The IP Company

What The IP Company does

The IP Company is a Netherlands-headquartered, privately held software developer that builds the Wireless Communication and Messaging System (WCMS), an IP PBX-based communication platform purpose-built for naval vessels, military compounds, and military airports. WCMS combines voice, video, chat, push-to-talk, and role-based messaging, and connects to ruggedised Android-based handheld devices over WiFi, TETRA, or Private LTE; sub-meter (~50 cm) Bluetooth Low Energy personnel and asset tracking is integrated into the platform. The product suite layers on WHAT'S UP Damage Control, ADTEL military-grade IP phones, a secure naval WiFi solution with virtual controllers, and multi-protocol gateways (UHF/VHF/GSM/Inmarsat/Iridium/NATO), with planned Wi-Fi 7 support for vessels launching in 2029 and an integration with BlackBerry SecuSUITE for Secret/Top Secret classified communications.

The technology stack is built on Linux, open standards, and open-source components running on a virtualised server within the customer's integrated military network; integrations include Thales Integrated Sensor & Communication Systems, Combat and Platform Management Systems, and STE encryption devices. Revenue is generated through a mix of one-time software licenses, hardware sales (ruggedised handhelds, ADTEL phones, gateways), multi-year maintenance and support contracts (e.g., a 3-year Royal Netherlands Navy maintenance contract covering Oceangoing Patrol Vessels, Joint Support Ship, and Combat Support Ship), and certified training services. Go-to-market is dominated by direct engagement with naval ministries and defence procurement offices, complemented by channel partners (e.g., Openapps Sdn Bhd in Malaysia) and technology integrations with BlackBerry, Thales, Damen Naval, EID, and Rohde & Schwarz; the company also leverages government-supported Partners in Business (PIB) trade missions under RVO/NIDV and active participation in defence exhibitions (DSEI UK, Euronaval, NEDS, Eurosatory, LIMA, DEFEA).

The company is led by CEO Ronald Koppelman, operates from Amsterdam-Duivendrecht with development capacity in Prague (and operations in Malaysia), and holds DNV Type Approval and Lloyd's Register Approval alongside certified integrations to NIAP, NATO Restricted, BSI, and CSfC standards via its BlackBerry partnership; financials remain undisclosed.

Name

The IP Company

Legal name

The IP Company

Website

https://theipcompany.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The IP Company is a Netherlands-based software developer that builds the Wireless Communication and Messaging System (WCMS), a secure IP PBX platform for voice, video, chat, and sub-meter BLE tracking aboard naval vessels, serving navies and defence primes such as the Royal Netherlands Navy, Damen Naval, and Thales Netherlands.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Naval Communication Software

NAICS

Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334220), Satellite Telecommunications (5174)

SIC

Communications Equipment, Nec (3669), Radiotelephone Communications (4812)

akta.pro primary industry

Defense Communications (Secure Radios, SATCOM Terminals, Crypto) (IMABAGAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine Communication & GMDSS Systems (VHF/HF/SATCOM) (IMAJAJAF), Mission-Critical & Public Safety Private Networks (MCX/LMR Interop) (HDAIAGAH)

Keywords

• Naval communication systems
• Wireless messaging platforms
• Secure military communications
• Naval vessel software
• Maritime defense technology

Headquarters

HQ city

Amsterdam

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. WCMS Software Sales and Licensing: Sale and licensing of the Wireless Communication and Messaging System software to naval and military organisations. The company installs its software within the integrated military network as a service on a VM server.
2. Ruggedised Hardware Sales: Sale of ruggedised handheld devices, ADTEL phones, wireless access points, and gateways that work with the WCMS platform.
3. Maintenance and Support Contracts: Multi-year maintenance contracts with navies (e.g., Royal Netherlands Navy 3-year maintenance contract) covering regular support, maintenance, software upgrades, and new hardware/software architecture updates.
4. Training Services: 5-day training sessions for navy crews on WCMS advanced features and system security, producing certified WCMS specialists.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The IP Company develops and sells the Wireless Communication and Messaging System (WCMS), an IP PBX-based software platform that enables secure voice, video, and chat communications aboard naval vessels over WiFi, TETRA, or Private LTE networks. The system is complemented by ruggedised handheld devices, ADTEL phones, secure naval Wi-Fi infrastructure, multi-protocol gateways, and the WHAT'S UP Damage Control module, sold primarily to navies and military organisations under direct government defence procurement.

Product overview

The IP Company offers a modular, integrated product portfolio anchored by the Wireless Communication and Messaging System (WCMS) - a comprehensive IP PBX communication platform for naval vessels. The WCMS serves as the core platform connecting specialized modules including WHAT'S UP Damage Control (disaster recovery and task management), Handheld Devices (ruggedized WiFi/TETRA/LTE communication devices), ADTEL Phones (military-grade IP telephony), Secure Naval WiFi-Solution (onboard wireless infrastructure), and Gateways (multi-protocol communication bridges for GSM, UHF/VHF, Inmarsat, Iridium, NATO connectors). The system leverages open-source building blocks, operates on Linux-based VM servers, and supports voice, video, chat, and real-time sensor integration for both day-to-day and emergency communications across naval, military, and offshore environments. The company also develops AI-powered track and trace solutions using Bluetooth Low Energy technology with sub-meter accuracy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Wireless Communication and Messaging System (WCMS)

Quantifiable outcome

• WCMS can track personnel with ~50cm accuracy using BLE technology
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

AI capability3 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

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

• BlackBerry Secure Communications (BlackBerry Limited)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 April 2026Strategic partnership to integrate BlackBerry SecuSUITE — certified to NIAP, NATO Restricted, BSI, and CSfC standards — into The IP Company's Wireless Communication & Messaging System (WCMS). The integration enables defence organisations to conduct secure, role-based communications across classification levels up to and including Secret and Top Secret. BlackBerry contributes high-assurance certifications; The IP Company contributes naval domain expertise and existing fleet deployments. Both companies position this as a long-term strategic alignment for global defence and critical infrastructure markets.
• Openapps Sdn BhdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026Regional partner based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, representing The IP Company in Southeast Asia. Openapps is a trusted defence and government technology provider specialising in modern electronics and secure IT systems for military planes, ships, and vehicles. Under the agreement, Openapps offers The IP Company's full range of wireless messaging systems and Bluetooth-based tracking tools, with fully trained local teams for setup, testing, and maintenance. The partnership was facilitated through the Partner in Business Programme, supported by Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and NIDV.
• EID (A Part of Griffith & Co)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership at NEDS trade shows and events. Joint presence highlighting solutions supporting the Ministry of Defence's core mission. Demonstrated secure NATO chat, video messaging, and AI-driven BLE track and trace solutions together.
• Thales NetherlandscoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner listed on The IP Company partners page. Thales provides Integrated Sensor & Communication Systems (ISCS) which integrate with the WCMS on ships including Joint Support Ship and Patrol Ships. ISCS includes Sea Master 400 radar, SeaWatcher 100 surface detection radar, gateKeeper electro-optical surveillance, and satellite radio communication.
• Damen NavalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing collaboration with Damen Naval shipyard for installation of WCMS on newbuild vessels. CSS Den Helder built by Damen Naval features The IP Company's WCMS. Joint participation in events including SAIL Amsterdam and DSEI UK.
• Surcom InternationalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a partner on The IP Company partners page.
• EutronixminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMobile smartphone partner supporting transformation of affordable COTS devices into specialised and secure devices meeting Navy's stringent security requirements.
• NIDV (Netherlands Industry for Defence and Security)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerCore government programme partner enabling participation in the Partners in Business (PIB) programme. NIDV facilitates trade missions, embassy activities, and market development programmes to Finland, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Greece. Organises Netherlands Pavilion at major defence exhibitions including DSEI, Euronaval, and NEDS.
• Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerGovernment agency supporting The IP Company's international expansion through the Partners in Business (PIB) programme. Enables access to trade missions, embassy activities, and market development in multiple countries.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Thales: Global defence prime and technology partner providing Integrated Sensor & Communication Systems (ISCS) that integrate with WCMS on Dutch naval vessels. Offers a much broader portfolio across radar, communications, and combat management.
• Saab: Swedish defence and naval systems prime offering 9LV combat management and integrated communications for naval vessels. Competes with The IP Company's WCMS in naval command and communications procurement.
• L3Harris Technologies: US defence prime providing tactical communications, secure radios, and integrated naval communications systems. Competes in classified defence communications procurement and holds comparable NATO/NIAP certifications.
• Elbit Systems: Israeli defence electronics company offering tactical communications, C4I systems, and naval solutions. Competes in the broader secure naval and military communications market across multiple geographies.
• Leonardo: Italian-headquartered defence and aerospace prime supplying naval communications, combat management, and integrated platform systems. Competes broadly in the same naval communications and electronic systems procurement processes as The IP Company.

Emerging players

• Frequentis: Austrian mission-critical communications provider serving air traffic management, public safety, and defence. Comparable in providing IP-based communication platforms for mission-critical environments with similar regulatory and certification requirements.

Others

• BlackBerry (Secure Communications): Strategic partner providing SecuSUITE certified secure communications integrated into WCMS. Comparable as a peer in the secure communications space but currently positioned as partner rather than competitor in naval deployments.
• Damen Naval: Dutch naval shipbuilder and long-standing collaborator installing WCMS on newbuild vessels including CSS Den Helder. Functions as a customer/integrator rather than direct competitor but shapes shipboard communications architecture decisions.

Direct peers

• EID: Portuguese defence communications company specialising in secure military communications, intercom systems, and tactical messaging for naval and land forces. Long-standing joint presence at NEDS and co-developer of secure NATO chat and AI-driven BLE track-and-trace solutions alongside The IP Company.
• Rohde & Schwarz: German defence communications manufacturer selected alongside The IP Company in a 12-month competition process for defence communication solutions. Provides secure radio and communications technology to military and government customers globally.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 The IP Company