What Tough Stump Technologies does

Tough Stump Technologies LLC is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business founded in 2016 and headquartered in Southern Pines, North Carolina, employing 11-50 people. The company develops and delivers tactical communications, situational awareness, and unmanned systems solutions to U.S. federal and state government agencies, special operations groups, and first responders. Its core technology stack centers on the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) ecosystem: a proprietary ATOS (Android Tactical Object Surveillance) GPS tracking system that uses UHF radio (432-436 MHz) to transmit real-time position data for personnel, vehicles, drones, K9 units, and equipment to ATAK end-user devices without requiring cellular or Wi-Fi infrastructure, supported by a Command Link receiver, an ATOS Flight Tag variant for airborne platforms, and a custom ATAK/WinTAK plugin distributed via the Google Play Store and TAK.gov marketplace. The company has also delivered custom TAK plugins for USASOC (FoCUS AR with Everysight Maverick AR glasses), DTRA in partnership with Teledyne FLIR (CIDAS Gallery, CIDAS Detection, EVA HoloLens adapter), Tigertech (Warfighter Monitor biometrics), and Textron (Shine Micro maritime AIS integration).

Tough Stump generates revenue through five streams: hardware sales of ATOS tags and Command Link units; professional services including FPV drone training, FAA Part 107 boot camps, and in-person ATAK instruction for government customers (with active NAVSPECWARCOM training contracts); online certification via TAK U on LearnWorlds at $99.99 per user with a 3-month access window; software licensing and custom plugin development for defense primes and agencies; and branded merchandise through its e-commerce storefront. Go-to-market combines direct field sales to government agencies leveraging SDVOSB set-aside contracting, product-led growth through self-serve ATAK plugin distribution, and event-driven demand generation through the annual Tough Stump Rodeo in Montana, which hosts 40+ technology vendors and military operators.

The leadership team is composed almost entirely of military veterans with deep special operations backgrounds, including Co-Founder/CEO Jarrett Heavenston (25 years military experience, FAA Part 107 certified), Co-Founder/President Benjamin Brown (Air Force Academy graduate, former COO), and CMO Zeb Jaillet (24-year Air Force Combat Controller, Bronze Star recipient). Notable strategic partnerships include EagleNXT (HELIOS kit with eBee VISION drone, October 2025) and Base Molecular Resonance Technologies (Department of War initiative, May 2026). The company remains privately held and founder-owned with no disclosed external investment.

Name

Tough Stump Technologies

Legal name

Tough Stump Technologies LLC

Website

https://toughstump.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Tough Stump Technologies is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business that builds the ATOS GPS tracking system, custom ATAK/WinTAK plugins, drone systems, and tactical training for U.S. federal agencies, special operations groups, and first responders operating in communications-denied environments.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Tactical Communications and Situational Awareness Systems

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663)

akta.pro primary industry

C4ISR Systems & Tactical Data Links (IMABAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Defense Communications (Secure Radios, SATCOM Terminals, Crypto) (IMABAGAG), IFF/Identification, Beaconing & Cooperative Surveillance Systems (IMABAGAF)

Keywords

• Tactical communications systems
• Situational awareness technology
• UAS drone training
• Tactical GPS tracking
• ATAK software development

Headquarters

HQ city

Southern Pines

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales (ATOS, Drones, UAS Systems): Sale of proprietary ATOS GPS tracking hardware (Command Link, ATOS Tags, ATOS Flight Tags), UAS/drone platforms, and related equipment. The company offers both purchase and rental options for UAS systems as part of its FPV training program.
2. Training and Professional Services: Revenue from in-person training programs including ATAK training, FPV drone courses, FAA Part 107 boot camps, and specialized training for government agencies. The company also provides training development and support services for NAVSPECWARCOM and NSW programs as evidenced by active job postings for training SME roles supporting Naval Special Warfare.
3. Online Certification (TAK U): Subscription-style online course delivery with a 3-month access window per user. TAK U Basic course is priced at $99.99 per user, providing ATAK certification training through Tough Stump University.
4. Software Licensing and Plugin Development: The company develops and distributes custom TAK plugins, some available for public download. Software development services are offered to government and defense clients including USASOC, DTRA, and Teledyne FLIR for specialized ATAK integrations.
5. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including apparel (tees, raglans, windbreakers), drinkware (pint glass sets), through the company's e-commerce storefront.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Tough Stump Technologies designs and manufactures the proprietary ATOS (Android Tactical Object Surveillance) GPS tracking hardware system and develops custom ATAK/WinTAK software plugins that transmit real-time position data over UHF radio without cellular infrastructure. The company complements its hardware and software with hands-on tactical training programs (FPV drone, FAA Part 107, ATAK) and custom plugin development services for U.S. Department of Defense, special operations, and first responder clients.

Product overview

Tough Stump Technologies offers a product ecosystem centered on tactical situational awareness and unmanned systems. The core offering is the ATOS (Android Tactical Object Surveillance) GPS tracking system, which consists of hardware tags (standard and flight variants) and the Command Link receiver, all integrated through a custom ATAK/WinTAK plugin. This enables real-time tracking of personnel, vehicles, drones, and equipment in environments without cellular coverage. The company complements its hardware/software products with training services including FPV drone courses, FAA Part 107 certification, and TAK U online ATAK training. Additional capabilities include custom plugin development for specialized applications (CBRN detection, biometric monitoring, maritime AIS, augmented reality) and hosts the annual Tough Stump Rodeo event for tactical technology demonstration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TAK U (Tough Stump University): Premier certification program for the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) offering state-of-the-art online courses for military personnel and first responders to master situational awareness skills.
• ATOS (Android Tactical Object Surveillance)
• UMX

Products and services

• ATOS GPS Tracking System A proprietary compact GPS tagging system (including Command Link receiver and ATOS Tags) that transmits real-time position data via UHF radio bands to the ATAK application, enabling tracking of personnel, vehicles, drones, and equipment without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Designed for defense, special operations, and first responder use.
• ATOS Flight Tag An airborne variant of the ATOS GPS tag designed for drones and aircraft; weighs about 2 ounces, uses a CR123 battery, offers 48+ hour battery life and position updates every 2-6 seconds with approximately 30 km airborne range.
• ATOS Plugin for ATAK/WinTAK A downloadable plug-in for the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) and WinTAK platforms that integrates ATOS hardware data into the TAK map environment, providing map integration, mission planning, track history, PLI data sheet, geo-fence support, 3D display compatibility, and customizable tag attributes.
• FPV Drone Training Course A five-day First Person View drone training course covering simulator basics, line-of-sight flying, advanced acro/freestyle/tactical maneuvers, Betaflight configuration, PID tuning, failsafe configuration, Blackbox log analysis, and real-world flight using professional-grade equipment. Limited to six students per class; UAS systems available for purchase or rental.
• FAA Part 107 Boot Camp A three-day in-person training course covering all essential topics needed to earn the FAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems certification.
• TAK U (Tough Stump University) ATAK Certification Online ATAK certification program offering approximately 8 hours of instruction including learning checks, quizzes, and a final exam leading to ATAK Basic Certification. Self-paced over a 3-month access window at $99.99 per user.
• Custom TAK Plugin Development Services Custom ATAK, WinTAK, and robotics plug-in development services for government and defense clients, covering sensor integration, robotics, CBRN, logistics, and augmented reality applications. Past projects include integrations for USASOC, DTRA, Teledyne FLIR, Tigertech, and Textron.
• HELIOS Kit (with EagleNXT) An integrated Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance kit that bundles the EagleNXT eBee VISION drone with Tough Stump's tactical communications ecosystem to provide real-time ISR interoperability for defense and security applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• ATOS tag airborne range of approximately 30 km in UHF 432-436 MHz range
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Base Molecular Resonance Technologies (BMRT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 May 2026BMRT has been formally engaged by Tough Stump Technologies as a strategic technology partner for a Department of War initiative focused on mission-critical defense capabilities. BMRT recently completed a multi-day test series with a U.S. Department of War Combatant Command validating its advanced molecular resonance detection technology. Both companies view this partnership as the foundation for future strategic efforts in national security and defense solutions, with complementary technologies aimed at delivering transformational advantages for the modern battlefield.
• EagleNXTcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 October 2025EagleNXT and Tough Stump Technologies announced an expanded strategic partnership and introduced the HELIOS kit, which includes the eBee VISION drone, to enhance ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities. The new solution aims to provide real-time intelligence and interoperability for defense and security applications, targeting U.S. government contracts. The partnership includes joint marketing efforts and pursuit of USG opportunities.
• U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTough Stump Technologies developed custom TAK plugins for USASOC, including the FoCUS AR plugin enabling ATAK integration with Everysight Maverick augmented reality glasses provided by Stacato. The plugin provides a lightweight overlay of essential TAK information in augmented reality for special operations personnel.
• Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) / Teledyne FLIRcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTough Stump developed multiple ATAK plugins for DTRA in association with Teledyne FLIR: CIDAS Gallery (enabling ATAK users to view and distribute scan images from CIDAS Detection); CIDAS Detection (computer vision algorithms to map and create digital records of contamination areas using spray-applied detection); and EVA ATAK Plugin (external visualization adapter relaying CIDAS ATAK data and general ATAK PLI into Microsoft Hololens for augmented reality visualization).
• TigertechminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTough Stump developed the Warfighter Monitor ATAK Plugin for Tigertech, enabling the viewing of biometric data from Warfighter Monitors within ATAK. The plugin provides critical biometric data including heart rate, heart rate variation, and cognitive condition to battlefield decision makers.
• TextronminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTough Stump developed the Shine Micro ATAK Plugin for Textron, bringing maritime situational awareness by integrating ATAK with Shine Micro's Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology. The plugin enables users to monitor vessel positions, movement patterns, and identification details in real time for waterborne operations.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Others

• Teledyne FLIR Defense: Teledyne FLIR supplies unmanned systems, sensors, and CBRN detection technologies to DoD and is an existing TST partner (CIDAS, EVA plugin development). Not a direct competitor but a systems-level partner whose products TST integrates into ATAK; comparable defense-tech end customer base.

Direct peers

• goTenna: goTenna produces mesh networking devices for off-grid tactical communications and is an existing TST integration partner. Direct peer in providing low-SWaP communications for austere operations, frequently integrated with ATAK in the same end-user workflows.
• Silvus Technologies: Silvus manufactures tactical mesh networking radios (StreamCaster) widely deployed with ATAK across DoD and SOF. Direct peer in the tactical communications layer that underpins ATAK-based situational awareness; both companies are addressing the comms-denied environment problem TST's ATOS also targets.
• Persistent Systems: Persistent Systems builds the MPU5 tactical mesh radio network commonly paired with ATAK for SOF and tactical communications. Direct peer in providing comms infrastructure that operates without cellular dependency in austere environments, serving the same end users in dismounted and vehicle-mounted tactical operations.
• Rajant Corporation: Rajant provides the BreadCrumb mobile mesh network platform widely used with ATAK and Manet radios across DoD, mining, and public safety. Comparable as a tactical mesh networking peer often deployed alongside ATOS in disconnected tactical environments.

Broad incumbents

• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a large defense prime offering tactical radios, resilient communications, and integrated situational awareness solutions. Broad incumbent serving the same DoD and SOF customer base with much larger portfolio scope; competes for tactical comms and ATAK-adjacent program dollars.
• Shield AI: Shield AI develops autonomous tactical UAS (Hivemind, Nova, V-BAT) and AI pilot software for DoD and special operations. Directly comparable as a defense-focused UAS and autonomy provider serving the same SOF customer base that TST supports through ATOS and FPV drone training.
• Anduril Industries: Anduril builds the Lattice situational awareness platform and tactical UAS solutions for DoD and allied forces, including SOF-relevant products. It is the most consequential broad incumbent competing for the same end customers (USASOC, DoW) with vastly greater capital resources and a vertically integrated hardware/software stack.

Emerging players

• Tomahawk Robotics: Tomahawk Robotics builds the Kinesis tactical robot and ATAK-integrated common control software for SOF and DoD. Comparable as a small specialist developer of ATAK-integrated software for unmanned systems, competing for similar custom plugin and integration contracts.
• Doodle Labs: Doodle Labs builds tactical mesh radio modules for drones, robotics, and soldier systems with frequent ATAK integration. Emerging peer in the tactical networking space, with comparable miniaturized, SWaP-optimized comms hardware serving unmanned systems and SOF users.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tough-stump-technologies
• Instagraminstagram.com/toughstump
• Facebookfacebook.com/toughstumptech

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 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 Tough Stump Technologies