Naostage
Naostage, founded in 2020 and based in Nantes, France, develops the K SYSTEM, an AI-powered beaconless computer-vision tracking platform for professional audiovisual live production, sold to concert tours, theaters, theme parks, broadcasters, and casino venues through direct sales and a 30+ partner network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersNantes, France
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Naostage does
Naostage is a privately held French company founded in 2020 that develops the K SYSTEM, a beaconless AI-powered tracking platform dedicated to professional audiovisual live production. The platform combines deep-learning computer vision sensors (KAPTA), processing servers (KORE / KORE S), the Kratos show-control software, the optional BEAKON UWB tag module, and manual-flow sensors (KAM, NUK) into three product lines: K SYSTEM Sense for automated tracking of up to 64 simultaneous targets with sub-10cm precision and 20-30 minute installation, K SYSTEM Flow for scalable operator-controlled tracking, and K SYSTEM Custom for bespoke hardware adaptations and integrations.
The company sells integrated hardware-software systems plus custom engineering services through direct enterprise sales and a global network of more than 30 channel partners and resellers spanning Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, with additional academic and certified training partners in France, the UK, Hong Kong, and Canada. Customers span concert tours (Indochine, Chemical Brothers, Orelsan, Tiakola, Gazo, Lorenzo, Pink Floyd tribute), festivals (Montreux Comedy, Festival de Poupet, Vieilles Charrues), musical theater (Théâtre Musical Karlín), theme parks (Puy du Fou), broadcast (Drag Race France), esports (Trackmania Cup), and casino venues (Casino Barrière).
The business is founder-led under President Paul Cales, operates from a 14-person team with headquarters in Nantes (Rezé) and R&D in Guichen (both in France), and reports no disclosed institutional funding, parent, or subsidiary relationships. The underlying tracking method is protected by a granted patent in France, Europe, and the US. Revenue is generated from hardware sales of the K SYSTEM product lines, professional services for custom integration, and software licensing through the Kratos platform, with quote-based multi-year contracts sold direct and via partners.
Naostage firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Naostage
- Legal name
- Naostage
- Website
- https://naostage.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Naostage, founded in 2020 and based in Nantes, France, develops the K SYSTEM, an AI-powered beaconless computer-vision tracking platform for professional audiovisual live production, sold to concert tours, theaters, theme parks, broadcasters, and casino venues through direct sales and a 30+ partner network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Naostage industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Audiovisual Tracking Systems
- NAICS
- Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)
- SIC
- Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Live Production Switching & Routing (Vision Mixers, Routers) (MPAHAKAE)
Keywords
Where Naostage is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Nantes
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Naostage business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- K SYSTEM Hardware and Software Solutions: Sale of integrated tracking systems including sensors (KAPTA, KAM), processing units (KORE), and control software (Kratos). Solutions sold as complete systems with various configurations for different production needs.
- Professional Services and Custom Integration: Custom engineering and integration services for specific tracking projects requiring hardware adaptation and specialized algorithm development through K SYSTEM Custom.
- Software Updates and Documentation: Software releases (Kratos v1.9) and documentation provided as downloadable resources, with user manuals and technical specifications for system operation.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | K SYSTEM Sense - Automated tracking solution |
| Other | Multi-year contract | K SYSTEM Flow - Manual tracking solution |
| Other | Multi-year contract | K SYSTEM Custom - Custom integration |
| Other | Multi-year contract | BEAKON Module - UWB tag and anchor tracking |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Naostage product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Naostage develops and sells the K SYSTEM, a beaconless AI-powered tracking platform for professional audiovisual live production. The system uses computer vision and deep learning to detect and follow performers on stage in real time without requiring them to wear any tags or markers, and delivers X, Y, Z position data to lighting, audio, video, and automation consoles via standard protocols (DMX, PSN). The product line includes K SYSTEM Sense (automated tracking), K SYSTEM Flow (manual tracking), K SYSTEM Custom (custom integrations), the BEAKON UWB add-on module, and supporting hardware (KAPTA, KORE, KAM, NUK) and the KRATOS show control software.
Product overview
Naostage develops K SYSTEM, a modular beaconless tracking platform dedicated to professional audiovisual live production. The platform consists of three distinct product lines: K SYSTEM Sense (automated AI-powered tracking for demanding environments supporting up to 64 targets), K SYSTEM Flow (manual operator-controlled scalable tracking), and K SYSTEM Custom (custom integration solutions). The ecosystem includes hardware components (KAPTA AI vision sensors, KORE/KORE S servers, KAM manual sensors, NUK scalability units), the KRATOS show control software, and the BEAKON UWB tag/anchor add-on module. Products are designed for rapid deployment (20-30 min installation), tour-friendly packaging in flight cases, and integration with industry-standard lighting consoles via DMX/PSN protocols.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- K SYSTEM Sense: Automated tracking solution for demanding environments enabling reliable and automated tracking with AI-powered detection.
- K SYSTEM Flow
- K SYSTEM Custom
- BEAKON Module
- Kratos
- Kapta
- KORE
- KORE S
- KAM
- NUK
Products and services
- K SYSTEM Sense Automated beaconless tracking system powered by AI for demanding professional audiovisual environments. Supports up to 64 simultaneous targets, deployable in 20-30 minutes by a single technician, fits in two flight cases for touring use, and provides sub-10cm tracking precision around the performer center of mass. Designed for concert tours, festivals, theaters, and permanent installations.
- K SYSTEM Flow Manual operator-controlled tracking solution that is accessible and scalable for productions of varying sizes and configurations. Supports 4 KAMs per Nuk or 2 Nuk per Kam architecture, IP67 weather resistance, PoE power supply, and automated elevation tracking.
- K SYSTEM Custom Custom integration solution for tracking projects requiring personalized adaptations, including hardware adaptation, flexible architecture, custom integration with proprietary systems, dedicated engineering support, and API access for third-party development.
- BEAKON Module UWB tag and anchor tracking add-on module that extends K SYSTEM capabilities by maintaining persistent target identification despite entries, exits, and occlusions. PoE powered with IP52 rating, integrated with KRATOS software.
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduces followspot operator requirements from 4 to 1 technician
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Naostage
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Naostage technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
AI capability3 records
Feature9 records
Naostage partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
32 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Impact EvenementcoreFrench showroom partner providing product demonstrations at their facility in Longjumeau, France. Specializes in event production equipment and services.
- Tuix & RosscoreSpanish showroom and reseller partner located in Castelló, Spain. Provides local sales and demonstration capabilities.
- So-LutioncoreBenelux partner with showrooms in Breda (Netherlands) and Boom (Belgium). Offers product demonstrations and local support.
- Arc SourcecoreAsia-Pacific showroom partner based in Hong Kong, serving the broader Asian market with distribution and technical support.
- 2B HeardcoreUK-based partner with showroom in Shefford, providing demonstration facilities and serving the UK market.
- EZ ProcoreChinese partner based in Shenzhen, providing distribution and sales support in the Chinese market.
- Mahajak Development Co., Ltd.coreThailand-based partner located in Bangkok, serving the Southeast Asian market with audio-visual equipment distribution.
- Arva AudiominorFinnish audio company providing distribution and support in the Nordic region.
- Arva Lydsystemer A/SminorNorwegian partner serving the Scandinavian market.
- Pro MusiccoreCzech Republic partner providing distribution and technical support in the Central European market.
- PartikulescoreFrench partner based in Guichen (same location as Naostage), specializing in lighting and special effects.
- LagoonaminorFrench partner in Mundolsheim providing audio-visual equipment and services.
- MPMminorFrench audio equipment distributor based in Woippy serving the eastern France market.
- SincopaminorIsraeli partner based at Kibbutz Kfar Aza serving the Israeli market.
- NovatechminorAustralian partner based in Adelaide serving the Australian and New Zealand markets.
- Streaming LiveminorSwiss partner providing streaming and live event services.
- Pan PotminorFrench audio equipment distributor in Brignoles serving the south of France.
- S GroupminorFrench AV services provider in Méjannes-lès-Alès.
- SpectaculairesminorFrench event production company based in Saint-Thurial.
- Koala ProductionminorTurkish partner based in Istanbul serving the Turkish market.
- Lauda Central EuropeminorPolish partner based in Gdańsk serving Central and Eastern Europe.
- AudiosalesminorItalian partner providing distribution in Italy.
- Alfa Audio A/SminorDanish audio equipment distributor based in Aabyhøj.
- ACoustic & Lighting System PTE. LTD.minorSingapore-based partner serving the Southeast Asian market.
- CETECHminorVietnamese partner based in Hanoi serving the Vietnamese market.
- Hyperion groupminorCanadian partner based in Toronto serving the North American market.
- Overture AudiominorFinnish audio partner.
- AveolightminorDubai-based partner serving the Middle East market.
- LC FormationcoreFrench training center partner providing certification and training for K SYSTEM users.
- Hong Kong Metropolitan UniversityminorAcademic training partner providing educational programs for tracking technology.
- CoSTAR National LabminorUK-based research lab partner at Royal Holloway, University of London, providing advanced training.
- LANTISS - Université LavalminorCanadian academic partner at Université Laval providing training and research collaboration.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves2 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Naostage competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- PixMob: Montreal-based provider of wearable LED and tracking solutions for live concerts and events. Broader scope (lighting effects + tracking) but adjacent in performer-localization for live shows.
- Vicon: UK-based motion capture and tracking systems provider with strong presence in film, broadcast, and life sciences. Overlaps with Naostage in computer-vision-based tracking for performance and virtual production.
- Disguise: UK-based provider of integrated production platforms for live events, broadcast, and immersive experiences. Broader portfolio (media servers, stage tracking, AR/XR) overlaps with Naostage in large-scale touring and broadcast tracking.
- OptiTrack: US-based leader in optical motion capture and tracking for virtual production, sports, and research. Adjacent in camera-based tracking technology; serves virtual studios, a growth segment for Naostage.
Regional players
- Robert Juliat: French professional lighting and followspot manufacturer with deep roots in European theater and touring. Comparable as a French-headquartered Pro AV hardware vendor serving the same lighting-designer and rental-house buyer.
Direct peers
- CAST BlackTrax: Real-time tracking system for live entertainment from CAST, using beacons/tags to track performers and objects. Direct competitor in the Pro AV tracking space, particularly in touring and theater.
- zactrack: German-based developer of performer tracking systems for live events, theater, and broadcast. Competes head-to-head with Naostage in stage tracking, with a longer install base in concert touring and theater productions.
- Follow-Me (SType): Camera-based manual follow-spot system that integrates with lighting consoles (Eos, grandMA). Competes with Naostage's K SYSTEM Flow for operator-controlled tracking deployments.
Emerging players
- Notch (by Ten Thousand Hours): Real-time visual creation tool used in live events and immersive shows. Adjacent to Naostage as part of the live-event production toolchain, with some overlap in tracking-triggered generative content.
- Pixelynx: Emerging player in location-based and spatial audio/visual experiences for live entertainment and gaming. Comparable as an emerging Pro AV spatial-tracking startup using AI-driven approaches.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Naostage social profiles
Digital presenceNaostage compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Naostage financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Naostage leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Naostage funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Naostage 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 Naostage
What does Naostage do?
Naostage develops and sells the K SYSTEM, a beaconless AI-powered tracking platform for professional audiovisual live production. The system uses computer vision and deep learning to detect and follow performers on stage in real time without requiring them to wear any tags or markers, and delivers X, Y, Z position data to lighting, audio, video, and automation consoles via standard protocols (DMX, PSN). The product line includes K SYSTEM Sense (automated tracking), K SYSTEM Flow (manual tracking), K SYSTEM Custom (custom integrations), the BEAKON UWB add-on module, and supporting hardware (KAPTA, KORE, KAM, NUK) and the KRATOS show control software.
Is Naostage a public or private company?
Naostage is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Naostage founded?
Naostage was founded in 2020. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Naostage based?
Naostage is headquartered in Nantes, France, in the Europe region.
How does Naostage make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. K SYSTEM Hardware and Software Solutions are the primary driver. The others are professional Services and Custom Integration and software Updates and Documentation.
Who are Naostage's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are PixMob, Vicon, Disguise and OptiTrack. Robert Juliat is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are CAST BlackTrax, zactrack and Follow-Me (SType). Emerging players are Notch (by Ten Thousand Hours) and Pixelynx.
Does Naostage have an API?
Yes. K SYSTEM Custom provides complete API access for developers to create custom applications based on Naostage's tracking data. The API enables third-party integration with proprietary systems, custom protocols, and specialized equipment. Kratos software (v1.9) is available for Windows 10+, Linux, and MacOS 11.0+ (Apple Silicon only). Developer documentation is at naostage.github.io/Kratos/latest.
What industry is Naostage in?
Naostage's product category is Professional Audiovisual Tracking Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAHAKAE, Live Production Switching & Routing (Vision Mixers, Routers). Its NAICS code is 33451 and its SIC code is 3829.