Help Tech
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersHorb Am Neckar, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Help Tech does
Help Tech GmbH & Co. KG is a German manufacturer and distributor of electronic assistive devices for blind and visually impaired people, headquartered in Horb am Neckar. The company is the direct continuation of Handy Tech Elektronik GmbH, founded in 1994 by Dipl.-Ing. Siegfried Kipke and tracing its technological lineage to the world's first Braille module invented at the same Horb site in 1974 by Dipl.-Ing. Klaus Peter Schönherr. The company is co-led today by Kipke and Marc Züfle (since 2017) and remains founder-owned with no external equity funding.
The product portfolio centers on proprietary Braille displays (Activator, Activator Pro, Active Braille, Actilino, plus the newly configurable myBraille line and legacy models) developed and manufactured in Germany, complemented by distributed low-vision devices (OrCam MyEye, electronic magnifiers including Clover 5, CCTV reading systems, camera systems), the AI-powered VoxiVision mobile reader, the EyesReality simulation headset, and screen-reader software (HTCom, HT EasyTask, plus distribution of JAWS, ZoomText, Fusion, and NVDA). Differentiated proprietary technology includes the patented Active Tactile Control (ATC) system (DE102004046526A1) for real-time reading position detection, ergonomic concave Braille modules, RTFC shorthand translation, and HID plug-and-play connectivity with all major screen readers.
Help Tech makes money primarily through one-time hardware sales of assistive devices, often reimbursed via the German statutory health insurance system (Krankenkassen) using its registered supplier status (IK-Nr. 590 821 387), supplemented by professional services (installation, training, repair, warranty), software licensing, and managed claims administration on behalf of patients. Go-to-market is sales-led and consultation-intensive, delivered through five German consulting centers (Stuttgart, Hamburg, Marburg, Köln, Berlin) plus a mobile field sales team domestically, and a certified dealer network in 30+ countries internationally. Approximately 10% of employees are themselves blind or visually impaired, lending an unusually authentic product-development and customer-advisory capability that is reinforced by ISO 9001 certification maintained since 1997.
Help Tech firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Help Tech
- Legal name
- Help Tech GmbH & Co. KG
- Website
- https://helptech.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Help Tech industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Assistive Technology for the Visually Impaired
- NAICS
- Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115), Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510)
- SIC
- Ophthalmic Goods (3851)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Low Vision & Assistive Vision Devices (Magnifiers, Electronic Video Magnifiers, Wearable Vision Aids) (HLAHAJAN)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Vision Assistive Technology (Screen Readers, Braille, Magnification) (EDAKAIAF), Assistive & Accessibility Input Devices (Switches, Adaptive Controllers, Braille Keyboards) (HDACAFAL)
Keywords
Where Help Tech is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Horb Am Neckar
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices6 records
Markets served
Help Tech business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Braille Display Hardware Sales: Sale of proprietary and distributed Braille display hardware including Activator, Activator Pro, Active Braille, Actilino, and other models. One-time hardware purchase with optional insurance reimbursement through German health insurance system (Krankenkasse).
- Assistive Device Sales: Sale of electronic magnifying aids, reading systems, screen readers, camera systems, and related assistive technology. Includes products like electronic magnifiers (e.g., Clover 5), screen reading devices (OrCam MyEye), and video magnifiers. One-time purchase with health insurance coverage options.
- Professional Services & Training: Includes on-site product training, device installation, user instruction, ongoing support after purchase, repair services, and warranty services. Provided at consulting centers or via home visits.
- Software Products: Sale and licensing of assistive software including ZoomText, Fusion, HT EasyTask (bundled free with Braille displays), and proprietary Help Tech software. Software products and updates provided to customers.
- Health Insurance & Cost Carrier Services: As an approved assistive device supplier (zugelassener Hilfsmittellieferant) with IK number 590 821 387, Help Tech handles complete billing and claim processing with statutory health insurers (Krankenkassen) and rehabilitation carriers. This administrative service is bundled with device provision.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Other | Health Insurance Reimbursement (Kostenerstattung) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Individual Product Purchase |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Software Bundled with Hardware (EasyTask) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Help Tech product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Help Tech manufactures and distributes electronic assistive technology for blind and visually impaired people, with a primary focus on Braille displays (Activator, Activator Pro, Active Braille, Actilino, myBraille) featuring patented Active Tactile Control (ATC) technology. The portfolio extends to electronic magnifiers, CCTV/video magnification systems, AI-powered reading devices (VoxiVision, OrCam MyEye), VR low vision simulation glasses (EyesReality), screen reader software (JAWS, ZoomText, Fusion, NVDA), and proprietary tools (HTCom, EasyTask, HelpTech+ iOS app). Products are sold direct, through five German consulting centers, and via an international dealer network in 30+ countries, with health insurance billing managed end-to-end.
Product overview
Help Tech is a manufacturer and distributor of assistive technology products for blind and visually impaired people. The portfolio is organized into three main pillars: (1) Own-brand Braille displays including the Activator (mobile, iPhone-integrated), Activator Pro 80/64 (professional desktop), Active Braille (portable with note-taking), Actilino (compact Braille), myBraille (new configurable line), and legacy models (Braille Wave, Braille Star, Braillino, Modular Evolution, Easy Braille, Active Star, Basic Braille, Buchwurm); (2) Low vision and reading devices including VoxiVision (AI-powered portable reader with translation), OrCam MyEye (AI wearable camera, distributed), electronic magnifiers (Clover 5 and others), CCTV magnification systems, camera systems, and EyesReality (VR simulation headset for 25+ eye diseases); and (3) Software products including HTCom (Windows-Braille data transfer), HT EasyTask (workflow automation, bundled free), DirectTransfer, ATC-LogAnalyzer, HelpTech+ iOS app, plus distributed JAWS, ZoomText, Fusion, and NVDA screen readers. The company also distributes Sophie and Daisy players, and through its hTRIUS partnership offers the BionicBack exoskeleton. Services include Braille display maintenance, software customization, training, and health insurance claim processing. Help Tech serves private, educational, and workplace segments across Germany through 5 consulting centers, with global distribution via partners in 30+ countries.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- myBraille: Individually configurable Braille display product line launched in 2026.
- Activator
- Activator Pro
- Active Braille
- EyesReality
- VoxiVision
- HTexo
Products and services
- Activator Mobile Braille display with patented foldable 2-in-1 QWERTY and Braille keyboard, SmartDock for iPhone/iPad integration, integrated shorthand translation (RTFC), and 30+ hours battery life for blind users seeking portable computer access.
- Activator Pro 80/64 Professional-grade Braille display with 64 or 80 concave Braille elements, integrated QWERTY keyboard, macro functionality, ActiveSplit dual-device control, BrailleShot, and Active Tactile Control (ATC) for workplace productivity by blind professionals.
- Active Braille 40-cell mobile Braille display with note-taking capability, Multi-Bluetooth, 64GB storage, ATC technology for automatic reading advancement, integrated MP3 player, and up to 40 hours battery life for blind users on the go.
- myBraille Individually configurable Braille display product line enabling customers to customize the number of Braille modules and additional features via online configurator. Marketed as 'Created by you. Built by us.'
- OrCam MyEye Wearable AI-powered reading device from OrCam Technologies, distributed by Help Tech, that reads printed text aloud, recognizes faces and objects, and identifies colors for blind and visually impaired users.
- VoxiVision AI-powered mobile reading device featuring text-to-speech in over 20 languages, real-time translation, scene description, color recognition, barcode scanning, and currency recognition for visually impaired users.
- EyesReality VR-based low vision simulation headset that realistically simulates over 25 eye diseases including macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinitis pigmentosa for training, awareness, and consultation purposes.
- Electronic Magnifiers Portable electronic magnifiers in handheld format including Clover 5 and other models with adjustable magnification, contrast enhancement, and color modes for visually impaired users to read menus, books, and printed materials.
- CCTV / Video Magnification Systems Desktop and portable CCTV (closed-circuit television) magnification systems for reading newspapers, mail, and longer texts, featuring adjustable magnification levels, color contrast modes, and reading stands for extended reading sessions.
- Camera Systems Camera-based reading and magnification systems, including portable and desktop variants, for capturing and enlarging text and images for visually impaired users.
- Reading / Text-to-Speech Devices Devices that convert printed text into spoken language, including OrCam MyEye and dedicated reading systems, enabling users to read books, newspapers, and documents through audio output. May include Daisy players for digital book formats.
- Tabli Android-based communication aid enabling deaf-blind Braille display users to communicate with sighted people in real time via Bluetooth-connected Braille displays (Active Braille, Active Star, Actilino) with on-screen keyboard and Braille display monitoring.
- Actilino Compact Braille display combining Braille output and input in an ergonomic form, part of the Handy Tech Braille system range, compatible with Tabli communication aid and supporting ATC technology.
- JAWS Screen Reader
Quantifiable outcome
- 40+ hours battery life on Active Braille
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Help Tech
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Help Tech technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration21 records
AI capability8 records
Feature10 records
Help Tech partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- hTRIUS / HTexominorSince 2019, Help Tech has supported the startup hTRIUS in developing the BionicBack exoskeleton for back strain prevention in workplace settings. Help Tech provides strategic backing to this complementary health technology venture. HTexo operates the BionicBack product line at htexo.de.
- Siemens / Unify GmbH & Co. KGcoreHelp Tech (then Handy Tech) became a partner company of Siemens in 1994 at founding. Siemens later transitioned to become Unify GmbH & Co. KG, continuing the technology partnership. This historical alliance validated Help Tech's position in assistive technology from inception.
- OrCam Technologies Ltd.coreHelp Tech is a certified reseller of OrCam MyEye, the AI-powered wearable reading and recognition device. OrCam products are featured at Help Tech consulting centers and distributed as part of Help Tech's comprehensive assistive device portfolio.
- Deutsche Blindenstudienanstalt (Blista), MarburgcoreAfter founder Klaus Peter Schönherr's death in 1981, Blista continued the company as EHG (gemeinnützige Produktionsstätte). The original Horb production site for Braille displays continued under this arrangement. The historical partnership led to Help Tech's continued Marburg regional presence and long-standing industry leadership.
- KOBA Vision (Belgium)coreKOBA Vision (De Oude Hoeven 6, 3971 Leopoldsburg, Belgium) is a certified Handy Tech Braille display dealer covering Belgium. Contact: Bart Budenaers, [email protected]. Represents Help Tech in the Belgian market.
- VisionAid Technologies Ltd (UK)coreVisionAid Technologies Ltd (Bridge Lodge, Spalding Common, Spalding PE11 3AU, UK) is a certified Handy Tech Braille display dealer for Great Britain. Contact: Ellis Ellis, [email protected].
- accesstech ag (Switzerland)coreaccesstech ag (Bürgenstrasse 12, 6005 Luzern, Switzerland) is the certified Handy Tech Braille display dealer for Switzerland. Contact: +41 41 227 41 27, [email protected].
- VIDEBIS GmbH (Austria)coreVIDEBIS GmbH (Schlosshofer Straße 6, 1210 Wien, Austria) is the certified Handy Tech Braille display dealer for Austria. Contact: Christian Zehetgruber, [email protected].
- Ceciaa (France)coreCeciaa (31 cours des Juilliottes, 3rd floor, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France) is the certified Handy Tech Braille display dealer for France. Contact: [email protected], +33 1 43 62 14 62.
- Handy Tech Norge AS (Norway)coreHandy Tech Norge AS is the certified Handy Tech Braille display dealer for Norway. Contact: [email protected].
- Cantec AS (Norway)minorCantec AS (Sofiemyrveien 4, 1412 Sofiemyr, Norway) is an additional certified Handy Tech Braille display dealer for Norway. Contact: Lisbeth Løvstakken, [email protected].
- IGI Group / IGI-Group ALcoreIGI Group (Albania/Greece) is a certified Handy Tech Braille display dealer. Albania: Rruga Epikadeve, Durres 2001, [email protected]. Greece: 58 Papadiamantopoulou Str., 15771 Zografou, Athens, [email protected]. Contact: George Martos.
- Pacific Vision International Ltd (Australia/New Zealand)corePacific Vision International Ltd (25/105 Bamford Street, Woolston, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand/Australia) is the certified Handy Tech Braille display dealer for Australia and New Zealand. Contact: Barry Burgess, [email protected].
- Dream Vision Group (USA)coreDream Vision Group (1400 Anhalt Dr. 45 A, 78660 Pflugerville, USA) is the certified Handy Tech Braille display dealer for the United States. Contact: Jennifer Gibble / Damian Pickering, [email protected], +1 512-662-1629.
- Tiflotecnia (Portugal)coreTiflotecnia — Informatica e Acessibilidade, Lda. (Alto dos Lombos, Rua do Norte 18, 2775-673 Carcavelos, Portugal) is the certified Handy Tech Braille display dealer for Portugal. Contact: [email protected], +351 21 45 69 00 0.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Help Tech competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- HumanWare: Canadian manufacturer of Braille displays (Brailliant series) and assistive technology for blind and low-vision users. Direct competitor to Help Tech in Braille hardware, screen readers, and note-takers, sold through similar health-insurance and dealer channels globally.
- HIMS International (HIMS Inc.): South Korean producer of Braille displays (e.g., BrailleSense, BrailleEdge) and notetakers. Competes head-to-head with Help Tech's Activator, Active Braille, and Actilino lines in Europe and globally, often at lower price points.
- Baum Retec AG: German manufacturer of Braille displays and tactile graphic devices. Help Tech explicitly provides maintenance and support for Baum Retec devices, confirming direct overlap in the German Braille display market.
- OrCam Technologies: Israeli maker of the OrCam MyEye AI wearable reading device. Help Tech is a certified OrCam reseller in Germany, making OrCam a partner-channel product and a competing AI-vision-assistance alternative to Help Tech's own VoxiVision and Braille lines.
Broad incumbents
- Vispero (Freedom Scientific): US-based parent of Freedom Scientific (JAWS, ZoomText, Fusion) — products that Help Tech distributes in Germany. A larger, broader assistive-tech incumbent overlapping on screen-reader software and magnifiers.
- Optelec: Netherlands-based low-vision aids manufacturer (CCTV, electronic magnifiers, Braille). Direct overlap with Help Tech in magnifiers and CCTV, and broader portfolio across multiple vision-aid categories.
- Enhanced Vision: US manufacturer of low-vision electronic magnifiers and CCTV/video magnification systems, comparable to Help Tech's Clover 5 magnifiers and Bildschirmlesegeräte CCTV line.
Emerging players
- NV Access: Australian non-profit producing the NVDA open-source screen reader, natively compatible with Help Tech Braille displays. Not a direct hardware competitor but represents the free software alternative ecosystem Help Tech distributes alongside its hardware.
- ViewPlus Technologies: US-based maker of Braille embossers and tactile graphics printers (with IVEO technology). Adjacent to Help Tech's Braille display business, focused on the educational and tactile-graphics segment.
Regional players
- Nippon Telesoft: Japanese assistive-tech manufacturer producing Braille displays, screen readers (My-Globe), and notetakers. Operates primarily in Asia but competes with Help Tech's Handy Tech/Help Tech lines in global markets.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Help Tech social profiles
Digital presenceHelp Tech compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Help Tech financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Help Tech leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Help Tech funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Help Tech 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 Help Tech
What does Help Tech do?
Help Tech manufactures and distributes electronic assistive technology for blind and visually impaired people, with a primary focus on Braille displays (Activator, Activator Pro, Active Braille, Actilino, myBraille) featuring patented Active Tactile Control (ATC) technology. The portfolio extends to electronic magnifiers, CCTV/video magnification systems, AI-powered reading devices (VoxiVision, OrCam MyEye), VR low vision simulation glasses (EyesReality), screen reader software (JAWS, ZoomText, Fusion, NVDA), and proprietary tools (HTCom, EasyTask, HelpTech+ iOS app). Products are sold direct, through five German consulting centers, and via an international dealer network in 30+ countries, with health insurance billing managed end-to-end.
Is Help Tech a public or private company?
Help Tech is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Help Tech founded?
Help Tech was founded in 1994. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Help Tech based?
Help Tech is headquartered in Horb Am Neckar, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Help Tech make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Braille Display Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are assistive Device Sales, professional Services & Training, software Products and health Insurance & Cost Carrier Services.
Who are Help Tech's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are HumanWare, HIMS International (HIMS Inc.), Baum Retec AG and OrCam Technologies. Broad incumbents are Vispero (Freedom Scientific), Optelec and Enhanced Vision. Emerging players are NV Access and ViewPlus Technologies. Nippon Telesoft is listed as a regional player.
Does Help Tech have an API?
No public API is recorded for Help Tech.
What industry is Help Tech in?
Help Tech's product category is Assistive Technology for the Visually Impaired. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAHAJAN, Low Vision & Assistive Vision Devices (Magnifiers, Electronic Video Magnifiers, Wearable Vision Aids), with a secondary code of EDAKAIAF, Vision Assistive Technology (Screen Readers, Braille, Magnification). Its NAICS code is 339115 and its SIC code is 3851.