Help Tech

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.

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

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

• Braille display manufacturing
• Assistive technology devices
• Low vision aids
• Screen reading software
• Electronic magnifiers

Headquarters

HQ city

Horb Am Neckar

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

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

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core 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

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration21 records

AI capability8 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• hTRIUS / HTexominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Since 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. KGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1994Help 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.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHelp 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), MarburgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAfter 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)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKOBA 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)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVisionAid 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)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributoraccesstech 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)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVIDEBIS GmbH (Schlosshofer Straße 6, 1210 Wien, Austria) is the certified Handy Tech Braille display dealer for Austria. Contact: Christian Zehetgruber, [email protected].
• Ceciaa (France)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCeciaa (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)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHandy Tech Norge AS is the certified Handy Tech Braille display dealer for Norway. Contact: [email protected].
• Cantec AS (Norway)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCantec 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 ALcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIGI 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)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPacific 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)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDream 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)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTiflotecnia — 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

Direct 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

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/HandyTechVideos
• Facebookfacebook.com/HelpTechGmbH
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/handytech
• Instagraminstagram.com/helptech_access
• Xx.com/handy_tech

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Help Tech