Who Owns Adder Technology?

Adder Technology was founded in 1984 by Adrian Dickens as Adder Publishing. The company was rebranded as Adder Technology in 1986, reflecting its shift from publishing to technology hardware. The early products focused on KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switching and extension solutions for IT environments.

In its first decade, Adder developed a range of analog KVM switches and extenders that allowed users to control computers from a distance. These products served IT departments that needed to manage servers located in different rooms or buildings. The company built a reputation for technical excellence and reliable performance in demanding environments.

Through the 1990s and 2000s, Adder expanded its product portfolio to include Cat5-based KVM switches, which used standard network cabling for longer-distance connections. The company also developed KVM-over-IP solutions that enabled remote computer management over standard IP networks. This technology became increasingly important as data centers grew and IT administrators needed secure remote access to distributed server infrastructure.

Adder relocated to Bar Hill, Cambridge, in 2012, moving to a purpose-built facility at Saxon Way. The Bar Hill site houses the company's headquarters, engineering, and product development teams. The relocation marked a consolidation of Adder's UK operations into a single campus.

The company's product lines evolved into two main ranges. The ADDERLink range includes KVM extenders and switches for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint connections, supporting both local and IP-based extension. The ADDERView range includes multi-computer KVM switches for desktop and rack-mounted applications. Adder also developed secure KVM and matrix switching solutions for government and defense customers who require isolation between security domains.

Adder's customer base expanded into mission-critical environments beyond traditional IT. Broadcast and post-production facilities use Adder KVM solutions to control editing and rendering workstations from centralized operator positions. Military and defense organizations use Adder's secure KVM products for command and control applications. Industrial control rooms in transportation, energy, and utilities rely on Adder for real-time monitoring and management of distributed systems.

Notable customers include Heathrow Airport, Skywalker Sound, and Illumination Entertainment. These customers represent the diversity of Adder's market, from transport infrastructure to entertainment post-production. The company sells through a global network of resellers and distributors rather than direct to end users.

In December 2025, Adder Technology announced its transition to an Employee-Ownership Trust. The EOT acquired the majority shareholding, transferring ownership to a trust that holds shares on behalf of employees. Adrian Dickens stated that the move protects Adder's culture, values, and long-term independence while empowering employees through shared ownership. No immediate changes to senior leadership or operations were announced.

As of 2026, Adder Technology employs approximately 144 people and generates revenue of approximately £38.5 million. The company operates offices in 8 countries, with workforce distributed across 9 countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Spain, and Lithuania. Adder continues to develop IP-based KVM solutions for broadcast, data center, military, and industrial control room markets.