribution, the CatEyeSYNC wireless synchronization protocol enabling coordinated operation across multiple CatEye lighting devices, the FlexTight tool-free mounting bracket, the ClickTec in-ride button interface, and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity supporting Bluetooth 4.0 CSCP/HRP-compliant third-party sensors.\n\nCatEye serves four primary use-case segments: urban and commuter cyclists needing basic visibility and tracking, trail and off-road riders requiring high-lumen illumination, fitness and training cyclists who track detailed performance metrics (speed, cadence, heart rate), and safety-focused recreational riders using daytime running lights. Ride data captured by CatEye devices and the CatEye Cycling smartphone app can be exported to Strava and TrainingPeaks, and the firm's RR-2 reflector holds six regional certifications (CPSC, BS, JIS, AS, GB, TPP), supporting cross-border regulatory access.\n\nThe company's go-to-market is overwhelmingly channel-partner-driven: regional distributors serve most international markets while dedicated direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefronts operate in the USA (cateyeamerica.com) and UK (cateyecycling.co.uk); the German market is served via the Paul-Lange distributor. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and there is no public revenue, funding round, ownership disclosure, or management-team information; the company operates as an independent privately held corporation with 11–50 employees.

Name

CatEye

Legal name

CATEYE CO., LTD.

Website

https://cateye.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1954

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CatEye is a Japanese manufacturer founded in 1954 that produces bicycle headlights, safety lights, cycle computers, and reflectors. Headquartered in Osaka, the company distributes globally through regional partners and direct e-commerce storefronts serving commuter, fitness, and off-road cyclists.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cycling Electronics

NAICS

Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing (336991)

SIC

Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751), Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640)

akta.pro primary industry

Safety, Lighting & Security Hardware Manufacturing (Helmets/Lights/Locks) (IMACAOAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Bike Accessories Retail (Lights, Locks, Racks, Bags) (CRAMAHAD), Bike Parts & Components Retail (CRAMAHAB)

Keywords

• Bicycle safety lights
• Cycling headlights
• Cycle computers
• Bicycle reflectors
• Cycling accessories

Headquarters

HQ city

Osaka

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Bicycle Safety Equipment Sales: Sale of physical cycling products including headlights, safety lights, cycle computers, accessories, and reflectors through distribution partners and direct sales.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CatEye manufactures and sells bicycle safety and performance electronics, including rechargeable LED headlights (AMPP and VOLT series), safety lights (ViZ, NANO, SYNC KINETIC, WEARABLE), wired and wireless cycle computers (Padrone, AirGPS II), reflectors, and cycling accessories. Products are sold globally through regional distributors and dedicated country e-commerce sites in the USA, UK, and Germany, with integrations such as CatEyeSYNC wireless synchronization and connectivity to Strava and TrainingPeaks via the Cateye Cycling app.

Product overview

CatEye is a Japanese manufacturer of bicycle safety and navigation equipment offering a comprehensive product portfolio across five main categories: headlights (AMPP and VOLT series rechargeable lights ranging from 800-2200 lumens with OptiCube lens technology), safety lights (ViZ, Nano, SYNC, and WEARABLE series with rechargeable and battery options including kinetic/movement-sensitive features), cycle computers (from entry-level wired models to advanced GPS and Bluetooth-enabled wireless computers like Padrone Digital and AirGPS II), cycling accessories (brackets, mounts, sensors), and reflectors (front/rear, wheel, and pedal models). The ecosystem includes CatEyeSYNC wireless connectivity for synchronized lighting and integration with fitness platforms like Strava and TrainingPeaks via the Cateye Cycling app.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AMPP2200 Headlight Ultra-bright rechargeable bicycle headlight with 2200 lumens and Ultra-boost mode designed for maximum visibility during trail riding or high-speed cycling.
• AMPP1700 Headlight Rechargeable bicycle headlight with 1700 lumens, Ultra-boost mode, OptiCube lens technology for excellent side visibility, and durable aluminum body.
• AMPP1300 Headlight Rechargeable bicycle headlight with 1300 lumens, OptiCube lens technology, extended runtime up to 2 hours on High mode, and lock mode safeguard.
• AMPP1100 Headlight Rechargeable bicycle headlight with 1100 lumens, twin-LED design with OptiCube lens technology for wide, even beam coverage, and multiple light modes.
• VOLT Series Headlights Rechargeable bicycle headlights with varying lumen outputs for different riding conditions, from urban commuting to trail riding.
• ViZ300 Safety Light Rechargeable rear safety light with 300 lumens, providing reliable, high-performing visibility for commuters.
• ViZ150 Safety Light Compact rechargeable rear safety light with 150 lumens, designed for power and runtime in a lightweight body.
• NANO60 Safety Light Brilliant and compact rechargeable safety light designed for everyday cycling visibility.
• SYNC KINETIC Safety Light CatEyeSYNC-enabled rear safety light that increases visibility as the rider slows down, featuring movement-sensitive braking indication technology.
• SYNC WEARABLE Light Wearable safety light with CatEyeSYNC technology providing enhanced visibility in a wearable form factor.
• RAPID X2 KINETIC Safety Light Movement-sensitive rear safety light for day and nighttime use with kinetic functionality that activates when braking.
• WEARABLE X Safety Light Versatile wearable safety light for day or nighttime use, attachable to various locations on bike or body.
• WEARABLE mini Safety Light Ultra-compact and stylish wearable safety light weighing just 12g with up to 550 hours runtime, featuring a clip-on bracket for multiple mounting options.
• Padrone Digital Cycle Computer (CC-PA400B) Wireless cycle computer with large 3-row screen displaying cadence and ride stats, up to four data displays, triple wireless upgradeable with optional heart rate sensor, Bluetooth compatible.
• Padrone Smart+ Cycle Computer (CC-SC100B) Fully customizable wireless cycle computer that connects with smartphones, displaying cadence and ride statistics.
• AirGPS II Cycle Computer (CC-GPS100N) GPS-enabled cyclocomputer requiring no external sensors, with ready-to-use GPS technology for tracking rides.
• RR-2 Pedal Reflector Pedal reflector with multiple safety certifications (C.P.S.C., BS, TPP, JIS, AS, GB), available in amber/white or amber/black color options.

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered regional and core.

• Paul-LangeregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for CatEye products in the German market, operating through the Paul-Lange website (paul-lange.de/de_DE/p/marken/cateye).
• StravacoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration partnership allowing ride data from CatEye Cycling app to be uploaded to Strava for training analysis. Supported across Padrone Digital and other compatible computers via smartphone app.
• TrainingPeakscoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration partnership allowing ride summary data to be uploaded to TrainingPeaks for advanced training planning and analysis through the Cateye Cycling app.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Lezyne: Lezyne is a direct competitor in the bicycle lights and cycling electronics category, offering a parallel lineup of high-lumen rechargeable headlights, safety lights, and GPS cycle computers marketed globally through similar IBD and online channels.
• Wahoo Fitness: Wahoo's ELEMNT cycle computers and TICKR heart-rate sensors directly overlap with CatEye's Padrone/AirGPS computers and Bluetooth HRP integrations, both serving fitness/training cyclists via similar Strava/TrainingPeaks-compatible ecosystems.
• Sigma Sport: Sigma Sport is a long-established German competitor in bike computers and bicycle lighting, with a comparable product breadth (wired/wireless computers, headlights, safety lights) targeting the same IBD distribution channel in Europe.
• Knog: Knog is a direct peer in bike safety lights and accessories, with a design-led rechargeable lighting range (Blinder, Cobber) and wearable-form-factor products that compete directly with CatEye's ViZ, SYNC WEARABLE, and WEARABLE mini lines.
• Moon Sport: Moon Sport is a specialist bicycle light manufacturer with overlapping rechargeable headlight and safety-light SKUs, competing in the same lumen tiers and price points as CatEye's AMPP and VOLT series.
• Bontrager (Trek): Bontrager's Ion/Flare lighting range and GPS computers are sold through Trek's global dealer network and overlap directly with CatEye's commuter/trail lighting and cycling computer categories.
• Blackburn Design: Blackburn designs and sells bike lights (Dayblazer, Grid) and accessories that compete in the same commuter/recreational lighting segment as CatEye's ViZ and NANO safety-light families.

Broad incumbents

• Garmin: Garmin's cycling division (Edge GPS computers, Varia radar/lights) competes head-on with CatEye's computer and safety-light portfolio. As a much larger incumbent with deeper R&D and mapping, it represents the dominant share threat in cycle computers.

Emerging players

• Bryton: Bryton is an emerging GPS cycle computer specialist with ANT+/Bluetooth sensor support and Strava integration, offering lower-priced alternatives to CatEye's Padrone/AirGPS computers in the value-conscious segment.

Others

• CATEYE Atlas (defunct): Listed for completeness: CatEye's own Atlas™ GPS ride-tracking platform (closed January 2025) was historically adjacent to services like Strava; it is referenced here only because it appears in CatEye's own history.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CateyeBicycle
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCIzi9IvUCYiF9UOiwfplagw
• Facebookfacebook.com/CatEyeBicycle
• Instagraminstagram.com/cateyebicycle

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 CatEye