What Interactive Technologies does

Interactive Technologies, Inc. is a privately held, founder-led electronics company based in Olathe, Kansas, that designs and sells ruggedized wireless control systems and human-machine interface modules primarily for the marine industry, with secondary exposure to automotive, recreation (RV/spa), and agriculture end markets. Founded in 1997 by Rob Dorrell, the company has shipped a stream of industry-first wireless products over nearly three decades, including the first waterproof wireless remote control (2000), the first wireless trim tab controller (2006), the first RF wireless stereo remote platform later adopted by Clarion, Kenwood, Jensen, Alpine, JVC, Sony, Fusion, and JL Audio (2009), and the N3RD platform that became the largest Kickstarter project in Kansas history at launch (2012).

The company's current product portfolio is anchored by two core platforms: Pi Switch, a programmable, Bluetooth 5.1-configured smart wireless switch with internal fusing, adjustable trip points, and full RGB backlighting (priced roughly $100-$118 per unit); and iCandy, a GUI-Box marine media server launched in 2025 that adds custom interface overlays to Garmin and Simrad multifunction displays via the NMEA 2000 bus ($500-$525). The remainder of the catalog consists of branded wireless remote controls designed as plug-in replacements or accessories for partner-installed systems, including Aquamatic boat lifts, Glendinning Cablemaster, Sea-Legs pontoon lifts, Shurco Smart2 trailers, and NMEA 2000-compatible marine audio head units from JL Audio, Fusion, Kicker, and Wet Sounds. Underlying technology spans embedded RF and BLE wireless, NMEA 2000 marine networking, mobile application configuration, and IP-rated hardware engineered for -40F to +185F operation.

Interactive Technologies generates revenue almost exclusively through one-time hardware unit sales ($19.99 to $525 per SKU) via a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront (shop.ideasthatfloat.com) and a small set of channel partners, most recently E&P Marine (2026). There is no disclosed subscription or recurring component to the model, no outside institutional capital, and no parent company; the firm operates with 11-50 employees and is bootstrapped. The founder remains the only disclosed member of the management team.

Name

Interactive Technologies

Legal name

Interactive Technologies, Inc.

Website

https://ideasthatfloat.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Interactive Technologies, founded in 1997 in Olathe, Kansas, designs and sells rugged wireless RF control systems and marine human-machine interface modules for the marine, automotive, recreation, and agriculture markets, anchored by the Pi Switch smart switch and iCandy GUI-Box products.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Electronics

NAICS

Switchgear and Switchboard Apparatus Manufacturing (335313), Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334220), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Switchgear & Switchboard Apparatus (3613), Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Integrated Marine Electrical Systems & Switchboards (IMAJAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Fishing Electronics & Marine Tech Retail (Fishfinders, GPS, Sonar) (CRAMALAH)

Keywords

• Wireless remote controls
• Marine electronics systems
• Programmable smart switches
• NMEA 2000 integration
• Boat lift controls

Headquarters

HQ city

Olathe

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Hardware Product Sales: One-time sale of electronic hardware products including wireless remote controls, smart switches, marine media servers, cables, and accessories through their e-commerce store. Products range from $19.99 to $525.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Interactive Technologies designs and manufactures rugged wireless RF control systems for marine, automotive, recreational, and agricultural applications. Its core product lines are Pi Switch — a programmable, IP-rated smart wireless switch configurable via a Bluetooth 5.1 mobile app — and iCandy, a next-generation marine media server and GUI-Box platform that plugs into Garmin and Simrad multifunction displays over NMEA 2000. The company also sells a portfolio of branded wireless remotes (Aquamatic, Glendinning, Sea-Legs, Shurco, JL Audio/Fusion) directly through its own e-commerce store.

Product overview

Interactive Technologies operates as a product portfolio company providing specialized electronics for marine, automotive, recreation, and agriculture markets. The company offers two core product lines: Pi Switch (programmable wireless smart switches with Bluetooth 5.1 app configuration, RGB backlighting, and NMEA 2000 integration) and iCandy (next-generation marine user interface/GUI-Box platforms for Garmin and Simrad multifunction displays via NMEA2000 bus). The portfolio also includes branded wireless remote controls under Aquamatic (boat lifts), JL Audio/Fusion (marine audio), Glendinning Cablemaster, Sea-Legs, and Shurco Smart2, along with cables and adapters. Founded in 1997 by Rob Dorrell, the company has a 25+ year history of wireless control innovation spanning RF stereo remotes, lighting control, and vehicle control systems.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• iCandy: Enhanced custom marine displays and next-generation marine user interface platform featuring GUI-Box technology for Garmin and Simrad multifunction displays.
• Pi Switch

Products and services

• Pi Switch Rugged, programmable, wireless smart switch built for marine, automotive, and harsh-industrial applications. Available in single-output (10A) and dual-output (2x10A or 20A bridged) versions, configured via a Bluetooth 5.1 mobile app with full RGB backlighting, IP-rated enclosure, internal fusing, and adjustable trip points; installs in a standard 22mm hole and operates from -40F to +185F.
• iCandy Marine Media Server and Gauge Package (Garmin BlueNet) GUI-Box module that adds custom user-interface overlays to Garmin BlueNet multifunction displays over the NMEA 2000 bus, with plug-and-play installation. Dimensions: 4 x 3 x 1.25 inches.
• iCandy Marine Media Server and Gauge Package (Garmin and Simrad) GUI-Box module that integrates with Garmin and Simrad multifunction displays over the NMEA 2000 bus to provide custom UI overlays and enhanced on-board control.
• Aquamatic Boat Lift Remote Control — 315MHz Direct replacement wireless transmitter compatible with 315 MHz Aquamatic boat lift controllers, with 1,000 feet maximum range and Bluetooth/NMEA 2000/RF connectivity.
• JL Audio/Fusion NMEA 2000 Remote Control Universal wireless remote for marine audio head units, compatible with JL Audio, Fusion, Kicker, and Wet Sounds systems via the NMEA 2000 bus with plug-and-play installation.
• Glendinning Cablemaster Wireless Remote Control Wireless remote control system (PN 04155) for operating Glendinning Cablemaster retractable shore-power cable systems in marine and RV applications.
• Sea-Legs Remote Control — Twin Pontoon Integrated Boat Lift Wireless remote for Sea-Legs Twin Pontoon Integrated Boat Lifts, with 1,000 feet range and support for up to 8 paired devices, providing push-button raise and lower operation.
• Shurco Smart2 Wireless Remote + Charging Cradle + Power Supply Wireless remote transmitter bundle for Shurco SMART2 and Lightall systems, with 100 feet range, backlit LCD, SmartTech wireless protocol, and support for up to 100 paired devices; operates grain trailer tarps, hopper bottom doors, end dump tailgates, and lighting.
• BlueNet Adapter Cable (BlueNet to RJ45 Ethernet) Adapter cable connecting Garmin BlueNet devices to an Ethernet network or router via an RJ45 port with plug-and-play setup for wired data transfer.

Quantifiable outcome

• Pi Switch app enables configuration and lighting setup in minutes, with profile saving for quick setup on subsequent installations.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration14 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• E&P MarinecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026Established a strategic partnership with E&P Marine in 2026 for distribution of marine products. E&P Marine serves as a channel partner/distributor for Interactive Technologies marine product line including iCandy and Pi Switch products.
• AccuAirminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Partnership with AccuAir began in 2012 to develop advanced vehicle control solutions. This represents a co-development relationship for vehicle control technology.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• JL Audio: Marine audio and head unit manufacturer whose head units are explicitly supported by Interactive Technologies' NMEA 2000 wireless remotes. Direct collaboration partner (2009 stereo remote platform) and competing provider of marine audio control ecosystems.
• Shurco: Manufacturer of tarp and trailer control systems for agricultural and trucking applications; Interactive Technologies produces Shurco Smart2 compatible wireless remotes. Comparable in ruggedized wireless industrial/agricultural control electronics.
• Lewmar: Marine equipment manufacturer (windlasses, anchors, etc.); Interactive Technologies developed the first wireless windlass control system for Lewmar in 2006. Highly comparable in marine-grade ruggedized wireless control electronics.
• Fusion Entertainment: Marine audio brand (now owned by Garmin) whose head units integrate with Interactive Technologies' wireless remotes via NMEA 2000. Comparable in marine audio electronics manufacturing and marine-grade product design philosophy.
• AccuAir: Specialty automotive air suspension control systems manufacturer and partner of Interactive Technologies since 2012 for advanced vehicle control solutions. Comparable in intelligent vehicle electronic control platforms.
• Glendinning Marine: Marine Cablemaster manufacturer and longtime partner of Interactive Technologies (since 2005) — Interactive Technologies designed the first wireless Cablemaster control system for Glendinning. Directly comparable in marine electrical control systems.
• Lectrotab: Marine trim tab manufacturer; Interactive Technologies designed the industry's first wireless trim tab controller with visual position feedback for Lectrotab in 2006. Comparable in marine wireless control hardware.

Broad incumbents

• Simrad: Major marine multifunction display manufacturer (Navico brand). iCandy GUI-Box is explicitly compatible with Simrad MFDs via NMEA 2000, positioning Simrad as both a distribution channel and potential competitive threat.
• Navico: Parent company of marine electronics brands including Simrad, Lowrance, and B&G. Highly relevant as an incumbent marine electronics platform owner whose MFD products integrate with Interactive Technologies' iCandy product line.
• Garmin: Garmin dominates marine electronics including multifunction displays, marine audio (via JL Audio/Fusion), and chartplotters. iCandy integrates directly with Garmin BlueNet MFDs, making Garmin the most relevant incumbent for both partnership leverage and competitive risk.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

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 Interactive Technologies