Timesys vs Very: full comparison for 2026
Quick verdict
Very (4.2/5) edges ahead of Timesys (4.1/5) overall. Very is the better choice for distributed-delivery IoT programs needing firmware plus data and ML. Timesys is the stronger option for embedded Linux security hardening and long-term platform maintenance. The right choice depends on your project size, budget, and required tech stack.
Timesys vs Very: head-to-head summary
| Criterion | Timesys | Very |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1996 | 2011 |
| HQ | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA | Bozeman, Montana, USA (fully distributed team) |
| Team size | 51–200 | 51–200 |
| Rating | 4.1 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Primary differentiator | One of the original embedded Linux specialists, now backed by Lynx Software Technologies' broader platform resources | Fully distributed IoT team combining firmware delivery with machine-learning-driven data solutions |
| Pricing model | Engineering services and development tools for embedded Linux platforms | IoT product development engagements from concept through deployment |
| Min. engagement | Not published | Not published |
| Primary tech stack | Embedded Linux, Android, Yocto | Embedded C/C++, IoT connectivity stacks, Machine learning data pipelines |
| Industries served | Networking equipment, Industrial systems, Consumer electronics | Industrial IoT, Consumer IoT, Smart infrastructure |
Timesys vs Very: overview
Timesys
Timesys was founded in 1996 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, by principals associated with Carnegie Mellon University, and shipped one of the first real-time-enhanced embedded Linux distributions. In December 2023, Lynx Software Technologies acquired Timesys, and the roughly 60-person team now operates under that ownership building, securing, and maintaining embedded Linux, Android, and open-source platform software. The acquisition means product roadmap and support decisions now run through Lynx rather than an independent Timesys leadership team, which is worth factoring into a long-term vendor relationship.
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: Timesys vs Very
| Capability | Timesys | 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: Timesys vs Very
| Framework / platform | Timesys | 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 |
| 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: Timesys vs Very
| Criterion | Timesys | Very |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum engagement | Not published | Not published |
| Engagement models | Fixed project, Ongoing platform maintenance | Fixed project, Dedicated team |
| Rate transparency | Not public | Not public |
| Price tier | Mid-market | Mid-market |
Target audience comparison: Timesys vs Very
| Dimension | Timesys | Very |
|---|---|---|
| Best company size | Startup to mid-market | Startup to mid-market |
| Best industries | Networking equipment, Industrial systems, Consumer electronics | Industrial IoT, Consumer IoT, Smart infrastructure |
| Best use cases | Long-term security maintenance for an existing embedded Linux platform, Legacy embedded Linux distribution needing a modern, supported refresh | 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 |
Timesys vs Very: pros and cons
| Timesys | |
|---|---|
| + | Nearly three decades of embedded Linux specialization dating back to 1996 |
| + | 2023 acquisition by Lynx Software Technologies adds parent-company resources and platform roadmap access |
| + | Deep focus on Linux security hardening and long-term maintenance rather than one-off builds |
| - | The 2023 acquisition by Lynx means product and support decisions now run through a parent company rather than independent Timesys leadership |
| - | Embedded Linux focus is a narrower fit for bare-metal or RTOS-first firmware projects |
| 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 Timesys?
A typical fit: long-term security maintenance for an existing embedded Linux platform.
One of the original embedded Linux specialists, now backed by Lynx Software Technologies' broader platform resources. Minimum engagement is not publicly disclosed. Works best with clients in Networking equipment, Industrial systems, Consumer electronics.
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: Timesys vs Very
| Your situation | Recommended choice |
|---|---|
| You need full-ownership delivery on a defined project scope | Timesys |
| You need a large dedicated team for an ongoing programme | Very |
| Your budget is at the lower end | Compare: Timesys (Not published) vs Very (Not published) |
| You need specialist depth in a specific vertical | Timesys |
| 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: Timesys vs Very
| Use case | Timesys fit | Very fit | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term security maintenance for an existing embedded Linux platform | Strong | Limited | Timesys |
| Legacy embedded Linux distribution needing a modern, supported refresh | Strong | Limited | Timesys |
| IoT program needing firmware paired with machine-learning-driven data analysis | Limited | Strong | Very |
| 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: Timesys 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.
Timesys (4.1/5) is worth a look if you need legacy embedded Linux distribution needing a modern, supported refresh. If your situation matches that, Timesys is a competitive option.
Related comparisons
Timesys vs Very FAQ
Is Timesys better than Very?
Very (4.2/5) scores higher overall, but "better" depends on your use case. Timesys's strongest advantage: nearly three decades of embedded Linux specialization dating back to 1996. Very's strongest advantage: repeat appearances on the Inc. 5000 list provide a verifiable third-party growth signal.
How do Timesys and Very differ in pricing?
Timesys uses engineering services and development tools for embedded linux platforms 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: Timesys or Very?
Timesys 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 Timesys and Very?
Timesys's primary differentiator is: one of the original embedded Linux specialists, now backed by Lynx Software Technologies' broader platform resources. Very's primary differentiator is: fully distributed IoT team combining firmware delivery with machine-learning-driven data solutions. They also differ in team size (51–200 vs 51–200), minimum engagement (Not published vs Not published), and primary industries served (Networking equipment, Industrial systems vs Industrial IoT, Consumer IoT).
Verify all details directly with each company before making a decision.