Conoscope

What Conoscope does

Conoscope GmbH is a privately held German market-research and consulting firm headquartered in Leipzig, registered at Amtsgericht Leipzig under HRB 26225. Tracing its operational roots to a 1999 University of Leipzig student project on Bachfest Leipzig visitor research, the firm was constituted as KONTUR 21 GmbH in 2000 and reconstituted under the CONOSCOPE umbrella brand in 2010 through a three-firm merger. The current legal entity operates with 11–50 employees, led by Managing Director Thomas Lehr (energy practice) and Partner Markus Schubert (mobility and HR practices), supported by specialised consultants and a senior leadership group each with more than 20 years of sector experience.

Name

Conoscope

Legal name

CONOSCOPE GmbH

Website

https://conoscope.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Conoscope GmbH is a Leipzig-based German consulting and market-research firm serving municipal utilities, public-transport operators, cultural foundations, public administration, and SMEs with proprietary frameworks, in-house CATI capabilities, and longitudinal studies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Market research and management consulting

NAICS

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541), Management Consulting Services (54161)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

ESG, Sustainability & Impact Research (BPAHALAL)

Keywords

• Market research consulting
• Strategy consulting
• Innovation management consulting
• Employee engagement surveys
• Regional economic analysis

Headquarters

HQ city

Leipzig

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Project-based consulting engagements: Fee-based commissioned studies and consulting projects (market research, strategy, innovation, internationalization) delivered as defined work packages to enterprise, public-sector and association clients.
2. Public-sector funded projects: Revenue from publicly funded programs (e.g., BMWK manager training, BMBF WIR! program, GIZ-managed international projects) where CONOSCOPE delivers trainings, coaching, delegation programs, or innovation network building.
3. Continuous monitoring & benchmarking subscriptions: Recurring monthly/continuous services such as ongoing B2C energy market observation, trend analyses for strategic early warning, and the Sponsoring Benchmark Dashboard delivered to clients on a contractual basis.
4. Events, delegation programs and trainings: Revenue from organizing virtual and hybrid live events, delegation trips, entrepreneur journeys, matchmaking events, and Certified Innovation Manager training in cooperation with University of Leipzig.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

CONOSCOPE GmbH is a Leipzig-based market research and consulting firm that delivers four integrated service lines: market research, strategy development, innovation management, and internationalization. It serves enterprise, public-sector and association clients in regulated German infrastructure sectors (energy, public transport, culture, municipalities) as well as SMEs pursuing international growth, combining qualitative and quantitative research methods with proprietary frameworks (Human Relations Framework, Standortbilanz methodology, ERI) and an in-house CATI studio.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• iN4iN (Intelligence 4 Innovation): Jointly developed with the University of Leipzig since 2010, an international network for innovation promotion with more than 30 universities, innovation centers, incubators and consulting firms; also runs the Certified Innovation Manager training.

Products and services

• Market Research (Märkte erforschen) Quantitative and qualitative market research service for enterprises, public-sector bodies and associations covering opinion, image and satisfaction studies, communication impact measurement, customer and employee research, and sustainable positioning. Combines an in-house CATI telephone studio, online panels, focus groups, EEG-based attention measurement and statistical analysis.
• Strategy Consulting (Strategien entwickeln) Strategy and concept development with implementation support, including regional development strategies, market strategies, business models, value-chain design and corporate regional responsibility (Regionalverantwortung von Unternehmen). Designed for enterprises, utilities, municipalities and regions.
• Innovation Management (Innovation fördern) Innovation competence building, R&D and development support, and international innovation network establishment (e.g., iN4iN with 30+ universities), delivered to enterprises, regions and academic partners to create sustained competitive differentiation.
• Internationalization Services (Märkte erschließen) International feasibility studies, international customer acquisition, and matchmaking events and entrepreneur trips for German SMEs expanding abroad. Includes delegation trips (e.g., BMWK Managerfortbildung in India, Iran, Georgia, Mexico, Spain) and inbound delegation programs.
• Standortbilanz (Location Balance) Studies Standardized methodology combining direct, indirect and induced value-added, employment, income and tax effects with regional multipliers to quantify the macroeconomic footprint of utilities, transport operators and other infrastructure companies. Produced for clients such as Stromnetz Hamburg, Gasnetz Hamburg, EWE AG, enviaM, enercity, SachsenEnergie and VDV.
• Continuous Energy Market & Competitor Monitoring Monthly recurring market and competitor observation service for leading national energy suppliers, tracking market entries and exits, competitor activities, products and price benchmarks delivered via standardized customer reporting.
• Sponsoring Benchmark Dashboard Interactive benchmark database with filters and KPIs used to control and optimize sponsoring activities, presented at the Digitaler Sponsoringtag 2024 event for sponsoring and CSR clients.
• Human Relations Framework employee engagement program Four-level (individual, team, leadership, organizational) consulting program linking employee satisfaction, culture and engagement along the Employee Journey, combining quantitative KPIs such as eNPS and engagement scores with qualitative team and leadership interviews; uses the Engagement & Responsibility Index (ERI) and the Measures Matrix (Quick Wins, Strategic, Nice-to-have, Long-term).
• Certified Innovation Manager Training Innovation management training program delivered in cooperation with the University of Leipzig, including coaching and follow-up, addressing the German Mittelstand and craft sector. Anchors the iN4iN innovation network since 2010.
• Delegation and Matchmaking Programs Organization of inbound and outbound delegation trips, entrepreneur journeys, virtual and hybrid company visits, and B2B matchmaking events (up to 17 cooperation barters across EU, Latin America and Africa) commissioned by GIZ, BAFA, BMWK, Wirtschaftsförderung Sachsen and IHKs. Up to 1,000+ participants per virtual event in DE/EN/PT/FR.
• CATI Telephone Studio Survey Services Large-scale representative telephone surveys delivered through an in-house CATI studio and interviewer pool (e.g., Sachsen-Anhalt-Monitor at N=1,100, sponsoring studies with 1,000+ energy customers, Bachfest Leipzig annual surveys), used as a standalone service or as part of broader consulting engagements.

Quantifiable outcome

• Gasnetz Hamburg 2021 Standortbilanz: 59.4 million euros direct value added, 156 million euros regional total effect, 86.5 million euros income effect.
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers27 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

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

• University of Leipzig (Universität Leipzig)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing co-development partnership: co-developed the Certified Innovation Manager training program; joint operation of the iN4iN innovation network with 30+ universities and innovation centers since 2010; joint leadership of the Innovationsakademie des Handwerks Elberegion Meißen under the BMBF WIR! program (2019–2021, 2 million euros funding) and the Bündnis InnoHandwerk.
• energy saxonycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork partnership in the Saxon energy industry. Logo displayed on Impressum page indicating active collaboration within the regional energy cluster (e.g., energy market studies, innovation programs).
• retechcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in the renewable energy / technology sector (retech). Joint positioning on the Impressum page suggests collaboration on renewable energy and innovation projects.
• iN4iN (Intelligence 4 Innovation Network)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint innovation network developed with University of Leipzig since 2010, bringing together more than 30 universities, innovation centers, incubators and consulting firms worldwide. Co-developed the Certified Innovation Manager training program.
• ESOMAR (European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research)minorOthersMember of the international market research industry association ESOMAR, signaling adherence to the global ICC/ESOMAR Code on market, opinion and social research.
• BVM (Berufsverband Deutscher Markt- und Sozialforscher)minorOthersMembership in the German professional association for market and social researchers; reinforces CONOSCOPE's standing in the German market research community.
• DGOF (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Online-Forschung)minorOthersMember of the German Society for Online Research; supports CONOSCOPE's online research and panel methodology.
• DGPuK (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Publizistik- und Kommunikationswissenschaft)minorOthersMember of the German Communication Association, relevant for CONOSCOPE's media research and communication studies (e.g., sponsoring and influencer studies).
• ZWF (Zentrum für Wissenschaft und Forschung | Medien e.V.)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research partnership: CONOSCOPE and ZWF collaborate on studies for the Kommission für Jugendmedienschutz (KJM), including the influential study on advertising practices targeting children in social media and influencer marketing.
• SEPT (Small Enterprise Promotion and Training, University of Leipzig)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner within the WIR! / InnoHandwerk consortium for the Innovationsakademie des Handwerks Elberegion Meißen, jointly delivering innovation training and process optimization in crafts.
• FOM ILD (FOM Hochschule / Institute for Logistics & Digitalization)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAcademic/consulting partner indicated on the Impressum page; likely collaboration on research and consulting projects.
• KoWiD (Kompetenzzentrum für Wissens- und Innovationstransfer in der Digitalisierung)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner indicated on the Impressum page; collaboration in the field of knowledge and innovation transfer in digitalization.
• Kreishandwerkerschaft Region Meißen (KHS Meißen)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerBündnispartner within the BMBF-funded WIR! program: together with University of Leipzig and the Berufsakademie Sachsen / Staatliche Studienakademie Riesa and Qualifizierungszentrum Region Riesa GmbH, CONOSCOPE co-leads the Innovationsakademie des Handwerks Elberegion Meißen and the WIR! – Wandel durch Innovation project (2 million euros funding 2019–2021; project start summer 2019).
• Berufsakademie Sachsen – Staatliche Studienakademie RiesacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsortium partner in the WIR! project and co-initiator of the Innovationsakademie des Handwerks, founded 14 June 2022 in Riesa.
• Qualifizierungszentrum Region Riesa GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsortium partner in the BMBF-funded WIR! – Wandel durch Innovation in der Region program alongside University of Leipzig and KHS Meißen.
• Pan African University (PAU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2019/2020, CONOSCOPE has supported PAU in establishing Entrepreneurship Hubs and pan-regional innovation competitions; from March 2021 in a follow-up project on career service strategy, entrepreneurship activities, and university-business linkages, commissioned by GIZ.
• Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing commissioning partner for international delegation programs, manager training, and innovation/entrepreneurship projects (Mexico, India, EU-Africa-Caribbean energy cooperations, StartHope @Home). Implements projects funded by BMZ/BMWK.
• BMWK (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz) Manager Training ProgramflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCONOSCOPE implements the BMWK-Managerfortbildungsprogramm with delegation visits in India, Iran, Georgia and other markets for SMEs from Central/Eastern Germany; participation free of charge for companies.
• Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle (BAFA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBAFA commissioned CONOSCOPE (on behalf of BMWi) to organize branch-focused business matchmaking trips for German SMEs abroad and inbound from foreign markets to Germany.
• Wirtschaftsförderung SachsencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in organizing entrepreneur trips and international business development activities for Saxon companies.
• Hochschule MittweidacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaboration partner on the Flowbile project using a tracking app to study mobility behavior in Saxon local public transport.
• HTWK Leipzig (Hochschule für Technik, Wirtschaft und Kultur Leipzig)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject partner in the InnoHandwerk Bäckerei process-optimization sub-project, alongside University of Leipzig and regional bakery businesses.
• FTZ e.V. an der HTWK LeipzigminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociated partner in the BMBF WIR! InnoHandwerk project supporting research and transfer.
• Kommission für Jugendmedienschutz (KJM)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommissioning public-sector partner: CONOSCOPE (with ZWF) was commissioned by KJM to study advertising practices targeting children in social media and influencer marketing, identifying 43 problematic ad formats.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• zeb.rolfes.schierenbeck.associates: German consulting firm specializing in financial services and municipal utilities (Stadtwerke). Overlaps with CONOSCOPE on economic impact studies and strategy consulting for municipal energy and infrastructure operators.

Broad incumbents

• Kantar: Global market research leader with a sizeable German practice serving utilities, public sector, and consumer brands. Overlaps with CONOSCOPE on CATI studies, brand tracking, and public-sector research, but operates at materially larger scale and broader scope.
• Ipsos: Global market research firm with established operations in Germany serving public sector, utilities, and consumer clients. Comparable on social and opinion research, public-sector surveys, and longitudinal studies, but at significantly larger scale.

Direct peers

• rheingold Institut: Cologne-based qualitative market and social research firm with deep expertise in-depth psychological interviews, brand and culture research. Comparable methodology mix to CONOSCOPE's qualitative depth in culture and consumer insight work.
• Sinus Markt- und Sozialforschung: Heidelberg-based market and social research institute specializing in social milieus, audience research, and migration/culture studies — directly comparable to CONOSCOPE's culture/museums and visitor research work for German foundations and public clients.
• infas Institut für angewandte Sozialwissenschaft: Bonn-based social research institute running large-scale CATI and mixed-mode surveys for public-sector, mobility, and energy clients. Comparable on quantitative public-sector research, mobility (KONTIV-style), and recurring population surveys.
• BIK GmbH (Burchard Führer Institut für integrierte Verkehrsplanung): Hamburg-based mobility and transport research consultancy serving public transport operators, Verkehrsverbünde, and ministries. Comparable on passenger counts, KONTIV-style surveys, and mobility research for German ÖPNV clients.
• Institut für Handelsforschung (IfH) Köln: German retail and city research institute that ran the nationwide 'Vitale Innenstädte' study in which CONOSCOPE conducted the Leipzig field work. Directly comparable on inner-city attractiveness, mobility, and consumer research for municipal and trade clients.
• forsa Politik- und Sozialforschung: Berlin-based polling and social research firm running recurring political, social, and consumer surveys. Directly comparable to CONOSCOPE's Sachsen-Anhalt-Monitor work and political education research for German states.
• GIM Gesellschaft für innovative Marktforschung: Heidelberg-based boutique market research firm specializing in qualitative and hybrid qualitative-quantitative consumer research. Comparable on methodology mix (qualitative depth + CATI/online panels) and German enterprise client base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 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 Conoscope