Yelco
Yelco is a Portuguese telecommunications infrastructure company founded in 2014 that designs, manufactures, and distributes custom fiber optic components, branded telecom products, and Local Assembly Shop cable assemblies for telecom operators, data centers, and government clients across 26 countries in Europe and Africa.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersCastelo Branco, Portugal
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Yelco does
Yelco is a Portuguese telecommunications infrastructure products and solutions provider, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Castelo Branco, Portugal, with a team of approximately 48 employees. The company designs, manufactures, and distributes fiber optic connectivity components and custom telecom hardware for telecom operators, data centers, and government/municipal clients across Europe and Africa. Its product portfolio centers on three service pillars: Tailor-Made (bespoke product development from ideation through prototyping, injection molding, and packaging — including flagship items such as the Infinity FO Splice Closure supporting 288 to 1,152 fusion splices, the ODP adopted by Vodafone/NOS/MEO/DSTelecom, the Clamp for Securing Excess Slack, and the Compact Customer Drop Box); Brands We Love (distribution of 10 partner brands such as Brady, FiberFox, Planet, HellermannTyton, Lande, LogiLink, Yokogawa, WISI, and Jonard Tools across PoE, fiber optics, racks, testing, and labeling categories); and Local Assembly Shop (LAS), an in-house fiber optic cable assembly facility producing customized pigtails, patch cords, and pre-terminated cables via a dedicated custom cable production line operational since 2020. Yelco also operates within a broader Yelco Group alongside sister companies Twoosk (a B2B telecom marketplace) and Yelco Fiber Optics (Swiss-quality connector manufacturing).
Yelco's business model is hardware-centric and project-based: revenue is generated from one-off custom product development and manufacturing fees, per-unit LAS cable assembly orders, hardware margin on distributed partner brands, and integrated FiberLAN project delivery (in partnership with WISI for active equipment) for institutional clients such as the Portuguese Army and Municipality of Montijo. All pricing is quote-based with no publicly disclosed price tiers or recurring contracts. GTM is sales-led and enterprise-focused, with direct engagement by an International Sales Director, a Sales Director, and a Purchase & Commercial Manager targeting tier-1 telecom operators (Vodafone, NOS, MEO, DSTelecom), data center operators, and government buyers across 26 countries. The company self-claims 30–40% cost savings versus alternatives and supports its commercial activity with ISO 9001 certification, an in-house fiber optics lab, and injection molding capabilities across 12+ molds. Strategic reach spans at least Slovenia, Germany, Belgium, Spain, and African markets, with content marketing via the Yelco Blog positioning the firm as a thought leader in European FTTH economics, regulation (Digital Networks Act, Gigabit Infrastructure Act), and modular network design.
Yelco firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Yelco
- Legal name
- Yelco
- Website
- https://yelco.tech
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Yelco is a Portuguese telecommunications infrastructure company founded in 2014 that designs, manufactures, and distributes custom fiber optic components, branded telecom products, and Local Assembly Shop cable assemblies for telecom operators, data centers, and government clients across 26 countries in Europe and Africa.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Yelco industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Telecommunications Equipment & Fiber Optic Infrastructure
- NAICS
- Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing (335921), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (33429), Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334220)
- SIC
- Communications Equipment, Nec (3669), Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Fiber Optic Cabling (Singlemode/Multimode) (HDAFALAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cable Assemblies & Patch Cords (Copper/Fiber) (HDAFALAF), Fiber-Optic Interconnects (Connectors/Cables/Transceivers Interfaces) (HDAHAOAE), Cable Management & Pathways (Racks/Panels/Trays/Conduits/Organizers) (HDAFALAH), Cable Accessories & Joints/Terminations (splices, joints, terminations, link boxes) (EUADADAC)
Keywords
Where Yelco is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Castelo Branco
- HQ country
- Portugal
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Yelco business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Custom/Tailor-Made Product Development and Manufacturing: Yelco designs and produces custom telecom products for operators and network builders. Revenue is generated through bespoke product development fees and subsequent manufacturing, serving clients across Portugal, Europe, and Africa. Products include splice closures, distribution points, cable accessories, and fiber outlets under client branding.
- Local Assembly Shop (LAS) — Fiber Optic Cable Assembly: The LAS produces customized fiber optic cables, pigtails, and patch cords. Revenue is generated per unit production orders, with customization in connector types, cable specifications, and quantities. Serves both national and international clients.
- Branded Product Distribution (Brands We Love): Yelco distributes established telecom brands including PoE equipment, wireless networking, LAN switches, industrial networking, media converters, fiber optic cables, racks, testing tools, cleaning equipment, and labeling products. Revenue comes from mark-up on partner brand products sold to network operators and enterprises.
- FiberLAN and Network Infrastructure Projects: Yelco implements large-scale FiberLAN projects for institutional clients (Portuguese Army, Municipality of Montijo) in partnership with WISI for active equipment. Revenue is project-based for network design and deployment.
- Cold Aisle Projects and Technical Room Solutions: Yelco delivers Cold Aisle Projects in Technical Rooms for telecom operators, combining its own products with integrated solutions from partner brands for complete technical room infrastructure.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels4 records
Yelco product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Yelco designs, manufactures, and distributes telecom infrastructure products focused on fiber optic connectivity. Its core offering spans three service pillars: Tailor-Made (custom product design and manufacturing from ideation through injection molding and packaging), Brands We Love (distribution of established telecom brands across PoE, networking, fiber optics, racks, and tooling), and the Local Assembly Shop (LAS), an in-house fiber optic cable assembly facility producing customized pigtails, patch cords, and pre-terminated cables for telecom operators, data centers, and government institutions.
Product overview
Yelco is a telecommunications infrastructure products and solutions provider founded in 2014 and headquartered in Portugal, operating with approximately 48 employees. The company offers a multi-faceted portfolio organized around three core service pillars: (1) Tailor-Made custom product development and manufacturing for telecommunications operators, producing bespoke solutions from ideation through prototyping, production, and packaging; (2) Brands We Love distribution of established telecom equipment manufacturer products; and (3) Local Assembly Shop (LAS) for customized fiber optic connectivity solutions including cables, pigtails, and patch cords. Key proprietary products include the Infinity FO Splice Closure (288-1152 fusion splices), Clamp for Securing Excess Slack, Light SubRack 3U 19-inch cabinets, Compact Customer Drop Box, ODP (Optical Distribution Point), and Pre-Terminated Fiber Optic Outlets. The company also operates Twoosk, a B2B marketplace platform for the telecommunications sector, and Yelco Fiber Optics, a sub-brand specializing in customizable fiber optic cables with Swiss-quality assurance. Projects span telecommunications infrastructure, data centers, and customized labeling systems across 26 countries.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Tailor-Made Custom product development and manufacturing service for telecommunications operators. Yelco designs and produces bespoke fiber optic and telecom components from ideation through prototyping, injection molding, production, and packaging, including products such as the Infinity Closure, ODP, and custom fiber optic accessories developed to client specification. Target customers are telecom operators, data center operators, and institutional/government buyers needing components unavailable in the market.
- Local Assembly Shop (LAS) In-house fiber optic cable assembly and manufacturing service producing customized connectivity solutions including fiber optic cables, pigtails, and patch cords. Supports highly specific quantities, connector types, and deadline-driven orders with quality control and scalability. Target customers are telecom operators, data centers, and network integrators in Portugal and internationally.
- Brands We Love (Partner Brand Distribution) Distribution and resale of established telecom equipment manufacturer products across categories including switches, media converters, PoE equipment, fiber optic cables, rack cabinets, test equipment, and accessories. Brand portfolio includes WISI, HellermannTyton, FiberFox, Planet, Brady, Ensure, Lande, LogiLink, Yokogawa, and Jonard Tools. Serves telecom operators, network integrators, and enterprise buyers needing proven third-party telecom equipment.
- Infinity FO Splice Closure Proprietary fiber optic splice closure accommodating 288 to 1152 fusion splices, designed for easy and sustainable network expansion. The product is unique in the market and adopted by tier-1 operators including Vodafone and NOS in Portugal.
- ODP (Optical Distribution Point) Optical Distribution Point product adopted by leading national operators including Vodafone, NOS, MEO, and DSTelecom for FTTH network deployments in Portugal.
- Clamp for Securing Excess Slack Reusable accessory for fixing and sustaining excess slack in fiber optic aerial cable networks. Solves the problem of securing telecom cables packed in coils, adaptable to network configuration with high mechanical resistance.
- Light SubRack 3U 19-inch 3U rack-mountable structure for Data Center 19-inch cabinets supporting up to 12 modules with 12 or 24 optical fibers (SC, LC, E2000 connectors). Weighs under 1 kg, with adjustable depth (10, 20, 30 mm), front handles, and rear anchor installation.
- Compact Customer Drop Box Versatile, water-tight compact drop box for pole, facade, or manhole installations, holding 8 connectors and 96 fusions. Adapts to any environment and ensures secure fiber drop connections for FTTH networks.
- Pre-Terminated Fiber Optic Outlets (Germany) Factory-terminated fiber optic outlets with full bundle service: cable homologation, manufacturing, and customized packaging. Developed for clients in Germany (2021) and Spain (2022), delivered as ready-to-use products for field deployment under the client's branding.
- Optical Termination Box (Belgium Operator) Custom optical termination box developed for a Belgium operator with compact dimensions, high fusion capacity, installation versatility, and watertightness. Project completed within one year from initial meetings to first-unit delivery.
- FiberLAN Solutions Local fiber optic network (FiberLAN) solutions designed and implemented for institutional clients in partnership with WISI for active equipment. Yelco serves as prime contractor, handling product supply, project design, and implementation coordination. Clients include the Portuguese Army and the Municipality of Montijo.
Quantifiable outcome
- 30-40% savings on products compared to alternatives
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Yelco
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Yelco technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature9 records
Yelco partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- TwooskcoreTwoosk is a sister company within the Yelco Group and operates as a marketplace for the telecommunications sector, connecting professionals from around the world to facilitate their digital transformation. Twoosk helps sellers increase their awareness and digital footprint in new markets, connecting them with buyers looking for solutions for their projects. It serves as a digital community where professionals exchange information, products, and knowledge.
- Yelco Fiber OpticscoreYelco Fiber Optics is a sister company within the Yelco Group, specializing in highly customizable fiber optic cables with Swiss-quality connector manufacturing. It emphasizes quality, speed, and delivery capacity as its strong points, complementing Yelco's custom product development and assembly capabilities.
- WISIcoreYelco partners with WISI for active equipment in FiberLAN projects. Yelco has successfully implemented two large-scale FiberLAN projects for the Portuguese Army and Municipality of Montijo using WISI active equipment alongside its own passive infrastructure products. WISI is a global pioneer in reception and distribution technology with over nine decades of experience in CATV, mobile communication, and high-frequency equipment.
- BradyminorBrady is a manufacturer of complete solutions that identify and protect people, products, and places, including high-performance labels, signs, safety devices, printing systems, and software. Yelco distributes Brady products as part of its 'Brands We Love' portfolio.
- EnsureminorEnsure specializes in manufacturing own PLC wafers, chips, FA arrays, and ceramic ferrules. The company has developed complex, industry-leading processes including plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition and ultrasonics. Yelco distributes Ensure products as part of its Brands We Love portfolio.
- FiberFoxminorFiberFox is a Korean company founded in 2013, specialized in the development of fusion splicing machines and associated components. Yelco distributes FiberFox products as part of its Brands We Love portfolio.
- PlanetminorPlanet, founded in 1993, is a leading global provider of IP-based networking products and solutions for SMBs and enterprises. Yelco distributes Planet products as part of its Brands We Love portfolio.
- HellermannTytonminorHellermannTyton is a leading manufacturer of high-performance fastening tools that help world-class customers manage wire, cable, and components. Yelco distributes HellermannTyton products as part of its Brands We Love portfolio.
- LandeminorLande is an ICT ecosystem solution provider specialized in rack cabinets and enclosures, PDUs, environmental monitoring systems, remote control systems, precision cooling systems, and further ICT products since 2012. Yelco distributes Lande products as part of its Brands We Love portfolio.
- LogiLinkminorLogiLink offers a strong portfolio of computer and networking products combining key technology, continuous innovation, modern design, and excellent price-performance ratio. Yelco distributes LogiLink products as part of its Brands We Love portfolio.
- YokogawaminorYokogawa is a leading provider of Industrial Automation and Test and Measurement solutions, combining superior technology with engineering services, project management, and maintenance. Yelco distributes Yokogawa products as part of its Brands We Love portfolio.
- Jonard ToolsminorJonard Tools is a globally recognized manufacturer of high-precision, durable, and innovative tools for fiber optics, telecommunications, and electronics. Every tool is engineered to enhance field efficiency, reduce installation time, and ensure consistent performance. Yelco distributes Jonard Tools as part of its Brands We Love portfolio.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Yelco competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Corning Incorporated: Corning is a global leader in optical fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions, serving major telecom operators worldwide. Major incumbent with comparable fiber optic product portfolio to Yelco but vastly larger R&D, manufacturing scale, and global distribution.
- AFL Telecommunications: AFL (a subsidiary of Fujikura) manufactures fiber optic cables, closures, connectivity, and accessories for telecom operators and network builders. Closely comparable product portfolio to Yelco in splice closures, ODPs, and fiber assemblies, but at significantly larger scale.
- Furukawa Electric: Furukawa Electric is a global manufacturer of optical fiber cables and connectivity products serving telecom operators across Latin America, EMEA, and Asia. Competes with Yelco in fiber optic cable and connectivity for FTTH deployments.
- Leviton Network Solutions: Leviton provides fiber optic cabling, connectivity, and network infrastructure solutions for enterprise, data center, and telecom markets. Competes with Yelco in fiber optic cabling and connectivity with a broader, more standardized product offering.
- CommScope: CommScope provides fiber optic cabling, connectivity, and network infrastructure solutions for telecom operators, data centers, and enterprises. Broad incumbent offering competing fiber optic products and operator-grade infrastructure solutions similar to Yelco's portfolio.
- R&M (Reichle & De-Massari): R&M is a Swiss-based developer and manufacturer of fiber optic cabling and connectivity solutions for telecom and data center markets. Comparable fiber connectivity product portfolio to Yelco, with comparable mid-sized European footprint and operator customer base.
- Prysmian Group: Prysmian is the world's largest cable manufacturer with a leading position in fiber optic cables for telecom networks. Broad incumbent competitor serving the same operator customers as Yelco but at global scale with standardized product portfolios.
Others
- HellermannTyton: HellermannTyton is a leading manufacturer of cable management, fastening, and identification products serving telecom and network infrastructure markets. Yelco distributes HellermannTyton products through its Brands We Love channel, making them a partner/ecosystem participant rather than direct competitor.
Direct peers
- Opterna: Opterna is a fiber optic connectivity solutions provider offering custom cable assemblies, patch cords, and fiber infrastructure products to telecom operators and data centers globally. Direct competitor to Yelco in customized fiber connectivity solutions for operators and enterprise networks.
Emerging players
- FiberFox: FiberFox is a Korean manufacturer of fusion splicing machines and fiber optic tools, also distributed through Yelco's Brands We Love channel. Adjacent emerging player in the fiber optic tooling segment with partial product overlap in fiber infrastructure equipment.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Yelco social profiles
Digital presenceYelco financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Yelco leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Yelco funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Yelco 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 Yelco
What does Yelco do?
Yelco designs, manufactures, and distributes telecom infrastructure products focused on fiber optic connectivity. Its core offering spans three service pillars: Tailor-Made (custom product design and manufacturing from ideation through injection molding and packaging), Brands We Love (distribution of established telecom brands across PoE, networking, fiber optics, racks, and tooling), and the Local Assembly Shop (LAS), an in-house fiber optic cable assembly facility producing customized pigtails, patch cords, and pre-terminated cables for telecom operators, data centers, and government institutions.
Is Yelco a public or private company?
Yelco is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Yelco founded?
Yelco was founded in 2014. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Yelco based?
Yelco is headquartered in Castelo Branco, Portugal, in the Europe region.
How does Yelco make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Custom/Tailor-Made Product Development and Manufacturing is the primary driver. The others are local Assembly Shop (LAS) — Fiber Optic Cable Assembly, branded Product Distribution (Brands We Love), fiberLAN and Network Infrastructure Projects and cold Aisle Projects and Technical Room Solutions.
Who are Yelco's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Corning Incorporated, AFL Telecommunications, Furukawa Electric, Leviton Network Solutions, CommScope, R&M (Reichle & De-Massari) and Prysmian Group. HellermannTyton is listed as an others. Opterna is listed as a direct peer. FiberFox is listed as an emerging player.
Does Yelco have an API?
No public API is recorded for Yelco.
What industry is Yelco in?
Yelco's product category is Telecommunications Equipment & Fiber Optic Infrastructure. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAFALAB, Fiber Optic Cabling (Singlemode/Multimode), with a secondary code of HDAFALAF, Cable Assemblies & Patch Cords (Copper/Fiber). Its NAICS code is 335921 and its SIC code is 3669.