FILOU Software

What FILOU Software does

FILOU Software GmbH is a German CAD/CAM/CNC software publisher and value-added reseller founded in 1994 and headquartered in Ahlen, Germany. The company develops and distributes FILOU-NC (currently the "Gorilla" generation), a 2.5D CAM solution integrating 2D CAD drafting, toolpath generation, and 3D backplot/simulation in a single Windows application, along with FILOU-MX3, a professional CNC backplot editor. FILOU also acts as the primary German-speaking distributor for a curated portfolio of complementary third-party CAD/CAM/CNC products, including Rhinoceros 3D (as an authorized Rhino Training Center), DeskProto, madCAM, MoI 3D, NestLeader, CutLeader, Galaad 3, WinPC-NC, and HP/Shining 3D scanners, with proprietary integration toolbars enabling one-click geometry transfer between Rhino, MoI 3D, FILOU-NC, and DeskProto.

The business operates on a primarily direct-to-consumer e-commerce model through filou.de, supported by 30-day free trials, free online software demonstrations, a self-serve customer portal (filou4you), and digital marketing via YouTube, an email newsletter, and a CNC-Toolbox content hub. Revenue streams include one-time perpetual software licenses for both proprietary and distributed products, optional annual support extensions (e.g., ~120 EUR + VAT for NestLeader), and professional services covering in-person, online, individual coaching, and webinar-based training plus custom post-processor development. Pricing is tiered into commercial, hobby (non-commercial, ~75% discount), and educational (schools and training centers) variants.

FILOU serves four primary customer segments: hobbyists and model makers (CNC for model trains, RC vehicles, architectural models, prototyping), small workshops and job shops requiring professional 2D/2.5D CAM with broad post-processor coverage (>30 standard post-processors plus custom development), specialized manufacturers (jewelry, dental, prototyping, art via DeskProto 3-5 axis CAM), and educational institutions. Since founding, the company claims 300,000+ customers served and 4,000+ WinPC-NC Professional installations worldwide, with named reference customers including Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics.

Name

FILOU Software

Legal name

FILOU Software GmbH

Website

https://filou.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

FILOU Software GmbH is a German CAD/CAM/CNC software publisher and value-added reseller, founded 1994, serving hobbyists, small workshops, educational institutions, and specialized manufacturers with its proprietary FILOU-NC 2.5D CAM software plus a curated portfolio of distributed CAD/CAM/CNC products.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

CAD/CAM/CNC Software

NAICS

Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (33411)

SIC

General Industrial Machinery & Equipment, Nec (3569)

akta.pro primary industry

Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Industrial CAD/CAM for Manufacturing (EDAOAGAG)

Keywords

• CAD/CAM software
• CNC milling software
• 3D modeling software
• CNC programming tools
• Digital manufacturing software

Headquarters

HQ city

Rheda-wiedenbrück

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Software Licenses — Proprietary and Distributed Products: FILOU Software sells software licenses for its own FILOU-NC product as well as distributes third-party CAD/CAM/CNC software including Rhinoceros 3D, DeskProto, madCAM, MoI 3D, NestLeader, CutLeader, Galaad, and WinPC-NC. Both perpetual (one-time) licenses and update/service release paths are offered. The company also offers hobby and educational license variants at significantly reduced prices (~75% discount vs. commercial licenses) targeting private individuals and schools.
2. Support Services: FILOU includes one year of support with most software purchases. Extended support can be purchased after the initial period (e.g., 12 months for ~120 EUR + VAT for NestLeader). Support is delivered via a web-based support form through the filou4you customer portal.
3. Training and Webinars: FILOU offers paid training sessions including in-person training, online sessions, individual coaching, and web coaching. Training locations include FILOU's own training rooms and customer premises.
4. Custom Post-Processor Development: FILOU creates individual, machine-specific post-processors with custom cycles on request for customers whose controllers are not covered by the standard post-processor library.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

FILOU Software develops and distributes CAD, CAM, and CNC software. Its proprietary core product is FILOU-NC (Gorilla), a 2.5D CAM solution that integrates 2D CAD drafting, toolpath generation, and 3D backplot/simulation, complemented by the FILOU-MX3 CNC backplot editor. The company also acts as the primary German-speaking distributor for third-party CAD/CAM/CNC products including Rhinoceros 3D, DeskProto, MoI 3D, madCAM, NestLeader, CutLeader, Galaad 3, and WinPC-NC, bundling software with training, support, and custom post-processor services.

Product overview

FILOU Software GmbH is a value-added reseller and distributor specializing in professional CAD, CAM, and CNC software, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Ahlen, Germany. The company operates both as a software publisher (with its own FILOU-NC and FILOU-MX product lines) and as a reseller of third-party CAD/CAM products. Its core proprietary product is FILOU-NC (Gorilla), a 2.5D CAM solution with integrated 2D CAD capabilities, complemented by FILOU-MX3 as a professional CNC backplot editor. FILOU distributes Rhinoceros 3D (with plugins madCAM for 5-axis CAM, xNURBS, and Karamba 3D), DeskProto (3D CAM for 3–5 axis milling), MoI 3D (3D CAD modeler), NestLeader (2D DXF nesting), CutLeader (CNC cutting software), Galaad 3 (CAD/CAM/CNC for ISEL machines), and WinPC-NC (CNC machine control software). FILOU also resells HP and Shining 3D scanners. All software is sold with optional annual support contracts, and the company offers in-person, online, and webinar-based training.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• FILOU-NC (Gorilla): 2.5D CAM software for CNC milling, featuring geometry editing, toolpath generation, backplot, and simulation capabilities
• DeskProto
• NestLeader
• FILOU-MX3
• CutLeader
• Galaad 3
• MoI 3D
• WinPC-NC
• madCAM

Products and services

• FILOU-NC (Gorilla) 2.5D CAM software with integrated 2D CAD module for creating CNC programs from 2D geometry. Includes CAM functions (contour following, pocket milling, drilling, tapping, pattern milling), a 3D backplot viewer, 3D simulation/removal simulation, tool library, and built-in RS-232/V24 interface for machine transfer. Targets workshops, hobbyists, and educational users.
• DeskProto 3D CAM program for generating CNC code from 3D models (STL, VRML, DXF) for 3-axis, 4-axis (indexed), and 5-axis (indexed) CNC milling machines. Available in Entry, Expert, and Multi-Axis editions and distributed by FILOU as the primary German-speaking channel.
• MoI 3D (Moment of Inspiration) Intuitive 3D CAD modeler focused on ease of use and fast workflow. Supports Windows and Mac, offers NURBS modeling, boolean operations, and exports to formats including OpenNURBS (3DM), OBJ, STL, 3DS, LWO, FBX, SketchUp, AI, and DXF. Resold by FILOU with a one-click interface to DeskProto.
• FILOU-MX3 Professional CNC backplot editor with modular toolbox for CNC experts. Supports editing, simulating, verifying, analyzing, exporting, and transmitting CNC programs. Handles G-code, HPGL, Heidenhain Klartext, ISEL NCP, and DXF formats with data transfer via RS-232/V24.
• NestLeader 2D DXF nesting software that computes multiple subassembly configurations to ensure optimal material utilization. Supports batch import of DXF/DWG files, part rotation, remnant material nesting, and detailed nesting reports. Available in Standard and Professional editions.
• CutLeader CNC cutting software for plasma, laser, waterjet, and flame cutting. Provides automatic nesting, cut sequencing, curve optimization, and NC code generation. Available in Standard, Professional, and Ultimate editions.
• Galaad 3 All-in-one 32-bit CAD/CAM/CNC software for controlling CNC machines from 1 to 5 axes. Integrates 2D, 2.5D, and 3D design with toolpath generation and direct machine control for ISEL machines.
• WinPC-NC CNC machine control software for stepper motor and digital servo drives. Available in four versions (Light, Economy, USB, Professional) ranging from LPT-based control to industrial-grade external axis controller. Resold by FILOU and deployed over 4,000 times worldwide in its Professional edition.
• Rhinoceros 3D (Rhino 8) Professional NURBS-based 3D CAD modeler. FILOU is an authorized Rhino training center and distributes Rhino 3D along with related plugins including madCAM (5-axis CAM), xNURBS, and Karamba 3D (Grasshopper structural analysis).
• madCAM CAM plugin for Rhinoceros 3D enabling 3D milling with up to 5 simultaneous axes. Sold in commercial and educational versions.
• HP 3D Scan / Shining 3D Scanner Structured light 3D scanner hardware for reverse engineering applications, resold by FILOU alongside its CAD/CAM software portfolio.
• FILOU Training & Web-Coaching Instructor-led in-person training, online training sessions, individual coaching, and webinars for FILOU's software products. Training locations include FILOU offices in Ahlen and customer premises in Germany.

Quantifiable outcome

• FILOU hobby/home licenses are approximately 75% cheaper than commercial equivalents, enabling hobbyists and model makers to access professional CAM software at significantly reduced cost.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Rhinoceros 3D (Robert McNeel & Associates)coreTechnology or IntegrationFILOU Software is an authorized Rhino Training Center and distributes Rhinoceros 3D (Rhino 8, with preview on Rhino 9 WIP), Rhino plugins (xNURBS, Karamba3D), and madCAM (RhinoCAM plugin for 5-axis milling). FILOU also offers Rhino toolbar integrations for direct data transfer to FILOU NC and DeskProto. Rhinoceros 3D is a core product in FILOU's portfolio, representing a key CAD component of the CAD/CAM/CNC workflow.
• DeskProto (Valk CNC)coreTechnology or IntegrationFILOU is the primary European (German-speaking) distributor and support provider for DeskProto, a 3D CAM program for CNC milling machines (3, 4, and 5 indexed axes). DeskProto is available in Entry, Expert, and Multi-Axis editions through FILOU. FILOU also provides DeskProto tutorials, webinars, and support, and has produced a direct MoI 3D-to-DeskProto interface for one-click geometry transfer.
• WinPC-NC (Art of CNC)majorTechnology or IntegrationFILOU distributes WinPC-NC, a CNC control software for Windows with four editions (Light, Economy, USB, Professional) supporting stepper and servo motor drives via LPT, USB, or serial external axis controller. FILOU offers specialized FILOU-NC versions pre-configured for direct data transfer to WinPC-NC, and provides setup guidance for combined WinPC-NC and FILOU NC workflows.
• Moment of Inspiration (MoI 3D, Taiwan)majorTechnology or IntegrationFILOU distributes MoI 3D (Moment of Inspiration), a streamlined 3D CAD modeler available for Windows and Mac. FILOU provides a direct interface for transferring geometry from MoI 3D to DeskProto with one click, and offers the software as a complement to its CAM portfolio. MoI 3D is promoted as an easy-to-learn, inexpensive CAD tool for CNC users.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• EstlCAM: German developer of EstlCAM, an affordable 2.5D/3D CAM software popular among European hobbyists and model makers. Head-to-head competitor to FILOU-NC in the DACH hobbyist/SMB CAM segment with similar price-positioning strategy.
• CamBam: Developer of CamBam, a low-cost 2.5D CAM application widely used by hobbyists and small CNC workshops. Directly comparable to FILOU-NC in price point, target user (hobby/SMB), and feature scope (2.5D milling, DXF-based workflows).
• PlanetCNC: Slovenian developer of PlanetCNC CNC control software and motion controller hardware for hobby and light-industrial CNC machines. Comparable to FILOU's WinPC-NC distribution business as a niche CNC control software provider for the maker and small-shop segment.
• BobCAD-CAM: US-based CAD/CAM software developer and reseller offering 2.5D through 5-axis milling solutions targeted at small job shops and prototypes. Closely comparable to FILOU's hybrid publisher-reseller model serving cost-sensitive SMB machining customers.
• Vectric: UK-based developer of 2.5D and 3D CAM software (VCarve, Aspire, Cut2D, VCarve Desktop) targeted at hobbyists, signmakers, and small woodworking/CNC shops. Direct competitor to FILOU-NC in the affordable 2.5D CAM niche for makers and small commercial users.
• MecSoft: US-based developer and reseller of CAM software (VisualCAM, RhinoCAM) integrated with mainstream CAD platforms. Directly comparable to FILOU as a hybrid CAM publisher/distributor serving SMB and hobbyist markets.
• ArtSoft (Mach3/Mach4): US-based developer of Mach3 and Mach4 CNC control software, the long-standing reference platform in the hobby/SMB CNC controller market. Directly comparable to WinPC-NC (which FILOU distributes) as a Windows-based CNC control software for stepper/servo motor machines.
• Valk CNC (DeskProto): Dutch developer of DeskProto 3D CAM software for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC milling. FILOU is DeskProto's primary German-speaking distributor. Comparable as a niche CAM software developer focused on affordable, easy-to-learn 3-axis-to-5-axis CNC programming for SMB.
• madCAM (cgtech): Developer of madCAM, a CAM plugin for Rhinoceros 3D enabling up to 5-axis simultaneous milling. Distributed by FILOU in Europe. Comparable as a niche 3D/5-axis CAM software developer integrated with the Rhino ecosystem.
• Art of CNC (WinPC-NC): Original developer/manufacturer of WinPC-NC CNC control software - which FILOU distributes in Europe. They operate a hybrid model of CNC control software development plus hardware controller sales, directly comparable to FILOU's WinPC-NC distribution and FILOU-MX3 editor business.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCR1qdjusnGaRdGfaSXyjF6A

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 FILOU Software