IRIS Solutions

What IRIS Solutions does

IRIS Solutions GmbH is a privately held, founder-managed IT services company headquartered in Würzburg, Germany, founded in 1997 and operating with a team of 21 employees as of 2022. The company operates a hybrid business model combining custom software development and IT consulting for enterprise and public sector clients with a proprietary consumer learning platform. Its technology stack is centered on Microsoft technologies (.NET, C#, VB.NET, ASP.NET, MS SQL Server) with Xamarin used for cross-platform mobile development on iOS, Android, BlackBerry, and Windows, supplemented by HTML5/CSS/JavaScript for web, embedded C/C++ for hardware integrations, and Oracle/MySQL/PostgreSQL databases.

The company's product portfolio divides into proprietary products and bespoke client work. Büffeln.Net is the flagship consumer product — an intelligent online learning platform using a spaced-repetition flashcard system that prioritizes incorrectly answered questions, distributed via web and mobile app stores as per-subject exam preparation packages covering German driver's license, hunting license (Hessen), fishing, first aid, and pilot licensing, with a dedicated DRK-branded instance for the German Red Cross. Other proprietary products include Festmanager (event management), the HTML5 3D Konfigurator (co-developed with 3D Betrieb), IRIS AR and Diamir AR (augmented reality for print), Trucktimer24 (tachograph compliance), Alflexus (back training analytics), Speedy (energy trading reconciliation with EPEX/EEX integration), FundInfo (municipal lost-and-found deployed in 600+ municipalities in Germany and Austria), and Nanoflight (electron microscope control). Custom development clients include ERT (cardiology and spirometry clinical trial software for Novartis, Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK), Bundesagentur für Arbeit, IAB, Westernacher & Partner, and Heidelberg University Women's Clinic (MindMom study portal).

IRIS Solutions generates revenue through professional services (custom software development, IT consulting, system analysis) for enterprise and public sector buyers, pay-per-subject unit pricing on Büffeln.Net, freemium mobile distribution (Büffeln One as free hub), and a small licensing arrangement via the 3D Betrieb partnership. The company is managed by two Geschäftsführer (Michael Eckert and Klaus Kanski), shows no external investment, and operates exclusively in the German market with limited cross-border expansion signals.

Name

IRIS Solutions

Legal name

IRIS Solutions GmbH

Website

https://iris-solutions.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

IRIS Solutions GmbH is a Würzburg-based founder-owned IT services firm (21 staff, est. 1997) combining custom software development for enterprise and public sector clients with the proprietary Büffeln.Net consumer exam-preparation platform and vertical software products in energy trading, municipal administration, and medical devices.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Würzburg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom Software Development & IT Services: Bespoke software development, IT consulting, system analysis, and project management for enterprise and public sector clients across energy trading, government, healthcare, and logistics sectors. Projects include complex web applications, database systems, and hardware-software integrations.
2. Büffeln.Net Learning Platform & Apps: Online exam preparation platform with individual subject/ licensing purchased per exam category. Mobile apps distributed via iOS, Android, and BlackBerry stores. Some content consolidated into free Büffeln One app hub. DRK-specific platform and app for German Red Cross.
3. 3D Configurator Licensing: HTML5-based 3D real-time configurator developed in partnership with 3D Betrieb, embeddable in shop systems with database connectivity and low maintenance costs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

IRIS Solutions GmbH provides bespoke IT consulting and custom software development services covering complex web applications, database systems, mobile apps, and hardware integrations for enterprise and public sector clients across energy trading, municipal administration, healthcare, and publishing. Alongside its services practice, the company develops and sells proprietary software products including the Büffeln.Net intelligent online learning platform with mobile apps (Büffeln One, Büffeln DRK Trainer), the Festmanager event management software, the HTML5 3D Konfigurator, the IRIS AR augmented reality platform, and several industry-specific applications such as Fundinfo (lost-and-found) and Speedy (energy trading reconciliation).

Product overview

IRIS Solutions GmbH is a Würzburg-based IT services and product company founded in 1997 with 21 employees. Its portfolio consists of two main areas: (1) proprietary products including Büffeln.Net — an intelligent online learning platform (core product) with consolidated mobile apps Büffeln One and Büffeln DRK Trainer for specific verticals — plus event management tool Festmanager, 3D Konfigurator for real-time product configuration, AR platform (IRIS AR, Diamir AR), tachograph monitoring tool Trucktimer24, and various enterprise/vertical-specific applications (MindMom, Alflexus, Speedy for energy trading, Fundinfo for lost-and-found, ERT medical studies software, Nanoflight); and (2) custom software development and web/mobile services for clients covering app development, web development (including WordPress-based sites and e-commerce), and print design. The company's technology stack centers on Microsoft technologies (.NET, C#, VB.NET, ASP.Net, MSSQL Server, Xamarin for cross-platform mobile) and it serves industries including energy trading, medical technology, public administration, legal, and event management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Büffeln.Net: Online learning platform for exam preparation featuring intelligent flashcard system with spaced repetition, available via web and mobile apps. Supports various exam types including driver's license, hunting license, first aid, and more.
• Büffeln One
• Büffeln DRK Trainer
• Festmanager
• IRIS AR
• trucktimer24

Products and services

• Büffeln.Net (Online Learning Platform) Intelligent online learning platform using a spaced-repetition flashcard system that prioritizes questions the user has answered incorrectly, generating personalized learning statistics and progress tracking. Covers official exam question catalogs across driver's license, hunting license (Jagdschein), fishing, first aid, private pilot license (PPL), and other German standardized certifications. Available via browser and mobile apps with data synchronization between platforms. Sold as individual subject packages.
• Büffeln One (Mobile Learning App) Free consolidated mobile app that unifies all Büffeln.Net subject areas into a single application. Users who have purchased content on Büffeln.Net can access all of it via the app on iOS and Android at no additional cost. Acts as a hub for purchased subject content.
• Büffeln DRK Trainer (German Red Cross App) Dedicated mobile app for the German Red Cross (DRK), offering three subject areas: First Aid Knowledge, Paramedic Workbook, and Rescue Dog Team Exam. Data syncs with the DRK-specific Büffeln platform. Distributed via the dedicated drk.bueffeln.net portal and app stores.
• Festmanager (Event Management Software & App) Event management software and companion app for organizers of festivals and events. Covers planning, coordination of suppliers, security, government authorities, task management with reminders, media management, SMS/email notifications, community features, food and beverage management, documentation, and offline data access. Includes an online platform at festmanager.com.
• 3D Konfigurator (HTML5 3D Real-Time Configurator) HTML5-based 3D real-time product configurator developed in partnership with 3D Betrieb. Runs in a browser without plugins, is mobile-responsive, includes front-end and back-end management, can be embedded in e-commerce systems, connects to databases, and supports high variant diversity with high render quality. Licensed for shop system integration.
• IRIS AR (Augmented Reality Platform) Augmented reality app platform that enhances printed materials by overlaying digital content such as videos, 3D objects (rotatable in all directions), and 360-degree panoramas when the user scans a printed page with a smartphone. Used by publishers and experiential operators such as DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen.
• MindMom App & Portal (Digital Health) Mobile app and web portal developed for the University Women's Hospital Heidelberg (Universitäts-Frauenklinik Heidelberg) to conduct a study with pregnant women. Participants can complete exercises, view guides, and fill out questionnaires released at scheduled intervals, with offline storage and server synchronization.
• Trucktimer24 (Tachograph Management Software) Tachograph management software that reads driver card data, monitors driving and rest times per EU regulations, provides alerts before violations occur, and displays daily/weekly rest options. Includes a card reader and GPS receiver as hardware components, sold to fleet operators and truck drivers.
• Autokennzeichen App (German License Plate Reference) Reference app for German vehicle registration plates (KFZ-Kennzeichen) showing the corresponding district/county on a map, with an alphabetical list and search functionality. Consumer-facing utility app.
• Alflexus Software (Back Training Analysis) Windows application and microcontroller system for monitoring and analyzing back training equipment (lumbar and cervical spine area). Captures weight and angle data in real time from sensor hardware, manages users and training history, generates automated training weight recommendations, and stores data locally or centrally.
• Speedy (Energy Trading Reconciliation Platform) Central platform for energy trading companies to reconcile differences between renewable energy forecasts, day-ahead predictions, and actual feed-in data, with live updates via EPEX Intraday and interfaces to EPEX for order information exchange. Multi-user central server operation with MS Access/SQL Server database.
• Fundinfo / Fundportal (Lost-and-Found Management System) Web-based lost-and-found management system used by over 600 municipalities and cities in Germany and Austria (including Hamburg, Stuttgart, Bonn, Freiburg). Includes lost item management, citizen search portal (Bürgersuche), reporting, statistics, automatic matching, and image management. Developed in long-standing partnership with Westernacher & Partner since 2000.
• ERT Medical Studies Software (Clinical Trial Platform) Globally deployed medical software for conducting cardiology and spirometry clinical studies. Includes embedded measurement devices (e.g., AM3 spirometer), study software for hospitals, and a central database with web reporting and statistical analysis for pharmaceutical clients such as Novartis, Boehringer Ingelheim, and GlaxoSmithKline.
• Nanoflight (Electron Microscope Control Software) Software for creating color films of nanostructures using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Features a plugin system with a framework for controlling microscope hardware, graphical parameter display, timeline-based hardware control, and 3D mouse live control. Used to produce the award-winning Nanoflight microscopic flight films recognized with the Technikpreis 2013.
• Baukostenüberwachung (Construction Cost Monitoring System) Multi-client construction cost monitoring system for architects. Covers project controlling, cost planning, graphical financial evaluations, address management, cost group management, invoice management, order management, and import/export functionality.
• Pallas (IAB Labour Market Analysis System) Cross-platform analysis and information system for the Institute for Labour Market and Vocational Research (IAB). Provides a quality-assured, automatically updated data and information base with statistical analysis tools and business intelligence capabilities for labour market researchers.
• Custom Software Development & IT Consulting Services Bespoke software development, IT consulting, system analysis, web applications, mobile apps, database solutions, and hardware integrations sold directly to enterprise and public sector clients. Covers problem analysis, requirements specification, system architecture, and commissioning across sectors including energy trading, notaries, architects and engineers, warehouse and transport logistics, microscopy, learning portals, medical technology, and municipal/federal administration.
• Web Development Services (WordPress Sites & E-commerce) WordPress-based website design and redesign with integrated e-commerce shop functionality. Delivered to small businesses and professional practices in Germany, including law firms, medical practices, retail businesses, and other local services. Covers custom design, branding, and full shop setup.
• App Development Services (iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Windows) Custom mobile app development services for iOS, Android, BlackBerry, and Windows using Microsoft Xamarin shared C# codebase. Includes native app builds, cross-platform synchronization, and offline-capable apps with server sync. Delivered to publishers, universities, government agencies, and healthcare organizations.
• Print & Graphic Design Services Graphic design and print services including brochures (Zick-Zack-Falz accordion fold), flyers, business cards, and vouchers. Delivered to clients including Büffeln.Net, Fussaktiv, IRIS AR, Dannharts, and Trucktimer24.

Quantifiable outcome

• FundInfo system deployed in over 600 municipalities and cities in Germany and Austria
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• KDD Digital HealthcarecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 July 2020In collaboration with KDD Digital Healthcare, IRIS Solutions developed the MindMom digital health portal and mobile app for Universitäts-Frauenklinik Heidelberg to conduct a clinical study with pregnant women. The project includes both web portal and Xamarin-based mobile app for iOS and Android, with offline data storage and server synchronization.
• 3D BetriebminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 February 2016IRIS Solutions and 3D Betrieb co-developed a 3D real-time browser configurator (3dconf.de) with features including HTML5 rendering, plugin-free browser operation, mobile capability, front-end and back-end CMS, database connectivity, shop system integration, and high rendering quality. The solution is marketed through 3D Betrieb.
• Westernacher & Partner Unternehmensberatung AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership since 2000 with Westernacher AG to develop and maintain FundInfo, a web-based lost-and-found management system deployed in over 600 municipalities in Germany and Austria. Also includes the citizen search portal (Bürgersuche) for cross-municipal lost-and-found searches.
• Verein Würzburger FestwirteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with the Würzburg Festival Organizers Association to develop the Festmanager software and app for organizing festivals and events, coordinating vendors, security, authorities, and documentation.
• EPEX (European Power Exchange)coreTechnology or IntegrationSpeedy platform integrates with EPEX (European Power Exchange) for order information exchange, enabling real-time reconciliation of renewable energy forecast vs actual feed-in in the Day Ahead and intraday markets.
• ERT (eResearch and Technology)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment and customization of globally deployed clinical trial software for ERT in the areas of cardiology and spirometry, used by pharmaceutical companies including Novartis, Boehringer Ingelheim, and GlaxoSmithKline.
• Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (DRK)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDedicated DRK-branded learning platform and Büffeln DRK Trainer mobile app for German Red Cross, offering first aid, medical, and rescue training content. Content sold via drk.bueffeln.net.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• AOE GmbH: Wiesbaden-based digital product and software engineering company with similar custom development and product work for enterprise customers. Comparable scale, German roots, and a hybrid of proprietary platform products alongside client services.
• GFT Technologies SE: Stuttgart-based IT services and software company serving financial services and industrial clients with custom development, integration, and proprietary products. Comparable German IT services + product hybrid model, though significantly larger.
• Sycor GmbH: Göttingen-based IT services provider specializing in Microsoft ERP (Dynamics) and custom software for mid-market German firms. Comparable German Mittelstand IT services profile with strong Microsoft stack alignment similar to IRIS.
• cosee GmbH: Darmstadt-based software development shop offering custom software, mobile, and embedded development for enterprise clients. Comparable in size (~20-50 employees), German Mittelstand orientation, and a hybrid services-plus-product model.
• msg systems AG: Ismaning-based German IT services group providing consulting, custom software, and industry-specific solutions for insurance, banking, public sector, and automotive. Comparable custom-software-plus-vertical-product model serving regulated German industries.
• adesso SE: Dortmund-headquartered German IT services company with custom software development, consulting, and proprietary industry solutions across insurance, banking, public sector, and healthcare. Comparable business model (services + vertical products) though at much greater scale (€1B+ revenue).
• Hypersoft GmbH: German POS/cash-register and vertical software vendor serving hospitality, retail, and logistics. Comparable as a small German software company with proprietary vertical products and custom development services for SMB and enterprise clients.
• Avenga Germany: International IT services and software engineering company with strong German presence (Cologne). Provides custom software, consulting, and digital transformation to enterprise clients. Comparable custom development services model for enterprise and regulated industries.

Broad incumbents

• DATEV eG: Nuremberg-based cooperative IT services provider for tax advisors, lawyers, and auditors with deep public-sector and regulated-vertical software footprint. Comparable German Mittelstand heritage and vertical-software expertise, but at significantly greater scale and as a cooperative rather than GmbH.
• SAP SE: Walldorf-based global enterprise software leader with significant operations touching German public sector, energy, healthcare, and industrial verticals where IRIS also operates. Overlaps with IRIS's enterprise software footprint but at vastly greater scale and broader product portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Bueffeln.Net

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 IRIS Solutions