ORCA Software

What ORCA Software does

ORCA Software GmbH is a privately held, 35-year-old German vertical software vendor headquartered in Neubeuern near Rosenheim, Bavaria, and a subsidiary of Orca Group GmbH. The company develops ORCA AVA, a desktop-centric Windows application that covers the full Ausschreibung, Vergabe, Abrechnung und Kostenmanagement (AVA) workflow for construction projects, including DIN 276 cost determination, Leistungsverzeichnis creation, transparent offer comparison, GAEB-XML exchange (X81/X82/X83), and IFC-based openBIM data exchange with major CAD platforms (Autodesk Revit, GRAPHISOFT ARCHICAD, ALLPLAN, Vectorworks). Its complementary platform AUSSCHREIBEN.DE operates as a two-sided marketplace and content library with approximately 1.1 million Ausschreibungstexte, 3.3 million supplementary product information entries, and API integrations with more than 50 third-party AVA, CAD, and craftsman software partners.

ORCA derives revenue through three primary mechanisms: one-time perpetual licenses (with separately billed annual Pflege/maintenance contracts), 12-month auto-renewing subscriptions, and service/training fees for seminars and individual coaching. A secondary stream comes from AUSSCHREIBEN.DE catalog listing fees paid by product manufacturers. Distribution is hybrid: direct sales via phone/email/service portal, channel partnerships with five major German architectural and engineering chambers that offer discounted ORCA AVA to members, and event marketing at BAU Munich, digitalBAU Cologne, and regional career fairs.

The customer base is horizontal within construction: architects and specialized planners (Fachplaner) are the primary segment, with secondary segments including civil engineers, housing companies (Wohnungsbaugesellschaften), public authorities, and product manufacturers. Recent product launches in 2025 — ORCA AVA 27, the ORCA LV Viewer mobile app (iOS/Android), the Catalog Manager, and the ORCA Manager project dashboard — together with sustained openBIM involvement via BIMSWARM and "bettertogether" co-marketing with sister company PROJEKT PRO under the Orca Group umbrella, point to a strategy of extending the platform into mobile, marketplace, and adjacent HOAI work-phase software while preserving the desktop-installed base.

Name

ORCA Software

Legal name

ORCA Software GmbH

Website

https://orca-software.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

ORCA Software GmbH is a privately held German vendor that develops ORCA AVA — desktop AVA software covering tendering, awarding, billing, and cost management for construction — alongside the AUSSCHREIBEN.DE content marketplace, serving architects, engineers, housing companies, and public authorities across the DACH region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Neubeuern

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Software Licenses - Perpetual Purchase: ORCA AVA is sold as a perpetual license where the customer purchases the software for permanent use on a defined number of systems. The license grants a non-exclusive right to use the software; ownership of copies remains with ORCA until full payment. Support and software maintenance (pflege) are provided under a separate annual service contract.
2. Software Subscriptions - Abo-Modell: ORCA AVA is available on a subscription basis (Miete) with a minimum term of 12 months, automatically renewing for another 12 months unless cancelled. Monthly rental payments are invoiced annually in advance. Includes support, software updates, and new versions during the contract term.
3. Service Contracts - Software Maintenance (Pflege): Annual service contracts covering bug fixes, software updates, documentation updates, and telephone/email consulting. Invoiced annually in advance. Not refundable for unused services.
4. Training and Seminars: ORCA offers seminars (open events), workshops, and individual training sessions (online, inhouse, or at ORCA premises) charged separately per participant or as a flat rate per session.
5. AUSSCHREIBEN.DE - Product Manufacturer Platform Access: Product manufacturers pay to list their catalogs (texts, product data, CAD files) on the AUSSCHREIBEN.DE platform. The platform also hosts software partners who integrate via API.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

ORCA Software develops and sells ORCA AVA, an integrated desktop software for the full construction AVA lifecycle (Ausschreibung/tendering, Vergabe/award, Abrechnung/billing, and Kostenmanagement/cost management) with DIN 276 compliance and BIM/IFC interoperability with major CAD platforms. It also operates AUSSCHREIBEN.DE, an online tendering-text and product-data database with approximately 1.1 million tendering texts, 3.3 million product information entries, and 50+ software partner integrations, accessible via web portal and mobile app.

Product overview

ORCA Software offers a portfolio of software solutions for the construction industry centered around two main products: ORCA AVA and AUSSCHreibEN.DE. ORCA AVA is the core software for Ausschreibung (tendering), Vergabe (awarding), Abrechnung (billing), and Kostenmanagement (cost management) of construction work, supporting BIM processes and integrating with various CAD/BIM systems via openBIM/IFC standards. AUSSCHreibEN.DE is an online portal providing 1.1 million tendering texts and product information from over 50 software partners. Additional offerings include the ORCA LV Viewer mobile app for viewing specifications on-site, the Catalog Manager for product manufacturers to manage their catalogs, and ORCA Manager as a central dashboard for project management. The portfolio is complemented by support services (Helpdesk, Technical Support), training offerings (seminars, individual training), and the ORCA GREEN Team sustainability initiative.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ORCA AVA: The software for Ausschreibung (tendering), Vergabe (awarding), Abrechnung (billing) and Kostenmanagement (cost management) of construction services.
• AUSSCHREIBEN.DE
• ORCA LV Viewer

Products and services

• ORCA AVA Windows-based desktop software for Ausschreibung (tendering), Vergabe (awarding), Abrechnung (billing) and Kostenmanagement (cost management) of construction work. Supports DIN 276 cost determination, GAEB-XML (X81/X82/X83), openBIM/IFC exchange with Revit, ARCHICAD, Vectorworks and ALLPLAN, and is sold to architects, engineers, housing companies and public authorities.
• ORCA LV Viewer Mobile application (iOS/Android) for viewing Leistungsverzeichnisse (specifications) on the go during site visits, bidder meetings and defect meetings. Free download in major app stores.
• AUSSCHREIBEN.DE Online portal and marketplace providing tendering texts, product data and CAD/BIM catalog access for German construction professionals. Connects product manufacturers with planners and supports API integration with 50+ AVA, CAD and craftsman software partners.
• AUSSCHREIBEN.DE Catalog Manager Tool for product manufacturers to manage and publish their tendering text catalogs on AUSSCHreibEN.DE, replacing the legacy ORCA TEXT software.
• ORCA Manager Central project-management dashboard within ORCA AVA providing comprehensive administration of projects, files and settings with multi-window technology for parallel working.
• ORCA Support (Technical Support & Helpdesk Services) Technical support offering including telephone and email support (Mon-Fri 9-12 and 13-17), TeamViewer remote support, callback service, and a 24/7 online Helpdesk with installation guides, tutorials, videos and release notes. Available free of charge to ORCA users.
• ORCA Training (Seminars & Workshops) Paid training services including open seminars, workshops and individual training sessions delivered online, in-house, or at ORCA premises, recognized by various architectural chambers as continuing education.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1.1 million tendering texts and 3.3 million product information entries available on AUSSCHREIBEN.DE
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

AI capability2 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerORCA Software is a member of DGNB, a non-profit organization founded in 2007 that drives sustainable transformation of the building and real estate market. ORCA supports and promotes sustainability in construction projects through this partnership, aligning with its GREEN Team initiatives.
• BVBS (Bundesverband Software und Digitalisierung im Bauwesen e.V.)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerORCA Software GmbH is a member of BVBS, the interest representation for software houses and IT companies in the construction industry. ORCA and the association pursue common goals for promoting the construction economy through digitalization.
• buildingSMARTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerbuildingSMART is an association dedicated to the further development and standardization of open exchange standards (e.g., IFC) and software-independent information exchange in BIM projects. ORCA participates in seminars and conferences for professional exchange and supports openBIM standards.
• BIMSWARMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBIMSWARM offers a neutral, cross-market platform for digital transformation in the construction industry, creating the foundation for successful collaboration and efficient BIM processes. ORCA Software has been involved since 2021 in the AVA and Bauausführung (construction execution) working group.
• Architektenkammer Baden-WürttembergcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe architectural chamber of Baden-Württemberg offers ORCA AVA at special discounted rates to its members, functioning as a channel that directs architects to ORCA software.
• Architektenkammer Nordrhein-WestfalencoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWith approximately 30,000 members, the largest of Germany's 16 regional architectural chambers offers ORCA AVA at special discounted rates to its members.
• Architektenkammer Rheinland-PfalzcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe architectural chamber of Rheinland-Pfalz (since 1950) offers ORCA AVA at special rates to its members.
• Architektenkammer SaarlandcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe architectural chamber of Saarland, established as a public law corporation, offers ORCA AVA at special rates to its members.
• Architekten- und Ingenieurkammer Schleswig-Holstein (AIK-SH)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAIK Schleswig-Holstein offers ORCA AVA at special discounted rates to its architect and engineer members.
• BKI (Baukosteninformationszentrum Deutscher Architektenkammern)coreTechnology or IntegrationBKI is the central service facility for over 100,000 architects in Germany, offering a cost database covering thousands of completed projects. ORCA integrates BKI tendering texts (BKI Ausschreibungstexte) into the ORCA AVA platform.
• Dr. Schiller & Partner (STLB-Bau DBD)coreTechnology or IntegrationSTLB-Dynamische BauDaten generates VOB-compliant performance positions from preformulated or composite texts via a dynamic text generator. DBD-BauPreise and DBD-Dynamische Kostenelemente XML are accessory products. ORCA integrates STLB-Bau DBD tendering texts.
• ALLPLAN GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationALLPLAN is a BIM/CAD program (subsidiary of Nemetschek SE) for architects, civil engineers, and construction professionals. ORCA and ALLPLAN support openBIM workflows with IFC data exchange for seamless CAD-to-AVA processes.
• Autodesk GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationAutodesk is a global software provider for 3D design, construction, and planning. The 3D CAD software Revit implements BIM methodology, and ORCA AVA provides an IFC interface for data exchange between Revit and ORCA.
• GRAPHISOFT Deutschland GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationGRAPHISOFT develops ARCHICAD, a CAD/BIM software for architects. ORCA and ARCHICAD cooperate in the openBIM process with IFC data exchange, enabling efficient transfer from BIM design to tendering.
• VectorworkscoreTechnology or IntegrationVectorworks is a CAD/BIM program and co-founder of buildingSMART, supporting openBIM and IFC standards. ORCA AVA enables IFC data import for efficient tendering text creation from Vectorworks BIM models. ORCA's website features a dedicated Vectorworks & ORCA AVA integration page.
• PROJEKT PRO GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationPROJEKT PRO offers a software suite for architects and engineers including time tracking, HOAI calculator, resource and construction site management, and project controlling. ORCA and PROJEKT PRO conducted joint webinars on connecting cost, fee, and controlling workflows from early cost estimation through HOAI processes.
• AUSSCHREIBEN.DE Software PartnerscoreTechnology or IntegrationOver 50 software manufacturers of AVA, CAD, craftsman programs, and online construction portals have integrated an interface to AUSSCHREIBEN.DE via the API. PIM system partners offer convenient export options for data upload of tendering texts.
• Timber Homes GmbH & Co. KGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTimber Homes (founded 2019 by Robert Decker and Josef Huber) produces housing in the highest ecological standard, efficiently and scalable. As a partner, ORCA supports their digital planning and tendering processes.
• Orca Group GmbHflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerORCA Software GmbH is a company of Orca Group. The group participated together at BAU 2025 and digitalBAU 2026 under the motto 'bettertogether', demonstrating synergies across group companies. PROJEKT PRO GmbH is also part of the Orca Group.
• Stellwerk18 (Digital Founders Center)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStellwerk18 is a digital startup center in Southeast Bavaria/Tyrol with over 25 startups and 65+ partners. ORCA participates in this network for regional digital innovation and collaboration.
• Förderverein der Hochschule und der Fachschule Rosenheim e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerORCA is a proud member of the support association for Rosenheim Technical University and vocational school, supporting the internationally recognized quality of wood technology education through financing labs, new training focus areas, and practical lectures.
• ROSIK e.V. (Rosenheimer Initiative für Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerORCA has been a member of ROSIK for 20 years. The network enables IT companies to learn from each other and create valuable synergies, actively shaping the IT landscape of the Rosenheim region.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Cosoba GmbH: German AVA software company with 40+ years of heritage, offering AVA.relax for tendering, awarding, and billing. Competes head-to-head with ORCA AVA for architects, engineers, and construction administrations in the DACH market.
• SOFTTECH GmbH: German construction software firm offering SPIRIT (CAD/BIM), AVANTI (AVA with CAD data transfer), and GRAVA connect for graphical quantity determination. Directly comparable AVA and BIM-enabled tendering workflows to ORCA's offerings.
• RIB Software (Schneider Electric): Major German-origin construction software company now within Schneider Electric, offering the iTWO AEC platform with integrated tendering, costing, and BIM workflows. Comparable DACH-focused AVA and cost management footprint.
• BauerSoftware GmbH: German AEC software firm offering BUILDUP, a platform bundling tendering, cost and fee billing, and project management for architect and planning offices. Direct SME competitor in the same DACH architect market segment.
• Nevaris (Nemetschek Group): Austrian/German AVA and construction ERP software company within the Nemetschek Group, serving architects and general contractors with tendering and cost management modules. Comparable AVA focus and DACH market overlap.
• Dangl IT GmbH: German construction technology firm specializing in cloud and interface solutions that streamline data exchange between AVA, CAD, and BIM systems. Smaller-scale competitor with overlapping DACH focus on tendering workflows.
• gripsware datentechnik gmbh: German construction software developer offering pro-Report (construction documentation/defect management) and pro-Plan (scheduling), tightly integrated with ORCA AVA. Competes in adjacent tendering-adjacent workflows with the same German architect and engineer user base.

Broad incumbents

• Autodesk: Global AEC platform leader (Revit, Autodesk Construction Cloud, BIM 360). A current ORCA integration partner but also a competitive threat as Autodesk progressively embeds AVA-like cost and tendering capabilities into its broad BIM platform.
• Nemetschek Group: Germany-based global AEC software conglomerate parent of ALLPLAN, Graphisoft, Solibri, and Nevaris. Provides CAD/BIM platforms that integrate with ORCA but also offers competing solutions within its portfolio for tendering and cost management.
• Trimble Inc. Global AEC platform provider (Tekla, Viewpoint, Trimble Connect) offering cost management and project controls alongside BIM. Comparable broad incumbent that overlaps with ORCA in tendering and cost workflows at the project-execution layer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/ORCASoftwareTV
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/orca-software-gmbh
• Instagraminstagram.com/orca_software
• Facebookfacebook.com/100083875813742

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 ORCA Software