Sandstorm
Sandstorm Media GmbH is a Dresden-based German software agency founded in 2009 that delivers custom software, Neos CMS website relaunches, app development, and UX/UI design to mid-to-large enterprises, public-sector clients, and impact-oriented NGOs, with a distinctive focus on sustainable and accessible coding.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersDresden, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Sandstorm does
Sandstorm Media GmbH is a privately held German software development and design agency headquartered in Dresden (BioInnovationsZentrum) with a secondary office in Darmstadt. Founded in 2009 and led by three managing directors (Florian Trautmann, Sebastian Kurfürst, Tobias Gruber), the firm provides custom software development, website relaunches built on the open-source Neos CMS, mobile and web app development, and UX/UI design services to a mix of mid-to-large enterprises, public-sector clients, and impact-oriented NGOs. The company holds ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications and positions itself around 'Sustainable Coding,' with approximately 75% of revenue generated from projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Technically, Sandstorm works with a web-centric stack including Neos CMS and the Flow PHP framework on the backend, Java/Kotlin/JVM with Spring Boot for higher-load systems, and AlpineJS, Angular, Stimulus, and SASS on the frontend. Several team members are core contributors to the Neos CMS project, and the firm received the Neos CMS Gold Award 2017 (for the 1&1 AG partner portal) and the Neos Community Award 2026. Differentiated practices include accessibility-first delivery to WCAG 2.2 / BITV 2.0, energy-resource optimization with CO2 tracking, and security hardening via YubiKey-based 2FA and proprietary provisioning tooling.
The business model is project-based professional services: scoping, fixed-bid or time-and-materials projects, multi-year contracts, and supplementary training/workshop revenue through Sandstorm Academy. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales, inbound web inquiries, regional referrals in Saxony, and channel partnerships with peer Neos agencies (networkteam, netlogix). Beyond client services, Sandstorm operates and develops small owned projects including the Cleema sustainability app and the LeGacy financial-education serious game, alongside ancillary products such as Sandstorm Maps. Recognition includes finalist status for the Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis 2025/2026 in IT-Dienstleistungen and the Sächsischer Digitalpreis 2022.
Sandstorm firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sandstorm
- Legal name
- Sandstorm Media GmbH
- Website
- https://sandstorm.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Sandstorm Media GmbH is a Dresden-based German software agency founded in 2009 that delivers custom software, Neos CMS website relaunches, app development, and UX/UI design to mid-to-large enterprises, public-sector clients, and impact-oriented NGOs, with a distinctive focus on sustainable and accessible coding.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sandstorm industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Custom Software Development Services
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)
- akta.pro primary industry
- DevOps Consulting & Transformation (BPAEAKAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Cloud & DevOps Training (Cloud, Containers, CI/CD, SRE) (BPAEANAG)
Keywords
Where Sandstorm is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dresden
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Sandstorm business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Custom Software Development Services: Project-based custom software development including website relaunches, app development, and individual software solutions. Revenue is generated through project fees based on scope, complexity, and duration. Projects range from single website implementations to complex enterprise systems with ongoing maintenance.
- Consulting Services: Technical consulting, architecture reviews, and technology advisory services provided alongside or independently of development projects.
- Training and Workshops: Sandstorm Academy offers training sessions, workshops, React certifications, and speaking engagements for events.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Enterprise Custom Projects |
| Subscription | Monthly | Dual Study Stipend - Year 1 |
| Subscription | Monthly | Dual Study Stipend - Year 2 |
| Subscription | Monthly | Dual Study Stipend - Year 3 |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels7 records
Sandstorm product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sandstorm is a custom software development agency delivering individual web applications, Neos CMS-based website relaunches, mobile and web app development, and UX/UI design for enterprise clients, public-sector institutions, and sustainability-focused organizations. Services span concept, design, architecture, development, and ongoing support, with paid trainings and workshops offered through Sandstorm Academy and supplementary offerings such as Sandstorm Maps and operation of the Cleema sustainability app.
Product overview
Sandstorm is a German software development company offering professional IT services including custom software development, website redesigns using Neos CMS, mobile app development, and UX/UI design. Their service portfolio is organized around four core offerings: Individual Software Development, Website-Relaunch mit Neos CMS, App-Entwicklung, and UX/UI Design, supplemented by training/workshop services and React certifications through Sandstorm Academy. Beyond client services, they maintain and operate their own projects including the Cleema sustainability app and Sandstorm Maps. The company specializes in Tech4Good projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with approximately 75% of their revenue coming from projects with positive social or environmental impact.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Sandstorm Academy: Training, workshops and consulting services offered by Sandstorm
- Sandstorm Maps
- Cleema App
- Das Sandpapier
Products and services
- Individuelle Softwareentwicklung (Individual Software Development) Custom software development services for web applications covering architecture design, build, and consulting. Delivered using Neos CMS, Flow PHP Framework, Java/Kotlin/JVM, Spring Boot, Angular, and AlpineJS for mid-to-large enterprises, public-sector clients, and sustainability-focused organizations.
- Website-Relaunch mit Neos CMS Website redesign and migration service using the Neos CMS open-source content management system. Sandstorm team members actively contribute to Neos CMS core development, and the practice has been recognized with multiple Neos awards.
- App-Entwicklung (App Development) Mobile and web application development services covering the full lifecycle from design through deployment for client organizations.
- UX/UI Design User experience and interface design services including usability optimization, accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.2 Level AA, BITV 2.0), and design system implementation for digital products.
- Schulungen, Workshops und Consulting (Sandstorm Academy) Paid training programs, workshops, technical consulting, and React certification services delivered through the Sandstorm Academy platform, including speaker services for events.
- Sandstorm Maps A mapping service/tool operated by Sandstorm, referenced as an additional offering in the company navigation.
Quantifiable outcome
- 75% of revenue from positive impact projects aligned with UN SDGs
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Sandstorm
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Sandstorm technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Sandstorm partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Lokale Agenda DresdencoreThe Lokale Agenda promotes implementation of sustainability goals in Dresden. Sandstorm has been a supporting member for several years and since 2023 has representation on the board. The partnership focuses on sustainability transformation and digital initiatives, including co-developing the Cleema sustainability app.
- Bundesverband Nachhaltige Wirtschaft e.V. (BNW)coreBNW is an association of sustainable companies advocating for ecological and social transformation. Sandstorm has been engaged since 2021, particularly in the Digitales (Digital) expert group, working on topics including sustainable AI deployment.
- Common PurposeminorInternational non-profit organization bringing together leaders from all sectors to address societal, ecological, and workplace transformation challenges. Sandstorm has participated in programs since 2017 as both participants and thought leaders.
- Umwelt- und Klimaallianz SachsenminorNetwork supporting resource and energy efficiency as well as environmental and climate protection in Saxon economy. Sandstorm participates in this sustainability-focused alliance.
- Wirtschaftsjunioren DresdenminorNetwork of young entrepreneurs and executives committed to education for the next generation. Sandstorm participates in their projects and initiatives focused on education and youth development.
- networkteamcoreTechnology partner for the 1&1 Vertriebspartnerportale project. Collaborated with Sandstorm and netlogix on the award-winning Neos CMS implementation.
- netlogixcoreTechnology partner for the 1&1 Vertriebspartnerportale project. Collaborated with Sandstorm and networkteam on the high-availability portal system.
- Wilderness InternationalminorEnvironmental organization through which Sandstorm compensates a portion of their CO2 emissions. Partnership involves forest protection in Peru.
- ForTomorrowminorCO2 compensation partner used by Sandstorm to offset company event emissions as part of their sustainability commitment.
- B.A.U.M. e.V.minorBundesdeutscher Arbeitskreis für Umweltbewusstes Management - association of over 800 members committed to sustainable business within planetary boundaries. Sandstorm became a member in 2024.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Sandstorm competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Sandstorm social profiles
Digital presenceSandstorm compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Sandstorm financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sandstorm leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Sandstorm funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sandstorm M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Sandstorm
What does Sandstorm do?
Sandstorm is a custom software development agency delivering individual web applications, Neos CMS-based website relaunches, mobile and web app development, and UX/UI design for enterprise clients, public-sector institutions, and sustainability-focused organizations. Services span concept, design, architecture, development, and ongoing support, with paid trainings and workshops offered through Sandstorm Academy and supplementary offerings such as Sandstorm Maps and operation of the Cleema sustainability app.
Is Sandstorm a public or private company?
Sandstorm is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Sandstorm founded?
Sandstorm was founded in 2009. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Sandstorm based?
Sandstorm is headquartered in Dresden, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Sandstorm make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Custom Software Development Services are the primary driver. The others are consulting Services and training and Workshops.
Does Sandstorm have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sandstorm.
What industry is Sandstorm in?
Sandstorm's product category is Custom Software Development Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAEAKAA, DevOps Consulting & Transformation, with a secondary code of BPAEANAG, Cloud & DevOps Training (Cloud, Containers, CI/CD, SRE). Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 7371.