Phytools
Phytools is a Bainbridge Island, Washington-based authorized North American distributor of CAN/CAN FD, automotive Ethernet, and industrial networking hardware and software from vendors including PEAK-System, Kvaser, and KUNBUS, serving engineering customers in automotive, industrial automation, medical, aerospace, and adjacent sectors across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersBainbridge Island, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Phytools does
Phytools LLC is a privately held, Bainbridge Island, Washington-based industrial networking solutions distributor founded in 2012, operating with a 1-10 employee footprint and shipping to the United States, Canada, and Mexico through a Shopify e-commerce storefront. The company functions as an authorized North American distributor for a portfolio of niche industrial and automotive networking vendors, including PEAK-System Technik, Kvaser, KUNBUS, SYS TEC electronic, MACH Systems, GEMAC, Embedded Systems Academy, Emotas, KDI Digital Instrumentation, and Teltonika Networks. Its core product lines span CAN and CAN FD interfaces in USB, PCIe, M.2, and miniPCIe form factors; CAN data loggers; wireless CAN bridges; protocol converters; automotive Ethernet gateways and media converters (100/1000BASE-T1); and the KUNBUS Revolution Pi industrial PC family based on Raspberry Pi Compute Modules. Software products distributed include PEAK-System's PCAN-View, PCAN-Explorer 7, and PCAN-Basic API, as well as Kvaser's CanKing analyzer.
The business is sales-led, with revenue generated primarily through one-time hardware purchases ranging from roughly $18 to $3,295 per unit, supplemented by perpetual software licenses such as PCAN-Explorer 7 starting at $170. The company supports customers with a quote-request workflow, phone sales at 855-234-9912, and email at [email protected], alongside a monthly newsletter and direct e-commerce checkout with free UPS Ground shipping on US orders over $100 and a lowest-price match guarantee. End customers are B2B engineering and integration teams across Automotive (primary), Industrial Automation, Medical Equipment, Aerospace, Agriculture, Construction, and Renewable Energy. Phytools is a member of CAN in Automation (CiA) and the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG), reports 20+ years of category experience and 400+ 5-star customer reviews, and was designated an essential business during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. The November 2024 acquisition of principal supplier PEAK-System by HMS Networks is the most consequential supply-chain event in the company's history, and Rick Halsted joined as Sales and Marketing Manager on May 1, 2025, the first named senior commercial hire on record.
Phytools firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Phytools
- Legal name
- PHYTOOLS LLC.
- Website
- https://phytools.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Phytools is a Bainbridge Island, Washington-based authorized North American distributor of CAN/CAN FD, automotive Ethernet, and industrial networking hardware and software from vendors including PEAK-System, Kvaser, and KUNBUS, serving engineering customers in automotive, industrial automation, medical, aerospace, and adjacent sectors across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Phytools is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bainbridge Island
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Phytools business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Product Sales: Phytools generates revenue through the sale of industrial networking hardware including CAN interfaces, data loggers, gateways, industrial PCs, and related accessories. Products are sold as one-time purchases with various price points ranging from under $100 to over $1,000 per unit.
- Software Licenses: Software products such as PCAN-Explorer 7 are sold as single-user licenses or multi-seat licenses. Some software like PCAN-Basic API is provided free of charge with hardware purchases.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard hardware products |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Software licenses |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels4 records
Phytools product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Phytools is an authorized North American distributor of industrial networking and communication solutions, specializing in CAN and CAN FD hardware, automotive Ethernet gateways, protocol converters, industrial PCs, and related CAN analysis and development software. It sells products from multiple leading vendors (PEAK-System Technik, Kvaser, KUNBUS, SYS TEC electronic, MACH Systems, Embedded Systems Academy, and others) directly to engineering and industrial customers in the US, Canada, and Mexico through its Shopify e-commerce storefront, supplemented by phone sales and quote-based support.
Product overview
Phytools is an authorized North American distributor of industrial networking solutions, specializing in CAN (Controller Area Network) and CAN FD (CAN with Flexible Data Rate) hardware and software products. The company distributes products from multiple manufacturers including PEAK-System Technik, Kvaser, KUNBUS, SYS TEC electronic, MACH Systems, and others. The product portfolio consists primarily of CAN/CAN FD interfaces (USB, PCIe, miniPCIe form factors), CAN data loggers, wireless CAN bridges, protocol converters, industrial Ethernet gateways, and industrial PC platforms (Revolution Pi family). Key software offerings include PCAN-Basic API for application development, PCAN-Explorer 7 and PCAN-View for CAN analysis, and Kvaser's CANKing analyzer software. The company also offers CANopen-related products and automotive Ethernet solutions including media converters. Notable technology focus areas include CAN FD (supporting up to 12 Mbps data rates), industrial IoT (IIoT) gateways, and ruggedized interfaces with IP67 ratings for harsh environments.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- PCAN-USB FD Adapter
- Kvaser U100 Rugged single-channel CAN/CAN FD to USB interface with IP67 rating and galvanic isolation, designed for harsh environments with vibration, shock, and drop-proof housing.
- Kvaser U100P Precision version of the Kvaser U100 with 1 microsecond timestamping accuracy, synchronized time across devices, and silent mode for CAN bus monitoring.
- Kvaser Leaf v3 Compact, cost-effective USB to CAN/CAN FD interface supporting up to 20,000 messages per second and 50-microsecond timestamping for general-purpose use.
- Kvaser Memorator Pro 2xHS v2 Dual-channel CAN FD data logger and USB interface supporting up to 8 Mbit/s data transmission and 64GB storage for high-speed bus logging.
- Kvaser Memorator 2xHS v2 CAN data logger with dual high-speed channels for recording CAN/CAN FD bus traffic and reliable data capture for analysis.
- Kvaser Air Bridge M12 One-to-any wireless CAN bridge providing wireless connectivity for CAN networks with M12 connector options.
- Kvaser USBcan Pro 2xHS v2 USB to dual-channel CAN/CAN FD interface with scripting capability, galvanic isolation, and the Kvaser TRX programming environment.
- Kvaser PCIEcan 8xCAN PCI Express CAN interface with 8 channels for high-density CAN/CAN FD connectivity.
- Kvaser Hybrid Pro 2xCAN/LIN Dual-channel interface supporting dynamic switching between CAN and LIN buses for flexible automotive networking.
- PCAN-Router Pro FD Programmable CAN/CAN FD router with two channels enabling conversion between CAN and CAN FD and integration of CAN FD into existing CAN 2.0 networks.
- PCAN-USB Adapter (isolated) USB to CAN interface with galvanic isolation up to 500V between CAN signals and the host PC, protecting against electrical surges.
- RevPi Connect 5 Industrial PC based on Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5) with a modular, open-source architecture for industrial automation, IIoT, and edge computing applications.
- RevPi Connect 4 Industrial PC built on Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4) with a modular design, open-source architecture, and integrated interfaces.
- RevPi Compact Compact controller based on Raspberry Pi CM3 with extensive connection options and functions for industrial automation.
- RevPi Flat Open-source IPC designed for energy sector applications in a compact form factor.
- RevPi RO Relay output expansion module with four potential-free normally open relays, each rated to a maximum of 5A at 250V AC or 30V DC.
- 100/1000BASE-T1 Media Converter (TE MATEnet) Media converter providing a point-to-point link between Automotive Ethernet (100BASE-T1/1000BASE-T1) and Standard Ethernet (100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T) with a TE MATEnet connector.
- MACH-ETH Versatile automotive network interface featuring one Ethernet port, two CAN FD channels, one LIN channel, USB, an RS-232 port, and multiple I/Os.
- CANopen Chip CoC-100 CANopen chip from SYS TEC electronic for implementing CANopen manager and master functionality using PCAN interfaces.
- PCAN-Explorer 7 Advanced PEAK-System CAN analyzing software with enhanced features for comprehensive CAN/CAN FD bus analysis and troubleshooting, sold as single-user or multi-seat licenses.
- PCAN-View Free PEAK-System CAN/CAN FD monitor software for displaying, transmitting, and recording CAN data traffic, bundled with all PCAN hardware products.
- PCAN-Basic API PEAK-System programming API for developing applications with CAN and CAN FD connections, supporting Windows, Linux, and multiple language bindings (C++, C#, Delphi, VB.NET, Java, Python), provided free with hardware.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 20 years of industry experience providing industrial networking solutions
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Phytools
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Phytools technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Phytools partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- EmotascorePhytools and Emotas entered a distribution partnership offering CAN protocol design and development software to customers in North America, including J1939 protocol stack and EtherCAT Slave Framework.
- Round SolutionsminorPhytools added Round Solutions' IoT products to their portfolio, including the modular PingPong QuickStart platform with various extension cards.
- PEAK-System TechnikcorePhytools is an Official North American distributor for PEAK-System Technik products, including PCAN USB interfaces, PCI cards, and CAN FD solutions. This is one of their primary vendor partnerships.
- KvasercorePhytools is an Authorized distributor for Kvaser products, including CAN interfaces, data loggers, and accessories. Kvaser develops CAN solutions with R&D and production in Sweden.
- KUNBUScorePhytools is an Authorized distributor for KUNBUS products, including Revolution Pi industrial PCs based on Raspberry Pi Compute Modules and PROFIBUS/PROFINET solutions.
- SYS TEC electronic GmbHcorePhytools is an Official North American distributor for SYS TEC electronic products including CANopen controllers and IIoT solutions.
- GEMACcorePhytools is an Official North American distributor for GEMAC products.
- MACH SYSTEMScorePhytools is an Authorized distributor for MACH SYSTEMS products including automotive Ethernet solutions, SENT gateways, and interfaces.
- Embedded Systems AcademycorePhytools is an Authorized distributor for Embedded Systems Academy products, including CANopen Controller Library and related training materials.
- HMS NetworksminorHMS Networks completed the acquisition of PEAK-System in November 2024, creating a parent-subsidiary relationship affecting the PEAK-System product line.
- CAN in Automation (CiA)minorPhytools is a member of CAN in Automation (CiA), the international CAN users and manufacturers association.
- EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG)minorPhytools is a member of the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG), the organization supporting the EtherCAT technology.
- Teltonika NetworkscorePhytools carries Teltonika Networks products as part of their industrial networking solutions portfolio.
- KDI Digital InstrumentationcorePhytools carries KDI Digital Instrumentation products as part of their industrial networking solutions offering.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Phytools competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- AutomationDirect: Direct e-commerce industrial automation products distributor specializing in PLCs, drives, motors, and networking. Closely comparable to Phytools in the direct-to-customer e-commerce distribution model for industrial automation customers in North America.
Emerging players
- B+B SmartWorx (Advantech): Manufacturer of industrial networking, connectivity, and IoT gateway products (now part of Advantech). Comparable to Phytools in selling industrial networking hardware (gateways, protocol converters) into industrial automation and IIoT markets.
- Wieland Electric: Industrial automation manufacturer with a growing presence in industrial networking and protocol gateway products in North America. Comparable to Phytools in serving industrial networking customers, though primarily as a manufacturer rather than a multi-vendor distributor.
Broad incumbents
- Newark / element14: Global electronics distributor (part of Avnet) with a strong industrial and embedded computing catalog. Comparable to Phytools as a multi-vendor industrial electronics distributor serving engineering customers in North America.
- Digi-Key Electronics: One of the largest broad-line electronic component distributors in North America. Comparable to Phytools in distribution model (multi-vendor, e-commerce led, value-added support), but at vastly greater scale and with a much broader catalog that includes industrial networking and embedded products.
- Arrow Electronics: Large global distributor of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions, with a significant industrial and embedded computing portfolio. Comparable to Phytools as a value-added distributor serving industrial and automotive customers.
- Mouser Electronics: Major global electronic component distributor with a broad catalog that includes industrial and embedded computing products. Comparable to Phytools in B2B distribution model and authorized-distributor relationships with leading manufacturers, though it operates at much larger scale.
- HMS Industrial Networks: Manufacturer of industrial communication products including CAN gateways, protocol converters, and wireless solutions, and parent of PEAK-System since Nov 2024. Comparable to Phytools because HMS directly competes in the same product categories Phytools distributes and now controls a key Phytools supplier.
- Allied Electronics & Automation: North American industrial automation and electronics distributor (RS Group brand). Comparable to Phytools in serving industrial automation customers with a mix of networking, control, and embedded products through catalog/online channels.
Others
- PEAK-System Technik: Manufacturer of PCAN CAN interface products and Phytools' principal supplier, now owned by HMS Networks. Included as a peer because it represents the same product line Phytools distributes and sells direct in some markets, framing Phytools' core supplier relationship and disintermediation risk.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Phytools social profiles
Digital presencePhytools financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Phytools leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Phytools funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Phytools 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 Phytools
What does Phytools do?
Phytools is an authorized North American distributor of industrial networking and communication solutions, specializing in CAN and CAN FD hardware, automotive Ethernet gateways, protocol converters, industrial PCs, and related CAN analysis and development software. It sells products from multiple leading vendors (PEAK-System Technik, Kvaser, KUNBUS, SYS TEC electronic, MACH Systems, Embedded Systems Academy, and others) directly to engineering and industrial customers in the US, Canada, and Mexico through its Shopify e-commerce storefront, supplemented by phone sales and quote-based support.
Is Phytools a public or private company?
Phytools is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Phytools founded?
Phytools was founded in 2012. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Phytools based?
Phytools is headquartered in Bainbridge Island, United States, in the North America region.
How does Phytools make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Hardware Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are software Licenses.
Who are Phytools's main competitors?
AutomationDirect is listed as a direct peer. Emerging players are B+B SmartWorx (Advantech) and Wieland Electric. Broad incumbents are Newark / element14, Digi-Key Electronics, Arrow Electronics, Mouser Electronics, HMS Industrial Networks and Allied Electronics & Automation. PEAK-System Technik is listed as an others.
Does Phytools have an API?
No public API is recorded for Phytools.