REFERENCE STORY

Vertics Enters NATO Markets Through NCAGE Optimization

Finnish software company Vertics Oy has taken a decisive step toward international defence markets by obtaining an NCAGE code and optimizing it with the support of Finnish Operations Center.

MARKET OPPORTUNITY

New Growth Opportunities from International Defence Markets

Based in Otaniemi, Vertics is known for its agile software development and strong technical expertise. The company has delivered digital solutions for both startups and large publicly listed companies. In 2025, however, its focus increasingly shifted toward international markets—particularly the defense and security sector, which has opened new opportunities for Finnish companies following Finland’s NATO membership.

“We’ve long had ambitions for international growth, but the defence market was new and complex for us. We wanted to understand how to enter it and how to position our expertise correctly. That’s where FOC came in.”

Atte Pohjanmaa CEO, Vertics

Client Snapshot

CLIENT

Vertics Oy

INDUSTRY

Software development

FOCUS

NATO market entry and capability visibility

FOC SERVICES

NCAGE Registration
& NATO Portfolio

THE CHALLENGE

Entering a complex market with new visibility requirements

Vertics had long-term ambitions for international growth, but the defence market was new and complex. The company needed to understand how to enter the NATO-related ecosystem and how to position its software expertise correctly.

NCAGE POSITIONING

An NCAGE Code Alone Is Not Enough – Optimization Opens the Doors

Operating in defense markets requires an NCAGE code, which acts as a company’s technical identifier within the NATO ecosystem. However, FOC’s NCAGE optimization service goes beyond simple registration. The optimization ensures that Vertics’ solutions can be found efficiently in NATO databases using the right classifications and keywords.

“Optimization is not just a technical step. It ensures that a company is discoverable in the right places and that its value is recognized in procurement channels. It’s a step toward credibility.”

Teemu Anttila CEO, Finnish Operations Center

RESULTS

Results That Speak for Themselves

Thanks to its optimized NCAGE code, Vertics has already received initial inquiries from international partners and potential customers. The company has entered the global defense market, where opportunities for agile software firms range from cybersecurity solutions to system integration.

“Vertics’ rapid progress in NATO markets is a great example of how quickly optimization can deliver results when a company’s capabilities are in place.”

Teemu Anttila CEO, Finnish Operations Center

NEXT STEP

Collaboration Continues – Next Step: NCIA Registration

While early successes have been achieved, the collaboration is ongoing. The next goal is registration with the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), which enables participation in major international tenders.

Vertics is also considering joining FOC’s network, which would provide deeper collaboration opportunities and access to key defense technology events.

“NCIA registration will take us to the next level. It enables participation in major international projects and demonstrates our ability to deliver high-quality solutions for critical industries.”

Atte Pohjanmaa CEO, Vertics

Related service: Procurement Channel Registration

STRATEGIC VALUE

NCAGE Optimization – A Strategic Investment in International Growth

Vertics’ story demonstrates how NCAGE optimization can act as a catalyst for growth in new markets. The support from Finnish Operations Center has been a key factor in helping the company find its place within the NATO ecosystem—remarkably quickly.

NCAGE optimization is not just a technical step—it is a prerequisite for entering procurement chains and a key step toward credibility within the NATO ecosystem.

RELATED SERVICES

FOC services connected to this case

Explore the services that supported Vertics’ path toward stronger visibility and readiness in NATO-related procurement environments.

NATO Market Entry

A structured pathway for companies taking their first steps toward NATO-related and international defence-sector markets.

NCAGE Registration

The foundational registration required for participation in NATO-related systems and international defence-sector procurement environments.

Included in the NATO Market Entry package. Also available separately.

NATO Portfolio

Portfolio development that helps companies strengthen how their offering, classifications and capabilities are represented in relevant systems.

Included in the NATO Market Entry package. Also available separately.

Procurement Channel Registration

Support for companies preparing to register in official NATO procurement channels and strengthen access to future tender opportunities.

Included in the NATO Market Entry package. Additional procurement channels can be added based on the company’s market-entry needs.