9elements

What 9elements does

9elements GmbH is a Bochum, Germany-based private limited company (GmbH) operating as a custom software engineering and digital design consultancy, founded around 2004. The firm provides tailor-made software solutions spanning mobile applications, enterprise platforms, data visualization, AI/ML integration, branding, UX/conception, and business development advisory, serving a dual client base of early-stage startups and globally established enterprises. Notable client engagements include the WHO data portal (data.who.int), the FC Schalke 04 mobile app, and the Ausbildung.de employer branding platform, which was subsequently acquired by Bertelsmann for a double-digit million euro amount.

The business model is predominantly professional services delivered on a sales-led, project or retainer basis, with no publicly disclosed pricing. Core technology stack capabilities include React Native/Expo, Elixir/Phoenix, Svelte, Ruby on Rails, Elasticsearch, and generative AI tooling built on Flux models and ComfyUI workflows. The firm has expanded into adjacent operating brands: 9elements Cyber Security (a wholly-owned firmware security subsidiary at 9esec.io) and 9elements Ventures (an investment arm that has deployed over 1 million euros and supported more than 1,000 startups, also serving as a founding member of the Expedit Ventures CTO angel network). The company is co-led by Managing Directors Sebastian Deutsch and Mehmet Eray Basar, with a headcount in the 11–50 range and no external institutional funding disclosed.

Name

9elements

Legal name

9elements GmbH

Website

https://9elements.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

9elements is a Bochum-based German software engineering and digital design consultancy building custom mobile, web, and AI solutions for startups and global enterprises, with adjacent cyber security and venture investment arms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Custom Software Development & Digital Product Design Services

NAICS

Custom Computer Programming Services (541511)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)

akta.pro primary industry

Platform Engineering & Internal Developer Platforms (IDP) (BPAEAKAC)

Keywords

• Custom software development
• Web development services
• AI consulting services
• UX design services
• Digital product engineering

Headquarters

HQ city

Bochum

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom Software Development: Tailor-made software solutions from mobile apps to custom enterprise solutions, likely project-based or retainer engagements.
2. Web Development Services: Fast, powerful website development services that are intuitive and accessible.
3. Machine Learning / AI Consulting: AI expertise helping businesses make tasks easier and more cost-efficient using artificial intelligence technologies.
4. Business Development Consulting: Advisory services for startups in early and late stages on business decisions and growth strategies.
5. Branding & Design Services: Unique visual identity creation and design services for lasting brand impressions.
6. Concept & UX Services: Digital product conception combining UX, technical expertise and optimized processes.
7. 9elements Ventures Investment: Investment in early-stage companies with flexible, collaborative approach supporting founders with strategy, execution, funding, and network access. Returns generated through successful exits.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

9elements is a digital product and design consultancy that builds tailor-made software solutions spanning mobile apps, web platforms, and enterprise applications. Its services cover software engineering, web development, machine learning/AI, business development advisory, branding and design, and concept/UX work, delivered as project-based or retainer engagements to startups and globally established companies.

Product overview

9elements is a software development consultancy that offers professional services across software engineering, web development, AI/machine learning, business development, branding and design, and UX/concept services. The company does not offer packaged software products but provides tailored software solutions developed for clients from conception through implementation. Notable client projects include a mobile app for FC Schalke 04, the WHO data portal (data.who.int), and the employer branding platform Ausbildung.de. The company also operates 9elements Ventures, an investment/ventures arm, and has a separate cyber security division (9elements Cyber Security).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• 9elements Ventures: Investment arm that supports founders and startups with strategy, execution, funding, and network access
• 9elements Cyber Security

Products and services

• Software Engineering

Quantifiable outcome

• Helped grow ausbildung.de from initial idea to successful exit at double-digit million amount to Bertelsmann
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Expedit VenturescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding member of Expedit Ventures, the only CTO angel network in Germany. Partnership broadens investment spectrum and provides access to first-class ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors, and innovation leaders. Enables co-investment opportunities and access to additional resources.
• KoreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBritish agency partnered with for the WHO data portal visualization project. 9elements developed the visualization framework while Kore contributed to the overall project collaboration.
• University of Witten/HerdeckeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClose relationship with university where founders of ausbildung.de were discovered during a digitalization workshop. Maintained ongoing talent pipeline and innovation exchange.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Thoughtworks: Global technology consultancy delivering custom software, design, and AI engineering for enterprise clients — directly comparable to 9elements' custom software development and AI/ML consulting model.
• Futurice: Nordic digital product studio offering custom software, design, and emerging-tech consulting to enterprise clients — closely mirrors 9elements' boutique engineering-plus-design blend.
• SinnerSchrader (now part of Accenture Song in Germany): Historically Germany's leading independent digital agency for custom software, web, and digital products; the closest German-market comparable to 9elements' agency origin and service mix.
• Netlight: Pan-European technology and management consultancy focused on digital transformation, software engineering, and design — comparable in custom software delivery model and boutique scale.
• Ustwo: Global digital product studio building apps, platforms, and experiences for major brands; shares 9elements' combination of design, engineering, and emerging-tech service lines.
• Pilot Group: German digital agency group offering custom software, platforms, and digital marketing services — a DACH-region comparable to 9elements' core software engineering and web offering.

Broad incumbents

• DEPT®: Large global digital agency spanning custom software, design, engineering, and marketing — overlaps 9elements' services but operates at materially larger scale across multiple geographies.
• Globant: Global IT and digital transformation firm providing custom software and AI engineering for enterprise clients — broad incumbent addressing the same custom software/AI consulting category.
• Huge (IBM iX): Global digital agency delivering custom software, design, and digital transformation; overlaps with 9elements' offerings but operates as part of a much broader portfolio within IBM iX.

Emerging players

• IDEO: Design-led innovation consultancy that partners with enterprises on digital products and emerging technology — intersects with 9elements' concept/UX and emerging-tech positioning while remaining more design-centric than engineering-centric.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/9elements
• GitHubgithub.com/9elements
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/9elements

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments2 records

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

Frequently asked questions about 9elements