GROM Audio
GROM Audio develops plug-n-play car multimedia integration kits that add CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, and amplifier upgrades to existing factory car stereos, sold direct-to-consumer and through 13 international distributors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersBelmont, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What GROM Audio does
GROM Audio, founded in 2008 and headquartered in Plano, Texas since a June 2020 relocation from Silicon Valley, develops and manufactures in-car multimedia integration systems that connect smartphones and other mobile devices to factory-installed car stereos. Its product portfolio centers on three tiers: (1) premium Android-based infotainment upgrades VLine VL2 and VLite VT2 that add wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with navigation, HDMI, and camera support to OEM head units; (2) legacy connectivity kits including GROM-USB3 for standard stereos and GROM-MST4 for fiber-optic MOST bus systems in Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, and Volvo; and (3) the newer Amplinq plug-n-play audio upgrade line focused on Toyota and Lexus. Supporting accessories include the GROM-BT3 Bluetooth kit, WiLinq wireless Android Auto converter, WLQ1 wired-to-wireless dongle, AUX input adapters, and vehicle-specific harnesses. Underlying technology relies on CD-changer emulation, satellite-radio-mode emulation, and MOST fiber-optic bus integration, all delivered through vehicle-specific plug-n-play harnesses covering more than 30 car makes.
GROM sells primarily through direct-to-consumer e-commerce at gromaudio.com, complemented by a network of 13 regional international distributors across Australia, Canada, Europe, the Baltics, Russia, the Middle East, and Central Asia, plus a US authorized installer network for professional installation. Products are sold as one-time hardware purchases priced between approximately $174.99 and $289.99 USD, backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee, a 1-year manufacturer warranty (18 months on VLine VL2 and VLite VT2), and free US shipping on orders over $80. The target customer is an individual vehicle owner seeking modern smartphone connectivity or improved audio without replacing the factory head unit; the company has no disclosed enterprise, OEM, or institutional customers. GROM is private, founder-owned, and bootstrapped, with no external venture capital or parent company disclosed in available materials, FCC and CE certified, and led by Founder and CTO Dmitry Borisov and Director of Operations Yelena Kouznetsova.
GROM Audio firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- GROM Audio
- Legal name
- GROM Audio
- Website
- https://gromaudio.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- GROM Audio develops plug-n-play car multimedia integration kits that add CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, and amplifier upgrades to existing factory car stereos, sold direct-to-consumer and through 13 international distributors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
GROM Audio industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Automotive Aftermarket Electronics
- NAICS
- Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (334310), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334290)
- SIC
- Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651), Computer Communications Equipment (3576)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Wireless Interface Adapters (Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth/Cellular Modems) (HDAFAEAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Audio Accessories (Ear Tips, Cables, Stands, Cases, Transmitters) (CRACANAM), Video Adapters & Converters (HDMI/DP/VGA/DVI/USB-C) (HDACAHAF), Multiport Adapters (USB-C Multi-Adapters) (HDACAHAE)
Keywords
Where GROM Audio is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Belmont
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
GROM Audio business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Product Sales: Primary revenue from selling integration adapter kits, infotainment systems, and audio upgrade products. Products are sold directly to consumers and through dealer/distributor networks. Includes flagship products like VLine VL2, VLite VT2, GROM-USB3, GROM-MST4, and GROM-BT3.
- Accessories and Add-ons: Sales of optional accessories including Bluetooth dongles (GROM-BTD), AUX cables, USB cables, dash mounts, and installation tools. These complement core products and provide upsell opportunities.
- Extended Warranty: Standard 1-year warranty on most products, with 18-month warranty on VLine VL2 and VLite VT2 systems. Warranty service provided for defective products within coverage period.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | GROM-MST4 Fiber-optic USB Adapter - $289.99 USD |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | GROM-BT3 Bluetooth Kit - $179.99 USD |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Free Standard Shipping for US Orders Over $80 |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | 45-Day Money Back Guarantee |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
GROM Audio product offering
Product offeringCore offering
GROM Audio designs, develops, and manufactures plug-n-play aftermarket hardware kits that integrate smartphones, USB media, Bluetooth, and MOST fiber-optic audio sources with factory-installed car stereos. Its core product lines are VLine VL2 and VLite VT2 (CarPlay/Android Auto retrofits), Amplinq (audio upgrade with amplifier and speaker harnesses), GROM-USB3 and GROM-MST4 (USB/iPhone/Android and MOST fiber-optic integrations), GROM-BT3 (Bluetooth hands-free/A2DP), GROM-AUX1, WiLinq and WLQ1 (wireless Android Auto/CarPlay converters). The offering targets vehicle owners wanting modern connectivity without replacing the OEM head unit.
Product overview
GROM Audio provides a portfolio of car multimedia integration kits that connect mobile devices to factory car stereos, enabling users to upgrade their existing OEM systems without replacement. The product lineup centers on three tiers: (1) Premium infotainment systems VLine VL2 and VLite VT2 for CarPlay/Android Auto integration with advanced features like navigation, HDMI, and camera support; (2) Legacy integration kits including GROM-USB3 for standard stereos and GROM-MST4 for fiber-optic MOST bus stereos; (3) Audio enhancement via Amplinq amplifier retrofit system. Supporting products include Bluetooth (GROM-BT3), AUX adapters, and wireless converters like WiLinq. All products are plug-n-play designed for specific vehicle makes including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura, Nissan/Infiniti, and others.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- VLine VL2: Android-based infotainment upgrade system supporting CarPlay and Android Auto integration for factory car stereos
- VLite VT2
- Amplinq
- WiLinq
- GROM-USB3
- GROM-BT3
- GROM-MST4
Products and services
- VLine VL2 Premium Android-based infotainment system upgrade for factory car stereos, providing full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired and wireless) integration plus apps, music, navigation, HDMI, and backup camera support. Targets consumers who want modern smartphone features on factory stereos across makes including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, Nissan, Infiniti, GM, Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, Land Rover, and Jaguar.
- VLite VT2 CarPlay and Android Auto retrofit system offering wired and wireless smartphone integration for factory car stereos without standalone Android functionality. A simpler alternative to VLine VL2 for consumers wanting only CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Available for Audi, Chrysler/Jeep/RAM, Honda/Acura, GM/Chevrolet/Cadillac/Buick, Lexus/Toyota, Nissan/Infiniti, Toyota, and Volvo vehicles.
- Amplinq Car sound upgrade system combining a plug-n-play amplifier retrofit with factory-matching speaker harnesses to bring audiophile-quality sound to factory stereo systems, currently focused on Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
- WiLinq Wireless Android Auto converter dongle that converts wired Android Auto installations to wireless connectivity; automatically reconnects when the user enters the vehicle and lets the phone stay in a pocket.
- GROM-USB3 USB car kit enabling iPhone, Android, and USB mass storage device integration with factory car stereos via CD changer emulation or satellite radio mode. Supports music playback with stereo controls and optional Bluetooth (BTD) and AUX add-ons.
- GROM-MST4 Fiber-optic MOST bus USB and multimedia interface kit for premium factory stereos in Audi MMI, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo vehicles. Supports USB, iPhone/Android, Bluetooth, and AUX through optical-fiber integration. Priced at $289.99 USD.
- GROM-BT3 Bluetooth hands-free and A2DP audio streaming adapter kit for adding wireless phone calls and music streaming to factory car stereos, compatible with iPhone and Android smartphones. Priced at $179.99 USD.
- GROM-AUX1 AUX 3.5mm audio input adapter for adding an auxiliary audio source connection to factory car stereos.
- Wired to Wireless Android Auto Dongle (WLQ1) USB dongle that converts existing wired Android Auto installations to wireless connectivity for all cars, complementing the VLine/VLite ecosystem.
Companies that use GROM Audio
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
GROM Audio technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
Feature7 records
GROM Audio partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered regional and minor.
- Cushie AudioregionalAustralian distributor for GROM Audio products. Located in Australia with sales contact available via cushieaudio.com.au.
- Mobile Solutions of CalgaryregionalCanadian distributor and installer based in Calgary, Alberta. Handles sales and installation of GROM products in Canada.
- Number One SoundregionalCanadian distributor located in Toronto, Ontario. Provides GROM Audio products and installation services.
- Maxxcount.de GmbH and Co. KGregionalGerman distributor for GROM Audio products based in Dresden. Serves the German market.
- MOTORUS UABregionalBaltic states distributor (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia) based in Vilnius, Lithuania. Also provides installation services.
- MoTraderegionalDistributor serving Netherlands and Belgium markets. Contact via gromaudio.nl or motrade.nl websites.
- GROM Audio RU MoscowregionalRussian Federation distributor based in Moscow. Official GROM Audio presence for Russian market via gromaudio.ru.
- GROM Audio UKregionalUnited Kingdom distributor for GROM Audio products. Operates via gromaudio.co.uk.
- GROM Audio UAregionalUkrainian distributor for GROM Audio products. Operates via gromaudio.com.ua.
- Auto Video KZminorKazakhstan distributor for GROM Audio products. Contact via autovideo.kz.
- Autosound LebanonminorLebanese distributor located in Beirut. Handles sales and installation of GROM products in Lebanon.
- Ohud AutomotiveminorSaudi Arabian distributor for GROM Audio products.
- Al Nairab ElectronicsminorUAE distributor based in Abu Dhabi. Provides GROM Audio products in the United Arab Emirates market.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights4 records
GROM Audio competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- NavTool: NavTool specializes in CarPlay and Android Auto retrofit interfaces for factory car stereos, including vehicle-specific modules. Direct competitor to GROM's VLite VT2 line with similar 'keep the factory radio' value proposition.
- iDatalink (by AudioControl): iDatalink Maestro makes vehicle-specific integration modules that connect smartphones, CarPlay/Android Auto, and aftermarket accessories to factory car stereos. Direct competitor to GROM in the OEM-retention retrofit category with similar plug-n-play interface products.
- Beat-Sonic: Beat-Sonic develops CarPlay/Android Auto adapters and factory-stereo integration kits primarily for Japanese vehicles (Toyota, Lexus, Nissan). Closely comparable niche to GROM's Amplinq/VLite offerings in the JDM retrofit segment.
- Axxess (by Metra Electronics): Axxess manufactures integration interfaces, harnesses, and CarPlay/Android Auto retention modules for factory stereos. Comparable product line to GROM-USB3, GROM-MST4, and VLite VT2 across a wide range of vehicle makes and model years.
- VAIS Technology: VAIS Technology builds factory-stereo integration modules including CarPlay/Android Auto retrofits and SiriusXM adapters. Direct peer to GROM-USB3 and GROM-MST4 with vehicle-specific solutions across multiple OEMs.
Broad incumbents
- Metra Electronics: Metra Electronics is a leading manufacturer of automotive installation accessories including vehicle-specific harness adapters and integration interfaces (Axxess brand). Comparable scope to GROM's MOST/USB integration products, scaled to a much larger product portfolio.
- Crutchfield: Crutchfield is a large US retailer of car audio and integration products, selling GROM products alongside competing brands. Functions both as a channel for GROM and as a competitive context for aftermarket retrofit purchasing decisions.
- Pioneer Electronics: Pioneer is a global aftermarket infotainment leader with a large catalog of CarPlay/Android Auto head units and the popular NEX platform. Competes with GROM at the 'replace your stereo' alternative to GROM's 'keep your stereo' approach.
- Alpine Electronics: Alpine is a major aftermarket car infotainment and audio brand offering both replacement head units with built-in CarPlay/Android Auto and integration accessories. Larger, broader competitor that targets the same end consumer who might otherwise buy a GROM retrofit.
- Sony Mobile ES / XAV Series: Sony's car audio division sells CarPlay/Android Auto head units and AV receivers that compete with GROM's flagship VLine/VLite products as the alternative path of replacing, rather than integrating with, the factory stereo.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
GROM Audio social profiles
Digital presenceGROM Audio compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
GROM Audio financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
GROM Audio leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
GROM Audio funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
GROM Audio 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 GROM Audio
What does GROM Audio do?
GROM Audio designs, develops, and manufactures plug-n-play aftermarket hardware kits that integrate smartphones, USB media, Bluetooth, and MOST fiber-optic audio sources with factory-installed car stereos. Its core product lines are VLine VL2 and VLite VT2 (CarPlay/Android Auto retrofits), Amplinq (audio upgrade with amplifier and speaker harnesses), GROM-USB3 and GROM-MST4 (USB/iPhone/Android and MOST fiber-optic integrations), GROM-BT3 (Bluetooth hands-free/A2DP), GROM-AUX1, WiLinq and WLQ1 (wireless Android Auto/CarPlay converters). The offering targets vehicle owners wanting modern connectivity without replacing the OEM head unit.
Is GROM Audio a public or private company?
GROM Audio is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was GROM Audio founded?
GROM Audio was founded in 2008. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is GROM Audio based?
GROM Audio is headquartered in Belmont, United States, in the North America region.
How does GROM Audio make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are accessories and Add-ons and extended Warranty.
Who are GROM Audio's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are NavTool, iDatalink (by AudioControl), Beat-Sonic, Axxess (by Metra Electronics) and VAIS Technology. Broad incumbents are Metra Electronics, Crutchfield, Pioneer Electronics, Alpine Electronics and Sony Mobile ES / XAV Series.
Does GROM Audio have an API?
No public API is recorded for GROM Audio.
What industry is GROM Audio in?
GROM Audio's product category is Automotive Aftermarket Electronics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAFAEAJ, Wireless Interface Adapters (Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth/Cellular Modems), with a secondary code of CRACANAM, Audio Accessories (Ear Tips, Cables, Stands, Cases, Transmitters). Its NAICS code is 334310 and its SIC code is 3651.