Softeq
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software development, Hardware design, IoT services |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Founder | Christopher A. Howard |
| Headquarters | Houston , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Christopher A. Howard (Founder) |
| Products | Software applications, Drivers and firmware, Hardware design, IoT and cloud infrastructure services, Technology business advisory |
Number of employees | 500+ |
| Website | softeq |
Softeq Development Corporation is a privately owned full-stack development firm focusing on low-level programming such as drivers and firmware, hardware design ranging from PCBs to complete devices, and software applications across web, desktop, and mobile platforms. The company provides comprehensive IoT and cloud infrastructure services, complemented by technology business advisory. It maintains ISO 13485:2016 certification and collaborates with industry leaders including Amazon, Microsoft, and Xamarin.
Catering to Fortune Global 500 companies like Verizon, Epson, Microsoft, Lenovo, AMD, Disney, Intel, NVIDIA, and Halo by PAWS, Softeq earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private U.S. companies consecutively from 2018 through 2021.
With its headquarters located in Houston, Texas, Softeq operates development facilities in Vilnius, Lithuania, and Monterrey, Mexico, alongside additional offices in Munich and London. The workforce exceeds 500 specialists worldwide.
History
Established in 1997 by Christopher A. Howard in Houston, Texas, Softeq derives its name from a blend of "software" and "technical." In its founding year, the company secured Compaq as its inaugural client by creating the Compaq PC Theater amid early computer-to-TV integration trends. Additionally, Softeq developed applications for the HP iPAQ handheld PDA prior to Compaq’s acquisition by Hewlett-Packard in 2001.
In 2005, Softeq collaborated with Hewlett-Packard and The Walt Disney Company to produce the DURATEQ 3100, a rugged handheld device designed for assistive listening and closed-captioning. This technology has been deployed across all Disney Theme Parks globally, more than 50 US National Park Service locations, the World of Coca-Cola Museum, New England Patriots Hall of Fame, and Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium.
By 2007, Softeq embedded engineers at SanDisk to advance flash firmware development and create hardware visualization tools now widely integrated into cameras, PCs, laptops, PDAs, memory sticks, and various electronic devices.
In 2008, the company inaugurated a full-stack research and development center within the High Tech Park in Minsk, Belarus. This facility expanded to 300 employees and became a vital component of Softeq’s development network.
Around 2011, Softeq joined forces with Nvidia on Bluetooth driver creation and contributed to the NVIDIA SHIELD streaming device project while also partnering with Intel Corporation on software, firmware, hardware solutions, and low-power wireless chipset development.
The acquisition of NearShore Solutions GmbH in 2018 led to its rebranding as Softeq Development GmbH and marked the establishment of Softeq’s European sales office in Munich, Germany.
Further international growth included opening a sales office in London in 2020 and launching the Softeq Innovation Lab—a virtual platform providing online boot camps tailored for corporate leaders and product teams.
In February 2021, Softeq expanded by launching a full-stack development hub in Vilnius, Lithuania. Later that year, it introduced the Softeq Venture Studio startup accelerator program.
The year 2022 saw Softeq founding the Softeq Venture Fund aimed at financing early-stage technology startups within its Venture Studio ecosystem. Additionally, it established a new development center in Monterrey, Mexico.
Softeq maintains strategic alliances as a Gold Application Development Partner of Microsoft, an Authorized Consulting Partner for Xamarin, and holds membership in Apple Inc.’s official MFi Program.
DURATEQ
DURATEQ ATV is a durable handheld device equipped with Disney SyncLink Technology. Created in collaboration with content services from the WGBH Media Access Group and research and development by the WGBH National Center for Accessible Media, DURATEQ improves media accessibility for individuals with disabilities. It is utilized in numerous locations including National Park Service sites, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, the World of Coca-Cola Museum, AT&T Stadium, as well as the National Museum of the American Indian, showcasing its extensive use in cultural and entertainment environments.
Softeq Venture Studio Initiated in 2021, Softeq Venture Studio functions as a startup accelerator that provides engineering expertise, assistance in company formation, and financial backing in return for equity stakes. Since opening applications in October 2021, the studio has successfully completed two cohort programs involving 49 startups, concentrating on industries such as wellness, medical technology, and sports technology. This program supports Softeq’s overall business development by encouraging innovation and broadening its investment reach.
Softeq Venture Fund Established in 2022 with an initial capital of $40 million, Softeq Venture Fund focuses on investing in early-stage tech startups through the Venture Studio and subsequent funding rounds, typically acquiring a 6% ownership interest. Prominent investors include Houston-based Jumana Capital and Royal Eagle Capital Partners, which collectively committed $3 million. The fund enhances Softeq’s strategic position by facilitating targeted investments that align with its core business strategy.
Softeq Innovation Lab Launched in Houston in 2020, Softeq Innovation Lab delivers virtual boot camps tailored for corporate leaders and product teams engaged in innovation initiatives. Collaborating with MIT and Boundless Technology, the lab enables partnerships with entrepreneurs to create prototypes across domains such as IoT, artificial intelligence, computer vision, augmented reality, and mixed reality. This effort strengthens Softeq’s reputation and leadership within emerging technology sectors.
Softeq Flash Solutions
Softeq separated its flash firmware and software engineering division specializing in semiconductor and flash memory projects into a distinct entity named Softeq Flash Solutions. In 2014, this NAND flash memory development team based in Minsk was acquired by SK Hynix, a South Korean semiconductor leader ranked second globally in memory chip production, integrating it into their research and development framework.
zGames
Founded in 2008 as Softeq’s dedicated game development branch, zGames LLC provides comprehensive game design and development services for mobile devices, desktop computers, web platforms, virtual reality, and augmented reality. Its portfolio spans casual games, mixed reality experiences, educational applications, and gambling software. Among its notable achievements are remakes of classic games such as Pong World and QIX Galaxy. In 2012, zGames won Atari's Pong® Indie Developer Challenge out of more than 100 entrants. That same year, zGames was established as an independent company.