GroundControl (YC X25)
GroundControl is a US vertical SaaS platform that automates AS9102 First Article Inspection for aerospace and defense manufacturers, using AI to balloon drawings, extract GD&T, and generate audit-ready reports for EMS, machining, and A&D suppliers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersSan Jose, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What GroundControl (YC X25) does
GroundControl Software, Inc. is a US-based vertical SaaS company, founded in 2024 and headquartered in San Jose, California, that builds a cloud-based quality management platform purpose-built for aerospace and defense manufacturers and their EMS/machining supply chain. Its core capability is automating AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) workflows: the platform uses computer-vision OCR with a manufacturing-aware "logic layer" to auto-balloon engineering drawings, extract dimensions, GD&T feature control frames, and notes, and generate audit-ready AS9102 Rev C Forms 1, 2, and 3. Adjacent modules cover supplier quality management, quality reporting, FAIR data import, and CMMC-aligned ITAR visitor check-in, with CMM integrations across Hexagon, Zeiss, Keyence, Micro-Vu, and MicroRidge.
The platform is delivered as a multi-tenant SaaS product with a US AWS GovCloud deployment for ITAR and CUI workloads, and the company holds ITAR registration, NIST SP 800-171 compliance, Controlled Goods Program registration, and is pursuing FedRAMP Moderate Equivalency. GroundControl monetizes via per-facility subscription pricing with unlimited users bundled, supported by a direct sales motion anchored on a website "Book a Demo" funnel, content marketing, trade-show presence (Farnborough Airshow), and channel partnerships led by ProShop ERP. It is backed by Y Combinator (X25), 8VC, Deep Acre, and Shah Capital Ventures, and operates with a stated 5-person team.
The primary customer base consists of small and mid-market aerospace and defense suppliers — including FFMP, Summit Interconnect, Lake County Tool Works, Phenx Products, AdvancedPCB, Cupps Industrial Supply, Rocket EMS, EMI, Green Circuits, Emerald Technologies, and US Circuits — with secondary exposure to automotive and life sciences manufacturers seeking inspection and compliance documentation. The company markets reported outcome metrics of 50-70% FAI time reduction and 5x faster report generation, though revenue and ARR figures are not publicly disclosed.
GroundControl (YC X25) firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- GroundControl (YC X25)
- Legal name
- Ground Control Software, Inc.
- Website
- https://gndctl.com
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- GroundControl is a US vertical SaaS platform that automates AS9102 First Article Inspection for aerospace and defense manufacturers, using AI to balloon drawings, extract GD&T, and generate audit-ready reports for EMS, machining, and A&D suppliers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
GroundControl (YC X25) industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Quality Management Software for Regulated Manufacturing
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- NDT/Inspection & Testing Services (Aviation) (IMABALAJ)
Keywords
Where GroundControl (YC X25) is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Jose
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
GroundControl (YC X25) business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Subscription SaaS - Per Facility: GroundControl charges by facility, not by license. Customers receive unlimited users at no extra cost per facility. This is a per-organization/facility subscription model with annual or multi-year billing implied by the platform's focus on regulated manufacturing environments.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Per Facility Pricing with Unlimited Users |
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
GroundControl (YC X25) product offering
Product offeringCore offering
GroundControl is a cloud-based SaaS platform that automates AS9102 Rev C First Article Inspection (FAI) and quality-reporting workflows for aerospace, defense, and other regulated manufacturers. It uses AI-powered OCR with a manufacturing-context logic layer to auto-balloon 2D PDF engineering drawings, extract dimensions, tolerances, GD&T, and Feature Control Frames, and generate compliant AS9102 Forms 1, 2, and 3 with built-in AI-assisted review and approval flows.
Product overview
GroundControl is a cloud-based vertical SaaS platform for regulated manufacturing quality workflows, consisting of a core platform and five named modules: First Article Inspection Software, Supplier Quality Management Software, Quality Reporting Software, CMMC Check-In Software, and a FAIR Import Module. The platform's core use case is automating AS9102 Rev C FAIR generation, review, and analysis for aerospace and defense suppliers. All modules share a unified data model so that inspection results, evidence, and approvals flow between first article, supplier quality, and compliance workflows without disconnected tools.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- GroundControl Platform (Core AS9102 FAI Software) Cloud-based vertical SaaS platform purpose-built for generating, reviewing, and analyzing AS9102 Rev C inspection reports for regulated manufacturers (aerospace, defense, automotive, life sciences). Includes AI auto-ballooning, AI-assisted review and approval flows, FedRAMP Moderate Equivalency, and modules for FAI, supplier quality, quality reporting, CMMC check-in, and FAIR import.
- First Article Inspection Software Module that auto-balloons drawings, extracts characteristics, and delivers AS9102 Rev C compliant FAIR packages (Forms 1, 2, 3) without rework. Exportable to AS9102C, PPAP, Net-Inspect, and Excel. For aerospace and defense suppliers and EMS companies that need AS9102-compliant first article reporting.
- Supplier Quality Management Software Module for centralizing supplier submissions, validating against flow-down requirements, and managing corrective actions in a traceable workflow. Includes aggregated analysis across suppliers and parts to spot risk early and drive faster approvals. For OEMs and tier-1 buyers who must standardize supplier FAIR packages.
- Quality Reporting Software End-to-end quality reporting module covering FAIR generation, review, and analysis. Validates data against design limits, flags missing characteristics, and generates customer-ready reports. For quality teams needing compliant inspection reporting across parts and suppliers.
- CMMC Check-In Software (ITAR Visitor Check-In) Regulated lobby and visitor control software aligned with CMMC 2.0, supporting ITAR compliance for facility and visitor workflows. Provides controlled access and audit trails for facility visitors. For aerospace and defense manufacturers subject to CMMC visitor-control obligations.
- FAIR Import Module Purpose-built module for importing existing AS9102 FAIR data (Forms 1-3, hierarchies, supporting documentation, and customer-specific formats) into GroundControl, enabling shops to switch systems without losing historical inspection data, traceability, or repeat-order continuity.
Companies that use GroundControl (YC X25)
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
GroundControl (YC X25) technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration9 records
AI capability6 records
Feature7 records
GroundControl (YC X25) partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- ProShop ERPflagshipProShop ERP is GroundControl's featured ERP partner for machine shops in regulated industries. The one-click integration seamlessly and automatically pushes data between GroundControl and ProShop, saving time and reducing the risk of human error. GroundControl is positioned as ProShop's Inspection Data Module, extending ProShop's quality capabilities.
- MicroRidgecoreMicroRidge provides measurement collection solutions that connect digital and RS-232 devices, from a single gage to hundreds, with accurate exports to Excel, SPC tools, or cloud systems. GroundControl integrates with MicroRidge's MobileCollect Wireless and GageWay Wired interfaces for seamless CMM and gage data capture.
- Quadrant Automated ServicesminorCalibration services provider for CMMs and Romer Arms, serving Southern California since 2015 with reliable turnaround and customer support. Listed as a trusted metrology partner on the GroundControl partners page.
- California Metrology SolutionsminorA family-owned aerospace partner focused on quality, innovation, and sustainable manufacturing relationships. Listed as a trusted metrology partner on the GroundControl partners page.
- ZeisscoreZeiss is a major CMM (coordinate measuring machine) manufacturer whose equipment integrates with GroundControl for automated measurement result import. Listed as a seamless integration on the main website.
- HexagoncoreHexagon is a major metrology and CMM manufacturer whose equipment integrates with GroundControl for automated measurement result import. Listed as a seamless integration on the main website.
- KeyencecoreKeyence is a major sensor and measurement equipment manufacturer whose CMM products integrate with GroundControl. Listed as a seamless integration on the main website alongside Zeiss and Hexagon.
- Net-InspectcoreNet-Inspect is a supplier quality and FAI portal platform. GroundControl can export to AS9102 packages compatible with Net-Inspect and similar customer submission portals. Listed as a seamless integration on the main website.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
GroundControl (YC X25) competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- ETQ (Hexagon): Long-standing QMS platform for regulated industries including aerospace and defense, now part of Hexagon. Competes with GroundControl for the same quality/compliance budget but as part of a broader enterprise QMS suite rather than a focused FAI point solution.
- DELMIAWorks (Dassault Systèmes): Manufacturing ERP with integrated QMS modules sold to discrete manufacturers including aerospace suppliers. Overlaps with GroundControl on shop-floor quality workflows but as part of a much broader ERP/MES stack from Dassault.
- Ideagen: UK-based provider of QMS, audit, and compliance software (including Q-Pulse and previously acquired Gael solutions) with strong aerospace/defense penetration. Competes with GroundControl on supplier quality and AS9100-series workflows for regulated manufacturers.
- MasterControl: QMS platform for regulated industries (life sciences, aerospace, medical devices) with document control, training, and quality workflows. Targets the same compliance-driven manufacturing buyers as GroundControl.
- Honeywell TrackWise (Sparta Systems): Enterprise QMS sold to life sciences and aerospace manufacturers as part of Honeywell's industrial software portfolio. Competes with GroundControl on regulated-industry quality workflows with a much larger installed base and sales footprint.
- Pilgrim Quality Solutions (Accruent): Enterprise QMS suite (now part of Accruent) used by regulated manufacturers including aerospace and defense suppliers. Overlaps with GroundControl on supplier quality and audit workflows but offers a much broader compliance platform.
Direct peers
- Net-Inspect: Supplier-quality and AS9102 FAI submission portal used by aerospace/defense primes to receive and validate supplier first-article packages. Directly overlaps with GroundControl's FAI generation and supplier-quality modules and is integrated as a downstream export destination.
- ComplianceQuest: Cloud QMS built natively on Salesforce targeting manufacturers in aerospace, medical devices, and other regulated industries. Competes head-on with GroundControl for the same mid-market QA buyer and similar compliance-driven use cases.
- Verisurf Software: Metrology-driven inspection and reporting software for CMMs and shop-floor quality, commonly used by aerospace and defense suppliers. Directly competes with GroundControl on FAI generation, ballooning, and CMM result workflows.
Emerging players
- Arena Solutions (PTC): Cloud PLM and quality-management platform (now part of PTC) targeting discrete manufacturers including electronics and aerospace suppliers. Adjacent to GroundControl on BOM and document-control workflows supporting FAI packages.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
GroundControl (YC X25) social profiles
Digital presenceGroundControl (YC X25) compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
GroundControl (YC X25) financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
GroundControl (YC X25) leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
GroundControl (YC X25) funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
GroundControl (YC X25) 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 GroundControl (YC X25)
What does GroundControl (YC X25) do?
GroundControl is a cloud-based SaaS platform that automates AS9102 Rev C First Article Inspection (FAI) and quality-reporting workflows for aerospace, defense, and other regulated manufacturers. It uses AI-powered OCR with a manufacturing-context logic layer to auto-balloon 2D PDF engineering drawings, extract dimensions, tolerances, GD&T, and Feature Control Frames, and generate compliant AS9102 Forms 1, 2, and 3 with built-in AI-assisted review and approval flows.
Is GroundControl (YC X25) a public or private company?
GroundControl (YC X25) is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was GroundControl (YC X25) founded?
GroundControl (YC X25) was founded in -1. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is GroundControl (YC X25) based?
GroundControl (YC X25) is headquartered in San Jose, United States, in the North America region.
How does GroundControl (YC X25) make money?
One revenue line is on record: subscription SaaS - Per Facility.
Who are GroundControl (YC X25)'s main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are ETQ (Hexagon), DELMIAWorks (Dassault Systèmes), Ideagen, MasterControl, Honeywell TrackWise (Sparta Systems) and Pilgrim Quality Solutions (Accruent). Direct peers are Net-Inspect, ComplianceQuest and Verisurf Software. Arena Solutions (PTC) is listed as an emerging player.
Does GroundControl (YC X25) have an API?
No public API is recorded for GroundControl (YC X25).
What industry is GroundControl (YC X25) in?
GroundControl (YC X25)'s product category is Quality Management Software for Regulated Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABALAJ, NDT/Inspection & Testing Services (Aviation). Its SIC code is 7372.