A38 Hajó

What A38 Hajó does

A38 Hajó operates a floating cultural venue on the Danube in Budapest, Hungary, anchored next to Petőfi Bridge on the Buda side. The venue is the converted hull of the "Tripolie," a 1968 Ukrainian stone-carrier ship rebuilt over 18 months by architects, ship engineers, acoustic designers, and promoters, opening April 30, 2003. Operated by the privately held Hungarian limited liability company Zászlóshajó Kft., A38 runs nine distinct spaces (Concert Hall, Panorama Restaurant, Roof Stage, Small Hall, Bow Terrace, Schweppes Terrace, Engine Bar, Panorama Studio, and A38 Bar) equipped with professional concert-grade sound and lighting systems (including a Soundcraft SD9 console), 100% sound insulation, and a broadcast recording system that has produced hundreds of TV recordings and live CDs/DVDs.

The company monetizes four main streams: (1) ticket sales for 700+ annual concerts, club nights, exhibitions, literary evenings, and cultural programs, distributed direct via www.a38.hu and through external ticketing partners; (2) full-service venue rental and event organization for corporate conferences, gala dinners, press conferences, weddings, and private parties; (3) restaurant and bistro operations serving modern Hungarian cuisine with panoramic Danube views, including a 3,000–3,200 HUF weekly lunch menu; and (4) tuition at the A38 Academy for state-recognized vocational training in sound engineering (800,000 HUF) and lighting technician (750,000 HUF) programs. Customer segments span live music enthusiasts, corporate event planners, private celebration hosts, dining guests, and aspiring audio-visual professionals.

A38 reaches audiences via its own website, Facebook (24k+ followers), Instagram, YouTube channels (A38 Vibes, A38 Rocks, A38 Free), an editorial blog, and partnerships with m2 Petőfi, Petőfi Rádió, and Magyar Telekom. The venue is a member of Liveurope (a 24-venue European network co-funded by Creative Europe Programme) and holds a Liveurope Quality Label, and receives institutional funding from Hungarian cultural agencies and the MOL Új Európa Alapítvány.

Name

A38 Hajó

Legal name

Zászlóshajó Kft.

Website

https://a38.hu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

A38 Hajó operates a floating cultural venue on the Danube in Budapest, hosting concerts, club nights, exhibitions, corporate events, and dining across multiple ship-converted spaces, plus a vocational academy for sound and lighting technicians.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Music & Cultural Venue Services

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131)

SIC

Hotels & Motels (7011)

akta.pro primary industry

Marina & Waterfront Full-Service Hotels (THAGAAAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Historic/Heritage Conference Hotels (THAGALAL)

Keywords

• Live concert venue
• Cultural event space
• Venue rental services
• Event management services
• Restaurant and bar operations

Headquarters

HQ city

Budapest

HQ country

Hungary

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Concert and Event Ticket Sales: Primary revenue stream from ticket sales for concerts, parties, exhibitions, literary evenings, corporate events, workshops and weddings. Tickets are sold through the A38 website and external partner ticket service providers.
2. Venue Rental and Event Services: Revenue from renting out various spaces including Panorama Restaurant, Schweppes Terrace, Concert Hall, Bow Terrace, Roof Stage, Small Hall, Engine Bar, and Panorama Studio. Full-service event organization is offered including catering.
3. Restaurant and Bistro Operations: Onboard restaurant with modern Hungarian bistro cuisine, snacks before concerts, business menus, and panoramic Danube views. Includes breakfast service, weekly lunch menu, and full bistro offerings.
4. A38 Academy Educational Programs: Tuition-based vocational training programs in sound engineering and lighting technology. Programs include hangosítóképzés (sound engineering) at 800,000 Ft and világosító képzés (lighting technician) at 750,000 Ft, with additional exam fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

A38 Hajó is a cultural and entertainment venue on a converted Ukrainian stone-carrier ship moored on the Danube in Budapest. It hosts live concerts, club nights, and exhibitions, and operates a restaurant, bars, and multiple event spaces available for private and corporate rental.

Product overview

A38 Hajó is a cultural entertainment center and concert ship venue offering multiple distinct products and services: (1) Core venue spaces including the Concert Hall (192m²), Panorama Restaurant/Bistro, A38 Bar, Roof Stage, Small Hall, Bow Terrace, Schweppes Terrace, Engine Bar, and Panorama Studio; (2) A38 Academy, a concert technical training school with state-recognized programs in sound engineering and lighting design; (3) Event organization and venue rental services for various event types; and (4) TV broadcasts and concert recording services. The venue features world-class built-in sound and light technology, broadcast recording capabilities, and is anchored at Petőfi Bridge on the Danube in Budapest.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• A38 Akadémia: Concert technology school offering sound engineering and lighting technician training programs, operated by Zászlóshajó Kft.

Products and services

• Concert Hall Main live music performance hall on the ship hosting concerts and club nights for music audiences.
• Panorama Restaurant / Bistro On-board restaurant and bistro offering dining with panoramic Danube views for guests and visitors.
• A38 Bar Bar on the ship serving drinks to concert-goers and visitors.
• Roof Stage Open-air rooftop stage and event space used for performances and events.
• Event Organization and Venue Rental Rental of the ship's multiple spaces and event organization services for private celebrations and corporate events.
• A38 Academy Training program for aspiring audio-visual and event production professionals.
• TV Broadcasts and Recordings Production services for televised broadcasts and recordings using the venue's stage and studio facilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1.5 million visitors since 2003
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• LiveuropecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014A38 Ship is a proud member of Liveurope, a platform of 24 iconic European music venues working together to boost the diversity of Europe's rich music scene. Established in 2014, Liveurope encourages venues to diversify programmes and seek emerging European artists. The platform is co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union. Liveurope has supported over 5,700 artists representing 43 European nationalities.
• EcocateringminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEcocatering serves as A38 Ship's sustainable hospitality partner for catering services.
• m2 PetőfiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner for A38 Ship programming and events.
• Petőfi Kulturális ÜgynökségminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGovernment cultural agency partner supporting Hungarian cultural initiatives.
• Magyar TelekomminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTelecommunications partner providing sponsorship and promotional support.
• Magenta MomentsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMarketing partner for event promotions and visibility.
• Nordic Culture Fund (Above 55° Initiative)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupported by the Nordic Culture Fund in scope of the Puls initiative, dedicated to increasing visibility and booking opportunities of up-and-coming Nordic talent.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Melkweg: Amsterdam multi-room music and cultural venue and Liveurope member. Comparable in operating several distinct performance spaces, hosting international artists, and operating a café/bar alongside concert programming for similar audiences.
• Paradiso: Iconic Amsterdam concert venue and fellow Liveurope platform member. Directly comparable as a multi-space historic concert hall hosting international programming, corporate events, and education, with similar genre-spanning GTM and EU cultural funding profile.
• La Maroquinerie: Paris concert venue and Liveurope platform member. Comparable multi-room venue hosting emerging European artists alongside larger touring acts, with similar positioning between club nights and concert programming.
• Festsaal Kreuzberg: Berlin concert venue and Liveurope platform member. Comparable as a mid-sized European music venue focused on emerging artists, programming diversity, and corporate/private event rentals with similar cost structure.
• Le Trabendo: Paris concert venue and Liveurope member. Directly comparable as a mid-sized European concert venue hosting diverse programming (rock, electronic, world) with corporate event rental and a focus on emerging European talent.
• Akvárium Klub: Budapest-based multi-space concert and event venue. Most direct geographic peer, competing for similar Hungarian audiences, corporate events, and electronic/live music programming on a similar scale.
• Village Underground: London creative hub and concert venue housed in converted shipping containers. Comparable as a destination cultural venue built from repurposed industrial infrastructure, hosting international music programming and corporate events.
• Berghain: Berlin's iconic techno/concert venue operating in a former power station. Comparable as a destination cultural venue with converted-industrial heritage, world-class sound infrastructure, and global reputation for live music programming.

Broad incumbents

• House of Blues: Multi-venue North American live music and dining operator. Comparable in combining concert programming with full-service food and beverage, though at vastly greater scale and as part of a national chain under Live Nation.

Regional players

• Sziget Festival: Hungary's flagship music festival held annually in Budapest. Comparable as a major Hungarian live entertainment operator drawing international audiences, though operates a single annual festival rather than a year-round venue.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/A38Captain
• Facebookfacebook.com/a38.hajo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/a38
• Instagraminstagram.com/a38ship
• Xx.com/a38ship_

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 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 A38 Hajó