Smartbox

Bristol, United Kingdom Founded: 2003 • Age: 23 yrs Acquired By Verdane
Assistive hardware and software for disabled communication are developed.
Request Access

About Smartbox

Smartbox is a company based in Bristol (United Kingdom) founded in 2003 by Pierre Edouard Sterin was acquired by Verdane in January 2026. It operates as a Product-as-a-Service, and Direct-to-Consumer (D2C). Smartbox has raised $489 thousand across 1 funding round from investors including CareTech UK, Tobii Dynavox and Openfund. Smartbox has completed 2 acquisitions, including Rehavista and Zyteq. Smartbox offers products and services including Grid Software, Grid Pad, Talk Pad, Eye Gaze, and Communication Boards. Smartbox operates in a competitive market with competitors including Tobii Dynavox, Control Bionics, AbleNet, Brain Dynamics and Laronix, among others.

  • Headquarter Bristol, United Kingdom
  • Founders Pierre Edouard Sterin
  • Sectors
    Healthcare
  • Phone
    *********
  • Website
    *********
  • Social
    *********
  • Legal Name Smartbox Assistive Technology Limited
Operational Areas
Healthcare → Health Technology & Digital Health
Key Metrics
  • Annual Revenue
  • Net Profit
  • EBITDA
  • Total Equity Funding
    $489 K (USD)

    in 1 rounds

  • Latest Funding Round
    $489 K (USD), Seed

    Dec 22, 2014

  • Investors
    CareTech UK

    & 3 more

  • Employee Count
    Employee Count
  • Investments & Acquisitions
    Rehavista

    & 1 more

  • Acquired by
    Verdane

    & 2 more

    (Jan 16, 2026)

Upgrade to premium

Unlock complete access to The Company Check

Get unrestricted viewing across everything we track — from companies and brands to investors, funding rounds, acquisitions, financials, and more.

Upgrade to Premium No viewing limits. Your plan controls exports and screening usage.
Included in your Premium account
  • Unlimited viewing on all profiles Companies, investors, financials, funding, acquisitions & directors
  • Full access to every database India & global coverage, advanced filters and rich profile details
  • Always-on access from your team account Single premium plan for everything you see on the portal

Products & Services of Smartbox

Smartbox offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and services, including Grid Software, Grid Pad, Talk Pad, Eye Gaze, and Communication Boards. The company's diverse product and service offerings are designed to meet the evolving needs of its customers, address market demands, and provide comprehensive solutions that drive value creation and customer satisfaction across various segments and use cases.

Primary

Software is developed for augmentative communication support needs.

Device is designed for communication with AAC support.

Device is built for speech-impaired communication assistance.

Technology is created for communication via eye tracking.

Boards are provided for non-verbal communication support aids.

People of Smartbox
Headcount 50-200
Employee Profiles 28
Employee Profiles
People
Dougal Hawes
Group CEO At Smartbox Assistive Technology
People
Michael Hooks
Senior Vice President
People
Sonia P.
Customer Experience Specialist
People
Simon Poole
Group CTO

Unlock access to complete

Funding Insights of Smartbox

Smartbox has successfully raised a total of $489K through 1 strategic funding round. The most recent funding activity was a Seed round of $489 thousand completed in December 2014. This substantial capital infusion reflects strong investor confidence in the company's business model, growth potential, and market opportunities. The funding enables strategic expansion, product development, market penetration, and operational scaling to drive long-term value creation and competitive advantage.

  • Total Funding
  • Total Rounds 1
  • Last Round Seed — $489,004
  • First Round

    (22 Dec 2014)

  • Investors Count 1
Date Amount Transaction Name Valuation Lead Investors Investors
Dec, 2014 Amount Seed - Smartbox Valuation

investors

Date Amount Transaction Name Valuation Lead Investors Investors
Jul, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Jan, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Investors in Smartbox

Smartbox has secured backing from 4 investors, including venture fund investors. Prominent investors backing the company include CareTech UK, Tobii Dynavox and Openfund. This diverse investor base provides strategic capital, industry expertise, and valuable network connections that support the company's growth initiatives, market expansion, and long-term value creation.

All
Venture Fund
Investor Description Founded Year Domain Location
-
Founded Year Domain Location
Venture capital firm and funds of fund focused on technology-enabled and sustainable companies
Founded Year Domain Location
Assistive communication solutions via eye-tracking are provided for differently-abled individuals.
Founded Year Domain Location
Investor Description Founded Year Domain Location
Single family office of Amitabh Bachchan, founder of Amitabh Bachchan Corporation or AB CORP
Founded Year Domain Location
Startup ecosystems are ignited through strategic investments by Signite Partners.
Founded Year Domain Location
Venture capital is directed toward companies in multiple sectors.
Founded Year Domain Location
Venture capital is invested in cybersecurity, fintech, and AI startups.
Founded Year Domain Location

Investments & Acquisitions by Smartbox

Smartbox has strategically engaged in corporate development activities, having acquired 2 companies. Notable acquisitions include Rehavista and Zyteq. These strategic investments and acquisitions demonstrate the company's commitment to growth through portfolio expansion, market consolidation, technology integration, and strategic partnerships that enhance competitive positioning and drive long-term value creation.

Investments
Company Name Description Domain Location Founded Year Amount
Bionic investment advisor platform
2016
Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
2016
Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
2014
Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
2016
Acquisitions
Company Name Description Domain Location Founded Year Amount
Speech-generating devices are developed for individuals with disabilities.
2008
Speech and therapy services are provided in Bremen, Germany.
1999
Company Name Description Domain Location Founded Year Amount
OVO is recognized as a smart digital payment application.
2017
Bionic investment advisor platform
2016
Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
2014
Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
2014

Financial Statements - Smartbox

Tata Steel revenue growth over time
Tata Steel profit and loss trends over time
Date Amount Transaction Name Valuation Lead Investors Investors
Jul, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Jan, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Smartbox Comparisons

Employees
+
Add Comparison
Available on Premium

Competitors of Smartbox

Smartbox operates in a dynamic and competitive business environment, facing competition from various established players and emerging companies in the market. The competitive landscape includes prominent companies such as Tobii Dynavox, Control Bionics, AbleNet, Brain Dynamics and Laronix, among others. This competitive environment drives innovation, market differentiation, and strategic positioning as companies strive to capture market share and deliver value to their customers. Understanding the competitive dynamics is crucial for assessing market positioning, identifying growth opportunities, and navigating the challenges inherent in a competitive marketplace.

Company Name Domain Founded year HQ Location Description
domain founded_year HQ Location
Assistive communication solutions via eye-tracking are provided for differently-abled individuals.
domain founded_year HQ Location
Provider of assistive technology devices for speech-impaired people
domain founded_year HQ Location
Offers assistive devices for speech, switches, and computer access support.
domain founded_year HQ Location
Brain-computer interface solutions for paralyzed patients' communication are provided.
domain founded_year HQ Location
Smart wearable voice prostheses are provided for laryngectomees.
Company Name Domain Founded year HQ Location Description
domain founded_year HQ Location
Multiple services are booked via an app-based platform.
domain founded_year HQ Location
On-demand services are booked through an app-based platform.
domain founded_year HQ Location
App based platform offering on demand delivery and ride-hailing services
domain founded_year HQ Location
Operates an on-demand hyperlocal delivery app for food and groceries.

Latest news on Smartbox

Frequently Asked Questions about Smartbox

When was Smartbox founded?

Smartbox was founded in 2003 and raised its 1st funding round 11 years after it was founded.

Where is Smartbox located?

Smartbox is headquartered in Bristol, United Kingdom. It is registered at Bristol, England, United Kingdom.

Who is the current CEO of Smartbox?

Pierre Edouard Sterin is the current CEO of Smartbox. They have also founded this company.

Is Smartbox a funded company?

Smartbox is a funded company, having raised a total of $489K across 1 funding round to date. The company's 1st funding round was a Seed of $489K, raised on Dec 22, 2014.

What does Smartbox do?

Smartbox is engaged in developing assistive technology solutions for individuals with speech difficulties. The company offers hardware, software, and resources that enable disabled people to communicate effectively, access applications, use computers, and control their environments. Their products, including Grid software, Grid Pad, Talk Pad, Eye Gaze, and Communication Boards, are utilized by thousands of children and adults globally across various conditions. Smartbox operates in the assistive technology sector, providing innovative tools like AI-enhanced features to improve communication authenticity and speed for AAC users. Their solutions are distributed internationally with offices in multiple countries including the UK, USA, France, Germany, Netherlands, Ireland, and Australia.

Who are the top competitors of Smartbox?

Smartbox's top competitors include Tobii Dynavox, Control Bionics and Brain Dynamics.

What products or services does Smartbox offer?

Smartbox offers Grid Software, Grid Pad, Talk Pad, Eye Gaze, and Communication Boards.

How many acquisitions has Smartbox made?

Smartbox has made 2 acquisitions, including Rehavista, and Zyteq.

Who are Smartbox's investors?

Smartbox has 4 investors. Key investors include CareTech UK, Tobii Dynavox, Openfund, and Verdane.

Explore millions of companies — effortlessly

Access structured, verified intelligence on 7M+ companies across industries, sectors, and global markets. From early-stage startups to large enterprises, discover ownership, leadership, funding, financials, acquisitions, and market signals — all in one powerful platform.

Free account with essential features Instant access to company reports Enterprise solutions available