AirID
AirID GmbH is a German IT security provider that builds wireless smart card readers, contactless smart cards, and smartphone-based authentication software certified for German federal classified workloads, serving agencies such as the Bundestag and enterprises like Porsche, Siemens, and Deutsche Bahn.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersOberhausen, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What AirID does
AirID GmbH is a German IT security provider founded in 2004 and headquartered in Oberhausen, specializing in wireless smart card readers and complementary authentication software for government and regulated enterprise customers. The company's hardware portfolio centers on the AirID2 and AirID2 Mini Bluetooth smart card readers, with the AirID NFC Smart Card and AirID Virtual extending the line into contactless chip-card and smartphone-based authentication respectively. The underlying technology stack combines proprietary wireless-reader IP, an SCP03 framework, FIDO2 support across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and post-quantum encryption implementations, with EAL5+ certified smart cards underpinning the security claims.
The company sells to German federal agencies — including the Bundestag, the Federal President Office, and federal ministries — and to large enterprises such as Porsche, Siemens, Deutsche Bahn, Siemens Mobility, Raiffeisendruckerei, and MIG Verwaltung, alongside international bodies including US Military CAC deployments and the International Atomic Energy Agency. AirID operates a hybrid revenue model: EUR 199 per AirID2 hardware unit, with a layered Software and Support Service subscription at EUR 8.25 per month per device, distributed through a direct online shop, enterprise sales, and a global partner network (notably Tx Systems in the US). Strategic certifications — VS-NfD clearance, EAL5+ smart card certification, BSI recognition, and memberships in IT Security Made in Germany, FIDO Alliance, Teletrust, and the Alliance for Cybersecurity, as well as Microsoft Gold Partner status — anchor the position in regulated procurement.
AirID firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- AirID
- Legal name
- AirID GmbH
- Website
- https://airid.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- AirID GmbH is a German IT security provider that builds wireless smart card readers, contactless smart cards, and smartphone-based authentication software certified for German federal classified workloads, serving agencies such as the Bundestag and enterprises like Porsche, Siemens, and Deutsche Bahn.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
AirID industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Secure Authentication Hardware
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (5132)
- SIC
- Electronic Components & Accessories (3670)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Card Readers & Authentication Tokens (Smart Card, NFC, OTP Keys) (HDACAFAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Secure ICs, Smart Cards & Trusted Hardware (HDAHAAAJ), Secure/Encrypted Messaging (BPAMACAG)
Keywords
Where AirID is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Oberhausen
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
AirID business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: Sale of AirID smart card reader devices (AirID2, AirID2 Mini, AirID NFC Smart Card). One-time purchase model with devices priced at 199 EUR. Hardware includes embedded firmware and basic functionality.
- Support and Updates Subscription: Recurring subscription model providing firmware updates (new features and security patches), technical hotline support, and agreed SLA response times. First year included with new product purchase. Subscription terms available in 6-month, 12-month, 24-month, or 36-month periods. Priced at 8.25 EUR/month with annual billing option. Automatic renewal unless cancelled 3 months before expiry.
- Software as a Service (Cloud Services): Cloud-based services including AirID Central application and enterprise management platform. High availability and reliability of cloud services included in subscription model. Optional telemetry data services.
- Enterprise Software Licenses: Licensing of software products including AirID Virtual app, All-in-ONE App for secure communication. Available as on-premise or cloud-based solutions with advanced hybrid encryption.
- Legacy Device Support: Discounted support service for devices delivered before January 1, 2025 or without active subscription. Covers security-relevant patches only (no hardware replacement guarantee).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | Monthly | AirID2 - One-time purchase with optional subscription |
| Subscription | Annual | Support and Updates Subscription (post year 1) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Extended Warranty |
| Subscription | Annual | Legacy Support |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
AirID product offering
Product offeringCore offering
AirID designs, manufactures, and sells wireless smart card readers (AirID2, AirID2 Mini, AirID NFC Smart Card) that enable secure authentication, encryption, and digital signing via Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The offering is complemented by software products including AirID Virtual smartphone authentication, the All-in-ONE secure communication app, AirID Enterprise Manager for centralized device administration, and the SCP03 security framework. The portfolio targets government agencies and large enterprises with FIDO2, post-quantum encryption, and VS-NfD classified-level certifications.
Product overview
AirID offers a comprehensive portfolio of secure workplace solutions centered around wireless smart card authentication technology. The core product line consists of hardware devices (AirID2 and AirID2 Mini mobile card readers, AirID NFC Smart Card with post-quantum encryption, and AirID Virtual for smartphone-based authentication) complemented by software solutions including the All-in-ONE communication apps with Blackberry MDM integration, AirID SCP03 security framework, AirID Enterprise Manager for centralized device management, and Mobile Secure Network VPN solution. The portfolio is unified through the Software and Support Service subscription model and AirID Central desktop application, providing enterprises with end-to-end secure authentication, encryption, and communication capabilities certified for classified government use.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- AirID2: Mobile smart card reader for secure authentication, supporting contact-based and contactless smart cards with USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
- AirID2 Mini
- AirID NFC Smart Card
- All-in-ONE App
- All-in-One App for iOS iPhone Indigo with Blackberry MDM
- AirID Virtual
- AirID Enterprise Manager (AEM)
- AirID SCP03 Framework
- Mobile Secure Network over VPN Channels
- AirID Central
Products and services
- AirID2 Mobile smart card reader in credit card format supporting contact-based and contactless smart cards with USB and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity. Enables secure authentication, encryption, digital signatures, and multi-factor authentication for enterprise security, e-government, and financial services applications, with automatic device locking when the user moves away.
- AirID2 Mini Compact portable version of AirID2 designed for mobile users in a keychain-ready form factor. Offers Bluetooth LE 4.1, NFC, and USB connectivity with EAL5+ certified ID-000 (Mini SIM format) smart card support, a 128x128 Memory LCD Display, two smart card support, and AES 256 encryption.
- AirID NFC Smart Card Smart card with post-quantum encryption technology providing maximum security for data encryption and signing. Combines with the AirID SCP03 Framework for secure communication and protection against replay attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, and side-channel attacks.
- AirID Virtual Virtual authentication solution for smartphones enabling secure authentication, signing, and encryption without additional smartcards or readers. Uses hybrid RSA and Post-Quantum encryption with Bluetooth and NFC support, biometric MFA, and standalone iOS app capability.
- All-in-ONE App Comprehensive communication and organization app integrating chat, call, and calendar functionalities with white-label customization, hybrid encryption, and scalable deployment options for enterprises.
- All-in-One App for iOS iPhone Indigo with Blackberry MDM iOS-optimized version of the All-in-One App integrated with Blackberry Mobile Device Management. Combines chat, call, and calendar functionalities with hybrid RSA and Post-Quantum encryption for government and public sector secure communications.
- AirID SCP03 Framework Security protocol for secure information exchange between smart cards and host systems. Provides robust authentication, advanced encryption, and protection against replay attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, and side-channel attacks.
- AirID Enterprise Manager (AEM) Server-side management program for enterprise deployment of AirID products. Enables centralized device management, firmware updates, policy management, user group definition, and optional telemetry data with full data sovereignty, available as on-premise or cloud-based solutions.
- Mobile Secure Network over VPN Channels Secure mobile network connection product using advanced VPN channels for encrypting communications and protecting sensitive data during mobile operations.
- Software and Support Service Subscription-based support model providing continuous firmware updates, technical hotline support, agreed SLA response times, and high availability of cloud services. First year included with new product purchases; optional extensions available in 6, 12, 24, or 36-month terms, with annual billing at 8.25 EUR/month.
- AirID Central Application Desktop application for managing AirID devices, monitoring battery status, checking firmware updates, and configuring advertising mode and paired devices. Provides high-availability cloud-based management included in the subscription model.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 50,000 secured clients using AirID technology
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use AirID
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments9 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
AirID technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
Feature9 records
AirID partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Tx SystemscoreStrategic US partner for government agencies and industry leaders. Tx Systems collaborates closely with prominent US government agencies and enterprise customers to deliver AirID solutions tailored to specific needs. Provides dedicated support for the USA market through shop.txsystems.com.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
AirID competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Feitian Technologies: Feitian manufactures smart card readers, OTP tokens, and FIDO/U2F authentication devices sold globally to enterprise and government customers. It overlaps with AirID in the smart card reader and authentication token category, including certified devices for high-security deployments.
- Yubico: Yubico manufactures the YubiKey hardware authentication tokens used for FIDO2/WebAuthn passwordless and MFA logins. It competes with AirID2 in the hardware authentication token category and targets the same enterprise, government, and high-security customer base, though Yubico focuses on key-form-factor tokens rather than wireless smart card readers.
- Identiv: Identiv produces smart card readers, RFID/NFC readers, and credentialing solutions for physical and logical access. Its uTrust and scrivoSiC product lines directly overlap with AirID's smart card reader portfolio and serve the same government, enterprise, and healthcare authentication use cases.
- HID Global: HID Global (an ASSA ABLOY company) is the dominant vendor of smart card readers and physical access control devices, including contactless and credential readers for enterprise and government. It directly competes with AirID's AirID2 line in the smart card reader category and serves overlapping regulated and government segments.
Broad incumbents
- RSA Security: RSA Security provides enterprise MFA, identity governance, and secure authentication solutions used by government agencies and large corporations. It overlaps with AirID in the MFA and strong authentication category but addresses it primarily through software tokens and identity platforms rather than wireless smart card hardware.
- IDEMIA: IDEMIA is a global identity and security provider producing biometric cards, smart cards, and secure authentication solutions for governments and enterprises. It competes with AirID's AirID NFC Smart Card and reader lines in the high-assurance identity space but as a much broader identity-focused incumbent.
- Thales (Gemalto): Thales, through its Gemalto digital security business, is a broad incumbent in digital identity and secure authentication, offering smart cards, readers, and PKI solutions to governments and large enterprises worldwide. It competes with AirID in classified and high-assurance authentication but as part of a much larger portfolio spanning identity, payments, and IoT.
Others
- certgate (now part of AirID): certgate is referenced in AirID customer testimonials as a partner and is associated with the AirID smart card ecosystem through PKI solutions. It is closely adjacent in the smart card and authentication stack and historically supplied the cryptographic underpinnings of AirID's solutions.
Emerging players
- AuthenTrend: AuthenTrend is a smaller vendor of FIDO2 biometric and fingerprint authentication keys and smart card readers targeting enterprise and government security. It overlaps with AirID in the authentication token space but focuses on fingerprint-bound keys rather than wireless smart card readers.
- Nitrokey: Nitrokey is a German-headquartered open-source hardware security vendor producing smart cards, USB tokens, and FIDO2 authentication devices. It is closely comparable to AirID in geography and category, though it emphasizes open-source firmware and USB-tethered form factors versus AirID's wireless smart card readers.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
AirID social profiles
Digital presenceAirID compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
AirID financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
AirID leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
AirID funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
AirID 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 AirID
What does AirID do?
AirID designs, manufactures, and sells wireless smart card readers (AirID2, AirID2 Mini, AirID NFC Smart Card) that enable secure authentication, encryption, and digital signing via Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The offering is complemented by software products including AirID Virtual smartphone authentication, the All-in-ONE secure communication app, AirID Enterprise Manager for centralized device administration, and the SCP03 security framework. The portfolio targets government agencies and large enterprises with FIDO2, post-quantum encryption, and VS-NfD classified-level certifications.
Is AirID a public or private company?
AirID is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was AirID founded?
AirID was founded in 2004. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is AirID based?
AirID is headquartered in Oberhausen, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does AirID make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are support and Updates Subscription, software as a Service (Cloud Services), enterprise Software Licenses and legacy Device Support.
Who are AirID's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Feitian Technologies, Yubico, Identiv and HID Global. Broad incumbents are RSA Security, IDEMIA and Thales (Gemalto). certgate (now part of AirID) is listed as an others. Emerging players are AuthenTrend and Nitrokey.
Does AirID have an API?
No public API is recorded for AirID.
What industry is AirID in?
AirID's product category is Secure Authentication Hardware. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDACAFAK, Card Readers & Authentication Tokens (Smart Card, NFC, OTP Keys), with a secondary code of HDAHAAAJ, Secure ICs, Smart Cards & Trusted Hardware. Its NAICS code is 5132 and its SIC code is 3670.