Softeq vs Very: full comparison for 2026
Quick verdict
Very (4.2/5) edges ahead of Softeq (4.1/5) overall. Very is the better choice for distributed-delivery IoT programs needing firmware plus data and ML. Softeq is the stronger option for full-stack connected products needing firmware, hardware, and apps together. The right choice depends on your project size, budget, and required tech stack.
Softeq vs Very: head-to-head summary
| Criterion | Softeq | Very |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1997 | 2011 |
| HQ | Houston, Texas, USA | Bozeman, Montana, USA (fully distributed team) |
| Team size | 500+ | 51–200 |
| Rating | 4.1 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Primary differentiator | Full-stack delivery spanning firmware, hardware, and web/mobile applications from one vendor since 1997 | Fully distributed IoT team combining firmware delivery with machine-learning-driven data solutions |
| Pricing model | Custom development engagements across hardware, firmware, and software | IoT product development engagements from concept through deployment |
| Min. engagement | Not published | Not published |
| Primary tech stack | Embedded C/C++, PCB hardware design, Cloud/backend integration | Embedded C/C++, IoT connectivity stacks, Machine learning data pipelines |
| Industries served | Consumer electronics, IoT/IIoT, AI/ML-enabled products | Industrial IoT, Consumer IoT, Smart infrastructure |
Softeq vs Very: overview
Softeq
Softeq was founded in Houston, Texas, in 1997 by Christopher A. Howard and reports more than 500 employees. The company's work spans low-level programming, including drivers and firmware, hardware from PCBs through full-scale devices, and application software across web, desktop, and mobile, positioned as a full-stack partner rather than a firmware-only specialist. That breadth suits a client that wants one vendor across the full connected-product stack, though it also means firmware sits alongside several other practice areas rather than as the company's exclusive focus.
Very
Very, formerly known by a different name, was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, operating as a fully distributed team of 51 to 200 people working from numerous countries rather than from central offices. The firm builds connected ecosystems spanning IoT hardware, firmware, and software infrastructure, plus interface design and machine-learning-driven data solutions built on top of device data. Very has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private US companies multiple times, a verifiable third-party growth signal distinct from marketing claims.
Services and capabilities: Softeq vs Very
| Capability | Softeq | Very |
|---|---|---|
| RTOS firmware development | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bare-metal & driver development | ✗ | ✗ |
| Secure boot / OTA firmware updates | ✗ | ✗ |
| MCU & platform migration | ✗ | ✗ |
| Connectivity & IoT protocols | ✓ | ✓ |
| Functional safety / MISRA compliance | ✗ | ✗ |
| Embedded AI / on-device inference | ✓ | ✓ |
| Firmware GUI development | ✗ | ✗ |
| Staff augmentation | ✗ | ✗ |
Tech stack comparison: Softeq vs Very
| Framework / platform | Softeq | Very |
|---|---|---|
| FreeRTOS | N/A | N/A |
| Zephyr | N/A | N/A |
| STM32 | N/A | N/A |
| ARM Cortex-M | N/A | N/A |
| BLE | N/A | N/A |
| Embedded Linux | N/A | N/A |
| Secure OTA | N/A | N/A |
| PCB | ✓ | N/A |
| AWS IoT | N/A | N/A |
| RISC-V | N/A | N/A |
Pricing comparison: Softeq vs Very
| Criterion | Softeq | Very |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum engagement | Not published | Not published |
| Engagement models | Fixed project, Dedicated team | Fixed project, Dedicated team |
| Rate transparency | Not public | Not public |
| Price tier | Mid-market | Mid-market |
Target audience comparison: Softeq vs Very
| Dimension | Softeq | Very |
|---|---|---|
| Best company size | Startup to mid-market | Startup to mid-market |
| Best industries | Consumer electronics, IoT/IIoT, AI/ML-enabled products | Industrial IoT, Consumer IoT, Smart infrastructure |
| Best use cases | Connected product needing firmware, hardware, and a companion mobile app from one vendor, IoT device requiring both embedded firmware and cloud backend integration | IoT program needing firmware paired with machine-learning-driven data analysis, Smart infrastructure product requiring both device firmware and interface design |
| Typical project type | Fixed project | Fixed project |
Softeq vs Very: pros and cons
| Softeq | |
|---|---|
| + | Nearly 30 years of operating history since 1997 with a team of 500 or more |
| + | Covers firmware, hardware, and application software under one vendor for full-stack connected products |
| + | Scale supports larger, multi-workstream programs better than most boutiques on this list |
| - | Firmware is one of several practice areas rather than the company's exclusive focus |
| - | Larger team size can mean less senior-engineer continuity than a small specialist firm |
| Very | |
|---|---|
| + | Repeat appearances on the Inc. 5000 list provide a verifiable third-party growth signal |
| + | Fully distributed team structure can draw specialist talent regardless of location |
| + | Combines firmware delivery with data solutions and machine learning on top of device telemetry |
| - | Fully distributed structure means no central office for in-person collaboration during an engagement |
| - | Montana headquarters is a smaller regional base than most firms' US locations on this list |
Who should choose Softeq?
A typical fit: connected product needing firmware, hardware, and a companion mobile app from one vendor.
Full-stack delivery spanning firmware, hardware, and web/mobile applications from one vendor since 1997. Minimum engagement is not publicly disclosed. Works best with clients in Consumer electronics, IoT/IIoT, AI/ML-enabled products.
Who should choose Very?
A typical fit: IoT program needing firmware paired with machine-learning-driven data analysis.
Fully distributed IoT team combining firmware delivery with machine-learning-driven data solutions. Minimum engagement is not publicly disclosed. Works best with clients in Industrial IoT, Consumer IoT, Smart infrastructure.
Decision matrix: Softeq vs Very
| Your situation | Recommended choice |
|---|---|
| You need full-ownership delivery on a defined project scope | Softeq |
| You need a large dedicated team for an ongoing programme | Softeq |
| Your budget is at the lower end | Compare: Softeq (Not published) vs Very (Not published) |
| You need specialist depth in a specific vertical | Softeq |
| You need staff augmentation or team extension | Neither; consider alternatives that offer staff aug |
| You need consulting before committing to a build | Both may offer discovery engagements |
Use case fit: Softeq vs Very
| Use case | Softeq fit | Very fit | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connected product needing firmware, hardware, and a companion mobile app from one vendor | Strong | Limited | Softeq |
| IoT device requiring both embedded firmware and cloud backend integration | Strong | Strong | Both equally |
| IoT program needing firmware paired with machine-learning-driven data analysis | Strong | Strong | Both equally |
| Smart infrastructure product requiring both device firmware and interface design | Limited | Strong | Very |
| Fixed-price build | Limited | Limited | Both equally |
| Staff augmentation | Limited | Limited | Both equally |
Verdict: Softeq vs Very
Very (4.2/5) is the stronger overall choice for most Firmware Development projects. Fully distributed IoT team combining firmware delivery with machine-learning-driven data solutions.
Softeq (4.1/5) is worth a look if you need IoT device requiring both embedded firmware and cloud backend integration. If your situation matches that, Softeq is a competitive option.
Related comparisons
Softeq vs Very FAQ
Is Softeq better than Very?
Very (4.2/5) scores higher overall, but "better" depends on your use case. Softeq's strongest advantage: nearly 30 years of operating history since 1997 with a team of 500 or more. Very's strongest advantage: repeat appearances on the Inc. 5000 list provide a verifiable third-party growth signal.
How do Softeq and Very differ in pricing?
Softeq uses custom development engagements across hardware, firmware, and software pricing. Very uses iot product development engagements from concept through deployment pricing. Neither firm publishes a full rate card; a discovery call is required for project-specific quotes.
Which is better for enterprise: Softeq or Very?
Very is the larger team and typically the better enterprise-scale choice. For very large programmes, verify team size and compliance coverage directly with each company before shortlisting.
What are the main differences between Softeq and Very?
Softeq's primary differentiator is: full-stack delivery spanning firmware, hardware, and web/mobile applications from one vendor since 1997. Very's primary differentiator is: fully distributed IoT team combining firmware delivery with machine-learning-driven data solutions. They also differ in team size (500+ vs 51–200), minimum engagement (Not published vs Not published), and primary industries served (Consumer electronics, IoT/IIoT vs Industrial IoT, Consumer IoT).
Verify all details directly with each company before making a decision.