Side Effects

What Side Effects does

Side Effects AG is a Swiss software company founded in 2013 and headquartered at Gessnerallee 28 in Zürich that builds industrial 3D visualization and digital twin software for complex-product manufacturers. The platform converts native 3D CAD data into lightweight, interactive digital twins without requiring manual component reduction or 3D engineering expertise from end users, with automatic photorealistic material application and revision management. Its two core products are vHUB, a cloud-based 3D data platform that ingests CAD files and connects to ERP, MES, PLM, IoT hubs, and media assets, and vSTAGE, a no-code interactive 3D editor for building presentations, training modules, service manuals, and live sales configurators deployable across web, tablet, VR, and AR.

The company targets industrial machinery manufacturers, engineering-to-order (ETO) companies, and adjacent verticals (medtech, aerospace, food/beverage, precision instruments) where complex configurable products require richer visualization than PDFs or 2D renderings can provide. Named enterprise customers include ABB, Burckhardt Compression, Beyond Gravity, Posalux, Bystronic, Schleuniger, Tecan, Delica, and Kellenberger. Revenue is generated primarily through tiered annual subscriptions (3D Entry, 3D Plus, 3D Expert) differentiated by editor/viewer seats and component capacity, supplemented by professional services and a partner-led implementation channel that includes bbv, CADFEM, Rey Technology, imc, and Messerli.

Go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales (demo-led, 'Request a demo' CTAs), a self-service freemium demonstrator, event-driven demand through the ExpoTwin joint solution with Messerli, and content marketing across blog, SEO, and social channels. Side Effects AG is privately held, founder-led (CEO René Krebs, CTO Martin Tuor), with a team of approximately 10-15 employees and no disclosed institutional venture rounds beyond a ~$1.04M strategic raise in mid-2022 from bbv Software Services, Bloomhaus Ventures, CADFEM, and Rey Technology.

Name

Side Effects

Legal name

Side Effects AG

Website

https://sideeffects.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Side Effects AG is a Zürich-based SaaS company whose vHUB and vSTAGE platforms convert native 3D CAD data into lightweight, interactive digital twins for industrial machinery manufacturers, enabling no-code creation of 3D presentations, training, and live sales configurators.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial 3D Visualization Software

NAICS

Software Publishers (51321), Software Publishers (513210), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Postproduction Services and Other Motion Picture and Video Industries (51219)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYMPAHADAJ

Cloud & Distributed Real-Time Production (Remote ICVFX, Multi-site)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Media Technology & Services (Post-Production, VFX, Animation, Streaming Infrastructure)/Virtual Production & Real-Time Pipelines (LED Volume, Game Engines)

SECONDARYMPAHANAE

Remote Workstations & Virtual Desktops for Media (GPU VDI, secure access)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Media Technology & Services (Post-Production, VFX, Animation, Streaming Infrastructure)/Cloud Production & Collaboration Tools (Remote Editing, Review/Approval)

SECONDARYMPAGAOAB

Virtual Trade Shows & Expos (Digital Booths, Lead Capture)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Live Entertainment & Events (Concerts, Theater, Festivals)/Virtual & Hybrid Events

Keywords

• Industrial 3D visualization
• CAD data conversion
• Interactive product presentations
• Digital twin software
• 3D virtual training

Headquarters

HQ city

Zurich

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Operations

Revenue model

1. Software Licenses (vHUB + vSTAGE): Subscription-based licensing of the vHUB and vSTAGE platforms with tiered access based on number of editors, viewers, and component capacity. Three tiers: 3D Entry, 3D Plus, and 3D Expert with increasing capabilities.
2. Professional Services: Workshops, training, and full-service project implementation for companies that need support with CAD data upload, visual concept development, and interactive 3D experience creation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Side Effects AG sells a software platform composed of vHUB (a cloud 3D data platform that automatically converts native CAD data into lightweight, photorealistic digital twins and connects them to ERP, MES, PLM, IoT, and media) and vSTAGE (an interactive 3D editor for building drag-and-drop product presentations, virtual training, service manuals, and live sales configurators). The platform is sold on tiered annual subscriptions (3D Entry, 3D Plus, 3D Expert) to industrial machinery manufacturers and is supplemented by professional services workshops and full-service implementation projects delivered directly or via partners.

Product overview

Side Effects AG offers an industrial software platform centered on two core products: vHUB (cloud-based 3D data platform) and vSTAGE (interactive 3D editor), which together enable companies to create, manage, and deploy virtual 3D product experiences. vHUB handles automated CAD conversion and data management, while vSTAGE provides the creation interface for interactive presentations, training, and manuals. The platform is available in three licensing tiers (3D Entry, 3D Plus, 3D Expert) differentiated by component capacity and user seats. Additional offerings include ExpoTwin for virtual exhibitions, the 3D Product-Verse Library for asset management, and specialized solutions for product marketing, sales configuration, and virtual training. The platform converts CAD data into photorealistic digital twins deployable across web, tablets, VR, and AR.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• vSTAGE: Interactive 3D editor software for creating product presentations, training exercises, service manuals, and virtual showrooms in a full 3D environment.
• vHUB
• 3D Product-Verse
• ExpoTwin

Products and services

• vHUB Cloud-based 3D data platform that automatically optimizes and manages CAD data for web and multi-device deployment. Converts complex native 3D CAD data from all common CAD systems into lightweight digital twins with automatic photorealistic material application, and enriches them with images, videos, PDFs, sensor data, and live ERP/MES/IoT integrations. Built for industrial product, sales, training, and service teams.
• vSTAGE Interactive 3D editor for creating product presentations, training exercises, service manuals, and configuration experiences via drag-and-drop without prior 3D knowledge. Supports team collaboration with permissions, live configuration with ERP-linked price lists, and deployment to web, tablets, touchscreens, VR, and AR. Built for industrial sales, marketing, training, and service teams.
• 3D Product Marketing & Sales Solution offering built on vHUB and vSTAGE for creating interactive 3D product presentations, virtual showrooms, product videos, and remote sales demonstrations for trade fairs and direct sales processes. Targeted at industrial marketing and sales teams.
• 3D Sales Configurator Interactive 3D product configuration system that enables sales teams to configure complex industrial machines live with customers, combining product logic, 3D visualization, and automatic quotation generation. Integrates price lists from ERP/CRM and supports BIM and point cloud integration. Built for engineering-to-order industrial companies.
• 3D Virtual Training Virtual training solution including a 3D e-learning academy, interactive 3D manuals and documentation, and collaborative VR/AR training sessions. Supports safety training, employee onboarding, technical operations training, and interactive language change for multilingual audiences. Built for industrial training departments, medtech, and service organizations.
• ExpoTwin Virtual exhibition solution developed in partnership with Andreas Messerli AG that combines a physical exhibit presence with interactive digital twin presentations on spatially staged LED walls at trade shows and events. Built for industrial brands seeking event impact for complex products.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4x faster understanding of complex products compared to traditional documentation
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

AI capability10 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Rey Technology Holding AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRey Technology specializes in automation, IT, and digitalization solutions for industrial environments. They provide complex automation and digitalization solutions and have been specialists in this field for nearly 40 years.
• Andreas Messerli AGcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent services company with around 120 employees. Partners on ExpoTwin solution for trade shows and exhibitions, offering brand experiences around the globe. Joint solution enables digital twin presentations at events.
• bbvcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSoftware and consulting company with operations in Switzerland, Germany, Greece, and Vietnam. Accompanies customers in digital transformation and develops digital business with innovative products.
• CADFEMcoreTechnology or IntegrationLeading provider of simulation solutions with 500 employees worldwide. Family-owned company with extensive engineering expertise and comprehensive industry experience.
• cross-INGminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering services company providing multidisciplinary engineering and cross engineering application for development projects.
• IBH (Ingenieurbüro Hofmann)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering office since 1987, successful development partner for special machines and product development in various industries. Known for flexibility, motivation, and know-how.
• imccoreTechnology or IntegrationLeading provider of e-learning technologies with over 25 years of experience. Full-service provider delivering learning platforms, content, and strategic expertise. Has revolutionized learning for over 10 million learners in 1,300+ companies.
• CrossmotionminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFull-service media agency developing multimedia and interactive worlds of experience for online training of employees, partners, and customers.
• Infel AGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate media solutions provider building and strengthening stakeholder loyalty through journalistically high-quality corporate media tools.
• Energy Network Services AGminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBusiness consulting and services for stakeholder and business relationship management, particularly for network-based utilities and infrastructure operators.
• Sedax AGminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInterdisciplinary engineering team delivering advanced technical solutions since 2002 with over 1,000 successful customer projects. Specializes in product and system development.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Threekit: Threekit is a 3D product visualization and configuration platform for manufacturers and brands. Strongest direct competitor: both turn CAD/BIM sources into interactive 3D experiences aimed at sales, marketing, and configuration workflows for complex products.
• Cylindo: Cylindo offers high-quality 3D product visualization for commerce, focused on retail and furniture manufacturers. Overlaps with Side Effects' interactive 3D product marketing use case, though more retail-oriented than industrial machinery.
• Configura (CETECOM/Visual Configuration): Configura provides 3D space planning and configuration software for commercial furniture, kitchens, and material handling. Directly comparable on the live 3D sales-configurator workflow with rule-based engineering logic.
• DriveWorks: DriveWorks is a design automation and 3D sales configurator tightly integrated with SOLIDWORKS CAD. Comparable to Side Effects' 3D Sales Configurator for engineer-to-order industrial machinery with native CAD data ingestion.
• Marxent VisualCommerce: Marxent provides 3D product visualization, configuration, and AR experiences for retail and consumer brands. Comparable product/market overlap on interactive 3D product experiences and AR deployment.

Emerging players

• Visual Components: Visual Components offers 3D simulation software for manufacturing and production environments, including offline robot programming. Partial overlap with Side Effects on industrial 3D visualization for manufacturing, with a focus on factory simulation rather than product presentation.
• BILT Inc. BILT provides 3D interactive product instructions and guided assembly. Overlaps with Side Effects' 3D manual and training use cases, though operates more in the consumer goods and tool space than industrial machinery.
• Strivr: Strivr is a VR-based immersive training platform for enterprise workforces. Comparable on the VR training angle that Side Effects covers under its 3D Virtual Training solution, but Strivr is dedicated to VR rather than multi-modal 3D.

Broad incumbents

• Dassault Systèmes (3DEXPERIENCE platform): Dassault's 3DEXPERIENCE platform covers CAD, PLM, 3D visualization, and digital twin for manufacturing. Broad incumbent that touches Side Effects' space at the high end, with native CAD/Digital-Mock-Up workflows that industrial machinery manufacturers may already license.
• PTC (ThingWorx / Vuforia / Creo Illustrate): PTC's ThingWorx IoT and Vuforia AR platforms, plus Creo Illustrate for technical illustrations, directly compete with Side Effects on industrial IoT/AR visualization, configurator-adjacent workflows, and 3D documentation for service.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/SideEffectsAG
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC9hMyZ4llNYo_2MeDdNVr4w
• Facebookfacebook.com/sideeffects.ch
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/5320756
• Instagraminstagram.com/sideeffects.ch
• TikToktiktok.com/@sideeffects.ch

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors4 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Side Effects