N-iX vs Very: full comparison for 2026
Quick verdict
Very (4.2/5) edges ahead of N-iX (4.0/5) overall. Very is the better choice for distributed-delivery IoT programs needing firmware plus data and ML. N-iX is the stronger option for enterprises wanting a large generalist outsourcer with embedded capability. The right choice depends on your project size, budget, and required tech stack.
N-iX vs Very: head-to-head summary
| Criterion | N-iX | Very |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2002 | 2011 |
| HQ | Valletta, Malta (legal); major delivery centers in Ukraine and Poland | Bozeman, Montana, USA (fully distributed team) |
| Team size | 2,200+ | 51–200 |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Primary differentiator | Broad European software outsourcer with a 15-plus year IoT and embedded engineering track record | Fully distributed IoT team combining firmware delivery with machine-learning-driven data solutions |
| Pricing model | Staff augmentation, fixed project, and managed team engagements | IoT product development engagements from concept through deployment |
| Min. engagement | Not published | Not published |
| Primary tech stack | Embedded C/C++, IoT platforms, Cloud integration tooling | Embedded C/C++, IoT connectivity stacks, Machine learning data pipelines |
| Industries served | Manufacturing, Logistics, Finance | Industrial IoT, Consumer IoT, Smart infrastructure |
N-iX vs Very: overview
N-iX
N-iX was founded in 2002 and holds legal headquarters in Valletta, Malta, with the bulk of its roughly 2,600 employees based in Ukraine and Poland. IoT and embedded engineering forms one practice inside a much larger software outsourcing business spanning AI-augmented development, digital transformation, and team extension across finance, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. The firm's scale suits a client already comfortable with a large generalist outsourcer, but a firmware-specific project sits alongside many other technology practices rather than as the company's central 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: N-iX vs Very
| Capability | N-iX | 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: N-iX vs Very
| Framework / platform | N-iX | 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 | N/A |
| AWS IoT | N/A | N/A |
| RISC-V | N/A | N/A |
Pricing comparison: N-iX vs Very
| Criterion | N-iX | Very |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum engagement | Not published | Not published |
| Engagement models | Staff augmentation, Fixed project, Managed team | Fixed project, Dedicated team |
| Rate transparency | Not public | Not public |
| Price tier | Mid-market | Mid-market |
Target audience comparison: N-iX vs Very
| Dimension | N-iX | Very |
|---|---|---|
| Best company size | Startup to mid-market | Startup to mid-market |
| Best industries | Manufacturing, Logistics, Finance | Industrial IoT, Consumer IoT, Smart infrastructure |
| Best use cases | Enterprise client needing embedded firmware work alongside broader software outsourcing, Manufacturing or logistics program requiring both IoT firmware and cloud 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 | Staff augmentation | Fixed project |
N-iX vs Very: pros and cons
| N-iX | |
|---|---|
| + | Roughly 2,600 employees gives substantial bench depth across Ukraine and Poland delivery centers |
| + | More than 15 years of IoT and embedded practice experience within a much larger organization |
| + | Broad sector coverage means the firm can support adjacent software needs beyond firmware alone |
| - | Embedded and firmware work is one practice among many in a broad software outsourcing business |
| - | Less deep firmware specialization than the boutique firms ranked higher on this list |
| 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 N-iX?
A typical fit: enterprise client needing embedded firmware work alongside broader software outsourcing.
Broad European software outsourcer with a 15-plus year IoT and embedded engineering track record. Minimum engagement is not publicly disclosed. Works best with clients in Manufacturing, Logistics, Finance.
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: N-iX vs Very
| Your situation | Recommended choice |
|---|---|
| You need full-ownership delivery on a defined project scope | N-iX |
| You need a large dedicated team for an ongoing programme | Very |
| Your budget is at the lower end | Compare: N-iX (Not published) vs Very (Not published) |
| You need specialist depth in a specific vertical | N-iX |
| You need staff augmentation or team extension | N-iX |
| You need consulting before committing to a build | Both may offer discovery engagements |
Use case fit: N-iX vs Very
| Use case | N-iX fit | Very fit | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise client needing embedded firmware work alongside broader software outsourcing | Strong | Limited | N-iX |
| Manufacturing or logistics program requiring both IoT firmware and cloud integration | Strong | Limited | N-iX |
| 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 | Strong | Limited | N-iX |
Verdict: N-iX 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.
N-iX (4.0/5) is worth a look if you need manufacturing or logistics program requiring both IoT firmware and cloud integration. If your situation matches that, N-iX is a competitive option.
Related comparisons
N-iX vs Very FAQ
Is N-iX better than Very?
Very (4.2/5) scores higher overall, but "better" depends on your use case. N-iX's strongest advantage: roughly 2,600 employees gives substantial bench depth across Ukraine and Poland delivery centers. Very's strongest advantage: repeat appearances on the Inc. 5000 list provide a verifiable third-party growth signal.
How do N-iX and Very differ in pricing?
N-iX uses staff augmentation, fixed project, and managed team engagements 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: N-iX 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 N-iX and Very?
N-iX's primary differentiator is: broad European software outsourcer with a 15-plus year IoT and embedded engineering track record. Very's primary differentiator is: fully distributed IoT team combining firmware delivery with machine-learning-driven data solutions. They also differ in team size (2,200+ vs 51–200), minimum engagement (Not published vs Not published), and primary industries served (Manufacturing, Logistics vs Industrial IoT, Consumer IoT).
Verify all details directly with each company before making a decision.