Zipwake AB
Zipwake AB, founded in Sweden in 2015 by hydrodynamics PhD Niclas Olofsson, designs and sells fast-acting Dynamic Trim Control Systems for 20–100 ft boats, serving recreational boaters, OEMs (Beneteau, Viking, Tiara, Princess) and government/commercial operators via a 34-country distributor and OEM channel.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersÖstra Frölunda, Sweden
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Zipwake AB does
Zipwake AB is a Swedish marine technology company that designs, manufactures and distributes Dynamic Trim Control Systems for planing and semi-planing boats between 20 and 100 feet. Founded by Niclas Olofsson, a PhD in hydrodynamics who originated the interceptor concept in 1994 and previously co-founded Humphree for commercial shipping, the company launched its first product line in 2014 and was formally incorporated as Zipwake AB in 2015. The core technology replaces conventional trim tabs with fast-acting vertical interceptor blades (30–60 mm travel, 0.3-second full-stroke actuation) that automatically correct pitch and roll using built-in GPS, 3D gyro sensors and a proprietary motion controller, claiming average fuel savings of 4–9% and up to 18–20% in selected cases.
The product portfolio consists of three interceptor families (Series S for boats up to 50 ft, Series E for boats up to 100 ft and PRO for premium performance on vessels up to 100 ft) plus supporting modules including a Control Panel with integrated GPS and 3D gyros, a Mini Controller introduced at Metstrade 2023, and an Integrator Module that exposes the system on the major marine MFD/chartplotter platforms (Garmin, Simrad, B&G, Lowrance, Raymarine, Q Experience). Manufacturing is centralized at a state-of-the-art facility in Västra Frölunda, Sweden, under a "Made in Sweden — for the world" positioning, with 25+ interceptor models covering straight, chine, rounded, tunnel and V-shaped configurations for different hull types.
Zipwake monetizes through hardware sales of interceptor systems and upgrade kits (e.g., Series S/E to PRO). It reaches customers via a three-channel go-to-market model: a global distributor network of roughly 40 partners across 34 countries (recent additions include Western Marine in Canada, INMATECH in Norway and Thermoprodukter in Sweden), a dealer network for retrofit retail sales, and direct OEM relationships with powerboat and yacht builders — among them Beneteau, Jeanneau, Viking, Princess, Tiara, Saxdor, Scout, Horizon and Surtees — plus institutional buyers such as the Italian Coast Guard for 800 Valentijn SAR patrol boats. Customers cumulatively span recreational boaters, professional/commercial operators (ferries, search-and-rescue) and boat manufacturers, with 65,000+ systems installed worldwide.
Zipwake AB firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Zipwake AB
- Legal name
- Zipwake AB
- Website
- https://zipwake.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Zipwake AB, founded in Sweden in 2015 by hydrodynamics PhD Niclas Olofsson, designs and sells fast-acting Dynamic Trim Control Systems for 20–100 ft boats, serving recreational boaters, OEMs (Beneteau, Viking, Tiara, Princess) and government/commercial operators via a 34-country distributor and OEM channel.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Zipwake AB is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Östra Frölunda
- HQ country
- Sweden
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Zipwake AB business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Interceptor Hardware Sales: Sale of Dynamic Trim Control Systems including interceptors, control panels, distribution units, and Integrator Modules. The system allows up to six interceptors (three on each side) with various interceptor models for different hull types.
- Aftermarket/Upgrade Sales: Sale of upgrade kits to existing Zipwake customers wanting to upgrade from Series S or Series E to PRO systems.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Series S - For boats up to 50 FT |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Series E - For boats up to 100 FT |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | PRO Series - For boats up to 100 FT |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Upgrade Kit PRO |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Zipwake AB product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Zipwake designs, manufactures and sells Dynamic Trim Control Systems for planing and semi-planing boats using fast-acting interceptor technology. The product portfolio comprises three interceptor series (Series S for boats up to 50 FT, Series E for boats up to 100 FT, and PRO for ultimate performance up to 100 FT) combined with control interfaces such as the Control Panel, Mini Controller and Integrator Module. The system automatically controls pitch and roll through vertical interceptor blade movement instead of conventional trim tabs.
Product overview
Zipwake offers a modular Dynamic Trim Control System built around fast-acting interceptor technology for planing and semi-planing boats. The portfolio consists of three interceptor series (Series S for boats up to 50 FT, Series E for boats up to 100 FT, and PRO for ultimate performance on boats up to 100 FT) combined with control interfaces (Control Panel with built-in GPS/gyro sensors, Mini Controller, and Integrator Module for MFD/chartplotter integration). The system automatically controls pitch and roll through vertical interceptor blade movement, offering fuel savings of 4-20% and extending planing speed range.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- PRO: High-performance dynamic trim control system for boats up to 100 FT, featuring the fastest-acting interceptors with precision, control and comfort.
- Series S
- Series E
Products and services
- PRO Dynamic Trim Control System High-performance dynamic trim control system for boats up to 100 FT, featuring fast-acting interceptors with 0.3-second actuation, automatic pitch and roll control, and compatibility with all major chartplotter platforms. Built for precision, control and comfort.
- Series S Dynamic Trim Control System Versatile family of compact, high-performance interceptors designed for boats up to 50 FT to improve efficiency and stability through automatic trim control.
- Series E Dynamic Trim Control System Family of larger, more robust interceptors designed to deliver enhanced performance and efficiency for boats up to 100 FT.
- Upgrade Kit PRO Aftermarket upgrade kit enabling existing Zipwake Series S or Series E customers to upgrade their system to PRO technology with faster reaction times and enhanced control capabilities.
- Integrator Module Hardware module that connects the Zipwake system to MFD/chartplotters and supports smart-device connectivity, enabling trim control through compatible displays from Garmin, Simrad, B&G, Lowrance, Raymarine, and Q Experience.
- Mini Controller Compact trim control interface introduced at Metstrade 2023, completing the trim-control product range with a streamlined control option for smaller installations.
Quantifiable outcome
- 4-9% average fuel savings, with examples of up to 18-20% savings
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Zipwake AB
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Zipwake AB technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
Feature7 records
Zipwake AB partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Thermoprodukter ABcoreNew distributor for Zipwake in Sweden from December 1, 2025, responsible for sales and service of Zipwake products in the Swedish market.
- Tiara YachtscoreStarting in 2025, all outboard-powered Tiara vessels will feature Zipwake trim systems, enhancing comfort, performance, and the luxury experience on Tiara yachts.
- Western Marine Company and Transat MarinecoreCanadian owned and operated marine distributor serving commercial, boat yards, boat builders, and dealers across Canada from warehouses in Vancouver, British Columbia and Barrie, Ontario. 40 years of marine industry experience. As Canada is primarily a retrofit market, Western Marine's stock, fast supplies, and excellent customer support make them ideal partners.
- INMATECH AScoreNew distributor for Zipwake in Norway from July 1, 2024, responsible for sales and service of Zipwake products in the Norwegian market.
- CODECASADUE ShipyardmajorItalian shipyard based in Viareggio, Tuscany, responsible for installing Zipwake systems on the Italian Coast Guard's 800 Valentijn SAR patrol boats as part of a comprehensive life extension program.
- Italian Coast Guard (Guardia Costiera)majorPrestigious customer selecting Zipwake for their 800 Valentijn class SAR patrol boats. The system includes three interceptors (one central V-shape and two lateral) plus automatic interceptor management system working with autopilot, significantly enhancing search and rescue mission capabilities.
- Saxdor YachtscoreFinnish powerboat manufacturer partnered with Zipwake to equip its flagship Saxdor 400 GTO model with Zipwake interceptors.
- Surtees BoatsminorNew Zealand boat manufacturer traditionally using conventional trim tabs but decided to offer Zipwake as an alternative upgrade option for their boats.
- Kumbra YachtsminorIntegrated Zipwake across their entire lineup. CEO Victor Moure explains that feeling safe and stable on the water is non-negotiable for their customers, with dynamic trim control handling pitch and roll in real-time.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Zipwake AB competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- Garmin: Garmin is a leading marine electronics provider (chartplotters, MFDs) that Zipwake integrates with via its Integrator Module. Comparable as an adjacent marine electronics incumbent and key integration partner influencing Zipwake's user experience.
- Navico (Simrad, B&G, Lowrance): Navico owns the Simrad, B&G, and Lowrance MFD brands that Zipwake integrates with. While not a trim competitor, it is an ecosystem-critical partner and adjacent marine electronics company shaping OEM integration standards.
Direct peers
- Humphree: Humphree is the closest direct peer, offering interceptor-based trim and roll stabilization systems for commercial and larger marine vessels. It was co-founded by Niclas Olofsson, Zipwake's founder, and competes with overlapping technology and customer segments.
- Bennett Marine: Bennett Marine is a leading manufacturer of hydraulic and electric trim tabs for powerboats, the principal incumbent alternative to Zipwake's interceptor approach. Highly comparable product category (boat trim control) and overlapping OEM and retrofit customer base.
- Lenco Marine: Lenco Marine is one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of trim tabs and boat trim control systems for powerboats, directly competing with Zipwake in the retrofit and OEM channels for planing and semi-planing boats.
- Lectrotab: Lectrotab manufactures electric trim tab systems for recreational and light commercial boats. It competes with Zipwake in the same vessel trim control category, primarily at the lower-cost end of the market.
Broad incumbents
- Dometic: Dometic supplies a broad portfolio of marine equipment including steering, trim, and on-board systems for recreational boats. Comparable as a larger, diversified incumbent in the same marine equipment purchasing channels.
- Volvo Penta: Volvo Penta is a major marine propulsion OEM whose Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit integrates with Zipwake, but it also offers its own Active Trim system. Relevant as a broad incumbent with overlapping trim/automation capabilities and a key ecosystem partner.
- Mercury Marine: Mercury Marine is one of the largest marine propulsion OEMs and offers its own Active Trim system as a factory-fit option. Comparable as a broad incumbent operating across multiple boat control categories with competing trim automation.
- Yamaha Marine: Yamaha Marine is a major outboard and marine systems OEM with proprietary trim and boat control features. Comparable as a broad incumbent in marine propulsion and integrated trim/control functionality on the same OEM customer set.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Zipwake AB social profiles
Digital presenceZipwake AB financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Zipwake AB leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Zipwake AB funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Zipwake AB 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 Zipwake AB
What does Zipwake AB do?
Zipwake designs, manufactures and sells Dynamic Trim Control Systems for planing and semi-planing boats using fast-acting interceptor technology. The product portfolio comprises three interceptor series (Series S for boats up to 50 FT, Series E for boats up to 100 FT, and PRO for ultimate performance up to 100 FT) combined with control interfaces such as the Control Panel, Mini Controller and Integrator Module. The system automatically controls pitch and roll through vertical interceptor blade movement instead of conventional trim tabs.
Is Zipwake AB a public or private company?
Zipwake AB is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Zipwake AB founded?
Zipwake AB was founded in 2015. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Zipwake AB based?
Zipwake AB is headquartered in Östra Frölunda, Sweden, in the Europe region.
How does Zipwake AB make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Interceptor Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are aftermarket/Upgrade Sales.
Who are Zipwake AB's main competitors?
Others on record are Garmin and Navico (Simrad, B&G, Lowrance). Direct peers are Humphree, Bennett Marine, Lenco Marine and Lectrotab. Broad incumbents are Dometic, Volvo Penta, Mercury Marine and Yamaha Marine.
Does Zipwake AB have an API?
No public API is recorded for Zipwake AB.