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April 10, 2025 – When two automotive electricians and a software engineer grew tired of repeating the same diagnostic steps day after day, they built a piece of software to automate their work. That internal tool later became OBDeleven, a vehicle diagnostics platform now used by both professional workshops and DIY drivers. Today, the company serves a global community of car owners who want to diagnose, maintain, and personalize their vehicles without visiting a dealership.
Pulse 2.0 sat down with OBDeleven CEO Dainius Sapežinskás to discuss the company’s journey, the technology behind its compact hardware, and what’s next for the connected car space.
Sapežinskás brings a mix of financial discipline and product strategy to the role. He joined OBDeleven as CFO in 2022 before moving into the CEO position in 2023. “That transition gave me a unique perspective, combining financial discipline with long-term product and business strategy,” he explained. His background in corporate finance and executive leadership in tech helped him focus on scaling the company internationally while continuing to build innovative solutions that simplify car ownership.
OBDeleven’s origin story is anything but typical. The three founders—two automotive electricians and a software engineer—created a tool to speed up their own repetitive diagnostic work. “They built software to make their own work faster and more efficient, and soon other workshops and drivers wanted the same solution,” Sapežinskás recalled. What started as a professional utility quickly found its way into private garages, thanks to word-of-mouth and the growing demand for affordable vehicle data.
The platform combines a compact OBD2 dongle with a mobile app that runs on Android and iOS. Key capabilities include:
The AI diagnostics feature, launched in late 2024, has been a particular hit. Instead of just showing a cryptic code, the app explains what the code means, possible causes, and recommended next steps. This lowers the barrier for drivers who aren’t mechanics.
Since the interview, OBDeleven has continued to expand its vehicle compatibility list. The platform now supports over 50 car brands, including Volkswagen Group, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Toyota, and Hyundai. The company also recently partnered with a major European auto parts retailer to bundle OBDeleven devices with DIY repair kits—a move that could drive adoption among first-time users.
Sapežinskás emphasized that the company’s long-term vision goes beyond simple diagnostics. “We want to be the operating system for your car—a single app that helps you understand, maintain, and personalize your vehicle throughout its life,” he said. This includes integrating with aftermarket part recommendations, service reminders, and even predictive maintenance alerts based on driving patterns.
OBDeleven operates on a freemium model. The basic app with diagnostic functions is free, while advanced features like One-Click Apps, coding, and AI diagnostics require a subscription (starting at $9.99/month or $69.99/year). The hardware itself starts at $59.99 for the entry-level dongle. Sapežinskás noted that the subscription model allows the company to fund continuous updates and new vehicle coverage without forcing users to buy new hardware every year.
The company has seen steady growth in the US market, where the DIY automotive community is large and active. “Americans love their cars, and they want to take control of maintenance,” he observed. “Our tools give them the same information a dealership technician would have, but at a fraction of the cost.”
Looking ahead, OBDeleven is investing in deeper AI integration. The team is developing a virtual assistant that can answer natural language questions about a specific vehicle, from “why is my check engine light on?” to “how do I enable cornering lights?”. The assistant will cross-reference the car’s ECU data with a knowledge base of repair manuals and forums.
Another area of focus is electric vehicle support. As EVs become more common, owners need tools to monitor battery health, charging history, and motor efficiency. OBDeleven has already released beta support for several EV models, including the Tesla Model 3 and Volkswagen ID.4.
OBDeleven’s evolution from a back-office tool for electricians to a consumer-facing platform illustrates a broader trend: professional-grade technology is becoming accessible to everyday drivers. With a clear focus on usability, AI assistance, and constant vehicle coverage updates, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the connected car aftermarket.
For drivers who want to understand their car better, save money on repairs, or add a few personal touches, OBDeleven offers a compelling entry point. And as Sapežinskás and his team continue to push the envelope, the line between a professional workshop and a home garage will only get blurrier.
