Aufwind Group

What Aufwind Group does

Aufwind Group is a privately held, full-service advertising and digital agency headquartered in Malterdingen, near Freiburg im Breisgau in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. Founded in 2002 and operating under two legal entities (Werbeagentur Aufwind GmbH and aufwind solutions GmbH & Co. KG), the firm employs 11–50 people and serves more than 500 active B2B clients across manufacturing, retail, tourism, healthcare, public sector, education, and automotive verticals. The company is led by Managing Directors Lutz Bayer (Dipl.-Ing.) and Sandra König (Dipl.-Kfm.).

The company operates three integrated divisions: KREATIV (brand development, corporate design, campaigns, print, photo and film production), DIGITAL (Pimcore-based CMS/DAM/PIM implementations, responsive web design, individual software, database publishing, and the proprietary aufwind.seminarManager), and RIDES (engineered immersive attractions including Flying Theater simulators, interactive dark rides, train simulators, roadshow vehicles, and themed experience paths). Its technical differentiation combines engineering and programming capability with creative production, allowing it to deliver both B2B marketing communications and physical/digital ride systems — including projects such as the 300,000-product-page PIM for Siko GmbH and Flying Theater darkrides installed at European theme parks.

Aufwind generates revenue primarily through project-based fees for creative, digital, and engineering engagements (fixed-price for works exceeding €30,000 with milestone billing, hourly rates for smaller projects), supplemented by recurring annual revenue from software hosting and managed Pimcore platform operations via aufwind solutions. Distribution is direct B2B with no self-serve channel; the sales motion relies on a portfolio of named reference clients, the company website, social channels, trade show participation, and German-language content marketing. The firm maintains active social profiles, runs Google Ads and Analytics, and partners with Pimcore, CMC Engineers, and standard martech providers (Rapidmail, Flockler, SalesViewer).

Name

Aufwind Group

Legal name

Werbeagentur Aufwind GmbH

Website

https://aufwind-group.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Aufwind Group is a privately held German full-service advertising and digital agency headquartered near Freiburg im Breisgau. It serves 500+ B2B clients across creative, Pimcore-based digital platform, and immersive ride engineering services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Full-Service Advertising & Digital Agency

NAICS

Advertising Agencies (541810), Marketing Consulting Services (541613), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computer Systems Design Services (541512)

SIC

Services-Advertising Agencies (7311), Services-Advertising (7310), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)

akta.pro primary industry

B2B / Account-Based Marketing (ABM) Strategy Consulting (MPAAAFAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Enterprise Application UX, Portals & Low-Code Extensions (BPAEAGAM), Systems Engineering & Technical Program Management (BPAHAIAI), Virtual, Hybrid & Livestream Event Coordination (HSACAAAO)

Keywords

• Advertising agency services
• Immersive ride engineering
• Pimcore implementation
• Creative brand development
• Digital marketing platforms

Headquarters

HQ city

Malterdingen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Creative Services: Project-based creative services including brand development, corporate design, campaigns, print publications, photo and film production, and experience paths/wayfinding signage. Revenue is generated through project fees, which follow fixed-price models for works exceeding 30,000 EUR (with 50% at order confirmation, 30% at first version delivery), and hourly rates for smaller engagements.
2. Digital Services: Digital services including Pimcore (CMS, DAM, PIM), responsive web design, digital strategy, individual software, and database publishing. These are typically billed as project engagements with fixed prices or time-and-materials arrangements.
3. Software Licensing: Software licensing and hosting services. Hosting (aufwind solutions) is provided on high-availability cluster infrastructure at 99.6% availability, with annual billing cycles. Domain hosting and management services are also offered.
4. Live Experience / Rides: Design, engineering, construction, and installation of live experience attractions including roadshow vehicles, interactive exhibits, experience paths, simulators, and themed dark rides. Revenue is generated through project-based engineering and construction contracts.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Aufwind Group is a full-service advertising, digital, and live-experience agency offering integrated creative services (brand development, corporate design, campaigns, print publications, photo and film production), digital solutions (Pimcore-based CMS, DAM, and PIM implementations, responsive web design, custom software, database publishing, and the proprietary aufwind.seminarManager), and immersive ride engineering (Flying Theater 4D simulators, dark rides, train simulators, roadshow vehicles, and interactive exhibits). The firm serves over 500 active B2B clients across German-speaking markets, combining engineering and programming depth with creative capabilities under a multi-entity group structure (Werbeagentur Aufwind GmbH and aufwind solutions GmbH & Co. KG).

Product overview

Die aufwind Group ist eine der größten Werbeagenturen im Raum Freiburg/Offenburg und bietet ein integriertes Portfolio aus drei Kernbereichen: KREATIV (Markenentwicklung, Corporate Design, Kampagnen, Print, Foto/Film), DIGITAL (Pimcore-basierte CMS/DAM/PIM-Lösungen, Webdesign, Individualsoftware, Database Publishing, aufwind.seminarManager) und RIDES (immersive Fahrattraktionen wie Flying Theater, Dark Rides, Zugsimulatoren sowie mobile Roadshow-Fahrzeuge und interaktive Exponate für Live-Events). Das Unternehmen kombiniert ingenieurtechnisches Wissen mit kreativem Potenzial und bedient über 500 aktive Kunden aus Industrie, Handel, Tourismus und öffentlichem Sektor.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• aufwind RIDES: Ride simulators and special constructions for live marketing experiences.

Products and services

• aufwind RIDES (Rides Division) High-tech multimedia simulator and immersive ride attraction engineering offering covering Flying Theater systems, dark rides, train simulators, preshows/thematizations, and custom special constructions. Sold to theme parks, leisure parks, and brand clients (e.g., Bystronic) for use at events, trade shows, and as permanent park installations.
• Flying Theater / 4D-Simulator Full-motion flight simulator attraction using 180-degree screens, 9 high-performance laser projectors, 5 media servers, and per-seat in-ear sound synchronized to content via a 2-wire Ethernet protocol over power rail. Available as fixed installation for parks (e.g., Tiki Tahiti Adventure at Tier- und Freizeitpark Thüle) or as a mobile rental unit for events and trade shows.
• Interaktive Dark Rides Immersive themed dark ride attractions featuring interactive elements, 4D effects, and storytelling-driven experiences designed for theme parks and amusement venues (e.g., Scotland Yard Ride and Memory Ride at Ravensburger Spieleland).
• Zugsimulator (Train Simulator) Themed train simulator ride attraction combining theatrical preshows with a rail journey experience using mechanical and multimedia effects (e.g., Hans Dampf at Schwaben Park, with three preshows and the "Schwäbsche Eisenbahne" adventure journey).
• Simulatoren / Sonderkonstruktionen Custom-built simulators and special constructions for immersive experiences, often featuring motion platforms and multimedia integration, tailored to individual client or park requirements.
• Roadshow-Fahrzeuge (Roadshow Vehicles) Mobile exhibition vehicles for marketing events and trade shows, equipped with interactive and multimedia systems to bring products and brands directly to target audiences (e.g., EDEKA Südwest recruitment bus launched September 2017; EDEKA Minden-Hannover "Talent Truck" featuring the world's smallest Flying Theater).
• Interaktive Exponate (Interactive Exhibits) Interactive exhibit installations for events and permanent installations that combine physical and digital elements to create engaging visitor experiences.
• Erlebnispfade / Themenpfade (Experience Paths) Themed trail and path installations featuring interactive stations, signage (Durasafe wayfinding systems), and educational content for tourism destinations and parks (e.g., Laufenburger 8 experience path).
• Pimcore (CMS / DAM / PIM) Implementation Services Enterprise-grade Pimcore-based platform covering Content Management (CMS), Digital Asset Management (DAM), and Product Information Management (PIM) for managing digital content and product data across channels. Implemented for clients such as Siko GmbH (300,000+ product pages) and Endrich Bauelemente (30,000+ products).
• aufwind.seminarManager Proprietary seminar management software for organizing, managing, and publishing educational offerings. Used by institutions such as Bistum Trier and Handwerkskammer Frankfurt-Rhein-Main (and over 30 other chambers) for digital event coordination and seminar administration.
• Markenentwicklung & Corporate Design Brand development and corporate identity design services including logo creation, brand strategy, and visual identity systems for B2B clients.
• Kampagnen (Campaigns) Campaign development and execution across online and offline channels, including recruitment campaigns (e.g., EDEKA Minden-Hannover, DHU "Original sucht Originale"), product campaigns, and cross-media marketing initiatives.
• Webdesign & Realisierung (Responsive Web Design) Website design and technical implementation services focusing on responsive web design and high-performance web development (e.g., rodi GmbH website relaunch).
• Digital/Media Asset Management (DAM/MAM) Digital and media asset management solutions enabling centralized storage, organization, and distribution of digital content and media files.
• Product Information Management (PIM) Product information management services for consolidating and managing product data across sales channels, particularly for manufacturing and e-commerce companies.
• Individual Software (Custom Software Development) Custom software development tailored to specific client requirements, including web applications, database solutions, and specialized digital tools (e.g., Kern AG online license purchasing tool).
• Database Publishing / Web2Print Database-driven publishing solutions that automate print material generation from centralized data sources, enabling consistent cross-channel content.
• Digitale Strategie (Digital Strategy Consulting) Digital strategy consulting services to help businesses align their digital presence and marketing efforts with overall business objectives.
• Foto & Film (Photo & Film Production) Photography and video production services including image films, explainer videos, campaign visuals, and multimedia content creation (e.g., Bausch+Ströbel video trailer production; SNOWsat LiDAR system presentation).
• Print-Publikationen Print publication design and production including brochures, magazines, flyers, and other printed marketing materials.
• Preshows / Thematisierungen Themed preshow and thematization design services for ride attractions, combining physical set design, narrative elements, and special effects to create themed guest experiences.

Quantifiable outcome

• Throughput capacity of 250-400 persons per hour for Flying Theater darkride systems
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers25 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• CMC Engineers GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationLong-term partner for Virtual Reality and 4D world development. CMC Engineers GmbH collaborated with Aufwind Group on the Tiki Tahiti Adventure Flying Theater darkride, specifically producing the film content for the immersive ride experience.
• Pimcore GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationAufwind Group is a specialized Pimcore partner, offering Pimcore CMS, DAM (Digital/Media Asset Management), and PIM (Product Information Management) implementation services. The company is listed as a Pimcore partner on their website.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Simworx: UK-based supplier of immersive attractions including dark rides and flying theaters. Closely comparable to the aufwind RIDES division in product category and target customers (theme parks and FECs).
• Scholz & Friends: Germany-based full-service advertising agency offering creative, digital, and integrated marketing services to B2B and consumer brands. Comparable in agency positioning and integrated offering, though operating at much larger scale.
• Kolle Rebbe: Hamburg-based independent creative agency known for integrated brand communications and digital work. Comparable as a German independent full-service agency with strong creative and digital offerings.
• Mack Rides: Germany-based manufacturer of theme park rides, including dark rides and launch coasters. Directly comparable as a German supplier of engineered amusement attractions, though at significantly larger scale and broader product portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• Serviceplan Group: Europe's largest independent agency group, headquartered in Munich, offering integrated creative, digital, and media services. Comparable as a full-service agency network, but multi-region and substantially larger.
• Jung von Matt: Major German creative agency group with broad digital and brand capabilities. Functionally comparable on creative and digital services but significantly larger and broader in geographic reach.
• Vekoma: Dutch manufacturer of amusement rides including dark rides and family coasters. Comparable as a ride engineering peer, but operating at much larger scale with a broader product catalog.

Emerging players

• Sally Corporation: US-based dark ride and animated attraction manufacturer. Comparable as a supplier of immersive themed attractions, though operating primarily in the North American market.
• Holovis: UK-based immersive experience designer for theme parks, attractions, and brand experiences. Comparable on immersive ride/show content and themed experience engineering, though technology rather than full mechanical delivery.
• ETF (Electro Technik Furnaces) / Dark Ride International: France-based designer of themed dark rides and trackless vehicles for theme parks. Comparable in the themed dark ride and immersive attraction segment, though operating in a different geographic market.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@aufwindgroup
• Facebookfacebook.com/aufwind.group
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/werbeagentur-aufwind-gmbh
• Instagraminstagram.com/aufwindgroup

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 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 Aufwind Group