Port Zero
Port Zero is a Berlin-based IT services firm offering security consulting, custom software development, and Linux systems integration, plus productized solutions for internal AI deployment, open-source office suites, and municipal smart-city platforms for DACH-region enterprises and municipalities.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersBerlin, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Port Zero does
Port Zero is a Berlin-based IT services company founded in 2013 and organized as a German GmbH (Port Zero GmbH), with a team of approximately 17 professionals. The firm delivers three integrated service lines: IT security consulting (penetration testing, security audits, ISMS implementation, data protection officer services, and compliance with frameworks including ISO 27000+, BSI IT-Grundschutz, C5, TISAX, and PCI DSS); custom software development (architecture, full-stack development, cloud-based work environments, and user-centric design); and Linux-based systems integration (Prometheus/Grafana monitoring, Ansible configuration management, Kubernetes infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and ongoing administration). All work is delivered through a quote-based project and managed-services model targeting enterprises and municipalities in Germany and the broader DACH region.
Beyond consulting, Port Zero has productized three distinct solution offerings. The Internal AI Engine is a privately-deployed enterprise AI platform providing a ChatGPT-like experience with multi-model routing, agentic loops, RAG over company knowledge, and MCP-based integrations to productivity, communication, development, and database tools, deployed under customer-selected LLM provider terms including no-retention and no-training options. openDesk is an open-source office and collaboration suite that bundles OX AppSuite, Nextcloud, Collabora Online, OpenProject, xWiki, Matrix, Jitsi, and Univention as a Microsoft 365 alternative deployed on Kubernetes. Urban Data Solutions supports municipalities in building secure, scalable smart-city data platforms on the CIVITAS/CORE open-source foundation. The technology stack is consistently open-source-first: Linux, Kubernetes, Ansible, Prometheus, Grafana, and public-cloud LLM providers.
Go-to-market is sales-led enterprise field sales supplemented by a partner network. Named customers include ver.di, Ecosia, Testo, Blinkist, Computop, SysEleven, medneo, Eurofiber, Pitch, polypoly, resmio, Saloodo!, WOBCOM, Datatrain, Advantis, orderbird, Passion.io, PlaytestCloud, and ecix, with an additional reach across more than 60 ISPs served via the firm's role as main DACH-region integrator for Axiros Management Systems. Strategic partners include Mint Secure and Defora Networks (long-standing security collaborations), Bugshell (penetration testing platform), Solid Point Consulting (audit and AI compliance), palladio Consulting (enterprise architecture), Frachtwerk (industrial digital transformation), Stetig && Wandel (smart-city delivery), and the OSB Alliance and Civitas Connect e.V. ecosystem memberships.
Port Zero firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Port Zero
- Legal name
- Port Zero GmbH
- Website
- https://port-zero.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Port Zero is a Berlin-based IT services firm offering security consulting, custom software development, and Linux systems integration, plus productized solutions for internal AI deployment, open-source office suites, and municipal smart-city platforms for DACH-region enterprises and municipalities.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Port Zero industry classification
Industry- Product category
- IT Security and Systems Integration Services
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computer Facilities Management Services (541513)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Communications Services, Nec (4899)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Security Architecture & Engineering Advisory (Zero Trust, IAM, Network) (BPAKADAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Identity & Access Security Services (IAM, PAM, Zero Trust) (BPAKAHAI), Business/Enterprise ISPs (Dedicated Internet Access) (HDAIADAB)
Keywords
Where Port Zero is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Berlin
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Port Zero business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- IT Security Consulting Services: Security consulting including penetration testing, security audits, security training, and data protection officer services. Project-based engagements or retainer arrangements for ongoing security support.
- Software Development Services: Custom software architecture, full-stack development, cloud-based work environments, and user-centric design services. Complete software lifecycle support from requirements to implementation.
- Systems Integration & Operations: Setup and operation of Linux-based IT infrastructure including monitoring, integration, administration, CI/CD pipelines, and ongoing infrastructure management.
- Internal AI Engine Implementation: MVP development and deployment of internal AI platforms. Initial development (5-10 weeks timeline) plus ongoing infrastructure and token costs for operations.
- openDesk Deployment Services: Professional deployment, integration, and monthly support options for openDesk open-source office suite (4-10 hours/month support packages).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Project-based consulting and implementation services |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels3 records
Port Zero product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Port Zero provides professional IT security consulting (including penetration testing, security audits, and data protection/GDPR services), custom software architecture and full-stack development, and Linux-based systems integration and operations. In addition to these services, the company delivers three productized solutions: the Internal AI Engine (a privately-deployed enterprise AI platform with MCP integrations and RAG), openDesk (an open-source office and collaboration suite deployed as an alternative to Microsoft 365), and Urban Data Solutions (smart city platforms built on the CIVITAS/CORE open-source foundation).
Product overview
Port Zero is an IT services company (not a SaaS vendor) offering three main service areas: Security (consulting, penetration testing, audits, data protection), Software (architecture, development, cloud environments, UX), and Systems (Linux infrastructure, monitoring, integration, administration). Three named solution offerings are productized as distinct offerings: Internal AI Engine (enterprise AI platform with MCP integrations and RAG), openDesk (open-source Microsoft 365 alternative), and Urban Data Solutions (smart city infrastructure using CIVITAS/CORE). These solutions are delivered as professional services including setup, integration, and ongoing operation rather than self-service products.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- openDesk: A free, open-source office and collaboration suite designed as an independent alternative to Microsoft 365 for organizations seeking digital sovereignty.
- Internal AI Engine
- Urban Data Solutions
Products and services
- Internal AI Engine A privately-deployed, enterprise-grade AI platform delivered as an engagement that provides a ChatGPT-like experience with full control over data governance, access policies, cost management, custom tooling, and AI behavior. Includes MCP-based tool integrations with systems such as Confluence, Notion, Slack, GitHub, PostgreSQL, and multiple LLM providers. Targeted at organizations of 100+ employees wanting sovereign enterprise AI adoption.
- openDesk Deployment & Integration Professional deployment and integration of the openDesk open-source office and collaboration suite (OX AppSuite, Nextcloud, Collabora Online, OpenProject, xWiki, CryptPad, Matrix, Jitsi, Univention) on containerized Kubernetes infrastructure, including monthly support packages of 4-10 hours. Targeted at organizations seeking to replace Microsoft 365 with a sovereign open-source alternative.
- Urban Data Solutions Smart city solutions supporting municipalities in building secure Urban Data Platforms. Combines security services (penetration testing, ISMS, vulnerability management, SOC integration), DevOps/system integration (CI/CD, monitoring, automated deployment), and software development for Urban Data Platforms. Built on the CIVITAS/CORE open-source foundation. Targeted at German municipalities and public-sector organizations.
- IT Security Consulting Services Project-based and retainer security consulting including security consulting (process-oriented information security and frameworks such as ISO 27000+, BSI IT baseline protection, C5, TISAX, PCI DSS), penetration testing, security audits, data protection officer services, GDPR support, threat modeling, security training, and red teaming. Targeted at organizations needing to achieve and maintain security certifications and data protection compliance.
- Custom Software Development Services Custom software architecture, full-stack development, cloud-based work environments, user-centric UX/UI design, and complete software lifecycle support from requirements to implementation, including CI environments. Targeted at companies needing custom digital products and modern legacy modernization.
- Systems Integration & Operations Setup, automation, and ongoing operation of Linux-based IT infrastructure including monitoring stacks (Ansible, Prometheus, Grafana, Alertmanager), API design and modernization, centralized user and rights management, CI/CD pipelines, self-hosted Jitsi video conferencing, and general system administration. Targeted at organizations running or migrating to Linux-based infrastructure.
Companies that use Port Zero
Customer profileNamed customers24 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Port Zero technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration22 records
AI capability6 records
Feature4 records
Port Zero partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Mint SecurecoreLong-standing collaboration spanning decades on security issues. Intensive exchange and joint work on interdisciplinary security projects including pentests, system hardening, and compliance topics such as development of information security management systems.
- Defora NetworkscoreClose cooperation sharing common views and ethics regarding IT security and open source. Frequently work together on projects and share professional ideas.
- FrachtwerkminorJoint projects, knowledge and expertise sharing, mutual support. Frachtwerk specializes in software consulting for large industrial projects, especially in digital transformation, and in-house development of software projects with highly qualified experts.
- palladio ConsultingminorEnterprise architecture management consulting partner that supports companies in leveraging efficiency potential at the interface between business and IT, identifying specialist change requirements and translating them into technical solutions.
- Solid Point ConsultingminorSpecialized in audits, consulting and training for information security and AI, providing practical solutions and helping ensure compliance with standards like ISO 27001, ISO 22301, BSI IT-Grundschutz, TISAX, ISO 42001 and GDPR.
- AxiroscorePort Zero is the main integrator for Axiros Management Systems in the DACH region, implementing and operating these at over 60 ISPs. This is a significant partnership for device management solutions in the ISP sector.
- Stetig && WandelcorePartnership for smart city initiatives using CIVITAS/CORE open-source foundation. Together they support municipalities in building and operating Urban Data Platforms with focus on security and scalability.
- Civitas Connect e.V.coreAssociation of municipalities that jointly developed CIVITAS/CORE as an open-source foundation for smart city projects. Port Zero contributes to this ecosystem for secure Urban Data Platform development.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Port Zero competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- HiSolutions AG: Berlin-based IT security consultancy offering penetration testing, ISMS, and compliance services. Direct competitor to Port Zero's security consulting practice with overlapping German public-sector and enterprise clients.
- B1 Systems: German open-source specialist focused on Linux distributions, virtualization, and cloud infrastructure consulting. Overlaps with Port Zero's systems integration and open-source deployment offerings.
- Consol Consulting & Solutions Software: Munich-headquartered IT consultancy specializing in Java/software development, open-source middleware, and DevOps. Comparable to Port Zero's software development and systems integration practice with similar DACH enterprise focus.
- Inovex: German IT services firm with comparable open-source-first consulting across software development, IT infrastructure, and data engineering. Closely matches Port Zero's open-source-centric delivery model and DACH enterprise customer base.
- ATIX AG: Munich-based Linux, Kubernetes, and open-source infrastructure consultancy offering managed services and training. Directly comparable to Port Zero's Linux/Ansible/Kubernetes systems integration practice.
- TÜV TRUST IT GmbH: German security and compliance consultancy specializing in ISO 27001, BSI IT-Grundschutz, and TISAX implementation. Highly comparable to Port Zero's compliance and ISMS consulting engagements.
Broad incumbents
- Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity: German security vendor serving public sector and critical infrastructure with hardware and software security products. Overlaps with Port Zero's compliance-focused engagements at enterprise and government clients.
- secunet Security Networks AG: Publicly listed German cybersecurity specialist serving government, defense, and critical infrastructure. Much broader portfolio than Port Zero but competes in the same high-trust German security consulting market.
- Hornetsecurity: German cloud security provider with broad portfolio (email security, backup, compliance). Adjacent to Port Zero's security services but operates at significantly larger scale and product breadth.
- Bechtle AG: One of the largest German IT system integrators and managed service providers. Competes with Port Zero for enterprise IT infrastructure and security engagements across the DACH region at vastly greater scale.
Market position
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Port Zero social profiles
Digital presencePort Zero financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Port Zero leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Port Zero funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Port Zero M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Port Zero
What does Port Zero do?
Port Zero provides professional IT security consulting (including penetration testing, security audits, and data protection/GDPR services), custom software architecture and full-stack development, and Linux-based systems integration and operations. In addition to these services, the company delivers three productized solutions: the Internal AI Engine (a privately-deployed enterprise AI platform with MCP integrations and RAG), openDesk (an open-source office and collaboration suite deployed as an alternative to Microsoft 365), and Urban Data Solutions (smart city platforms built on the CIVITAS/CORE open-source foundation).
Is Port Zero a public or private company?
Port Zero is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Port Zero founded?
Port Zero was founded in 2013. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Port Zero based?
Port Zero is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Port Zero make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. IT Security Consulting Services are the primary driver. The others are software Development Services, systems Integration & Operations, internal AI Engine Implementation and openDesk Deployment Services.
Who are Port Zero's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are HiSolutions AG, B1 Systems, Consol Consulting & Solutions Software, Inovex, ATIX AG and TÜV TRUST IT GmbH. Broad incumbents are Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity, secunet Security Networks AG, Hornetsecurity and Bechtle AG.
Does Port Zero have an API?
No public API is recorded for Port Zero.
What industry is Port Zero in?
Port Zero's product category is IT Security and Systems Integration Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAKADAF, Security Architecture & Engineering Advisory (Zero Trust, IAM, Network), with a secondary code of BPAKAHAI, Identity & Access Security Services (IAM, PAM, Zero Trust). Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 7371.