ProfeS

What ProfeS does

ProfeS Gesellschaft für Bildung und Kommunikation mbH is a privately held, family-operated adult education provider founded in 1995 in Germersheim, Rhineland-Palatinate, and led by managing directors Martina Erzberger-Ries and Sandra Kiefer (a mother-daughter team). The company operates five training locations (Germersheim HQ, two in Landau, Kaiserslautern, Neustadt) plus the project region of Trier, delivering publicly funded integration, vocational, and labor-market integration programs to migrants, refugees, SGB II/III job seekers, regional SMEs, schools, and Kitas, while generating ancillary revenue from private customers, corporate training, and seminar-room rental. The core revenue mechanics are government-per-UE unit pricing reimbursed via Bildungsgutschein and BAMF Berechtigungsschein vouchers (Integrationskurs 4.58€/UE; Berufssprachkurs 2.42€/UE; coaching 66–72€/UE), supplemented by flat-fee examination services and contract revenues from over ten concurrent ESF+ and Rhineland-Palatinate state ministry programs (FrIdA+, FEMME, MitSprache-Pfalz/Trier 2026, Transformationsbegleitung, Digi-Scouts, InComE, INCLUDE, IQ Path2Work, IQ Arrival+, Akademische Heilberufe).

The underlying technology stack centers on VIONA® (Virtuelle Online Akademie), a proprietary virtual classroom platform hosting more than 500 educational programs across linguistic, social, commercial, and technical domains; it is complemented by Moodle LMS for content delivery (hosted domestically by DM Solutions GmbH), BigBlueButton for live seminars (hosted by invokable GmbH), Zoom, and Matomo for in-house web analytics. ProfeS holds a dense credential stack — AZAV Trägerzulassung (Kiwa ZERTPUNKT), BAMF accredited provider and test center, telc and g.a.s.t. (DTZ) test centers, WiDaF authorization, INQA coaching authorization, and DATEV Bildungspartner status — that collectively defines the addressable revenue base and constitutes the strongest competitive moat. As an IQ Network anchor (coordinated by ism Mainz), ProfeS also operates the Beratungsstelle Anerkennung under §81a AufenthG from January 2026 in cooperation with the Zentrale Ausländerbehörde RLP, and holds an LSJV Koblenz license to handle postal Berufserlaubnis applications for third-country medical graduates — extending its role from training provider into regulatory intermediary for professional recognition.

Name

ProfeS

Legal name

ProfeS Gesellschaft für Bildung und Kommunikation mbH

Website

https://profes-gmbh.eu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

ProfeS is a privately held, family-run German adult education provider (since 1995) headquartered in Germersheim, delivering BAMF integration courses, AZAV-certified vocational training, labor-market coaching, and corporate training across five Südpfalz and Trier locations via its proprietary VIONA® online academy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adult Education and Vocational Training Services

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Online Learning Content & Course Publishing Platforms (BPAMAJAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Integrated Tutoring + Learning Content Platforms (Curriculum + Tutors) (EDANAGAL)

Keywords

• Adult education services
• Language integration courses
• Vocational training
• Corporate training programs
• Virtual online academy

Headquarters

HQ city

Germersheim

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government-Funded Adult Education (FbW / AZAV): Revenue from publicly funded vocational training and professional development programs commissioned by the Agentur für Arbeit and regional Jobcenters. AZAV-certified provider enabling billing against Bildungsgutschein and AVGS vouchers. Per-unit pricing (e.g., 72.19€ per UE) multiplied by course volume.
2. BAMF-Funded Integration and Language Programs: Integration courses (600-1200 UE), Berufssprachkurse (A2-C1, 400-600 UE), and Erstorientierungskurse funded by the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge. Per-UE pricing (IK: 4.58€/UE; BSK: 2.42€/UE) with cost coverage by BAMF based on eligibility.
3. VIONA® Online Academy Subscriptions: Online learning platform with over 500 courses available to individuals and organizations, funded via Bildungsgutschein or private payment.
4. Seminar Room Rental: Rental of seminar rooms (EDV, Theorieraum, Büro) in Germersheim and Landau to companies and private individuals, offered as Basis, Business, or Full-Service packages.
5. Firmenschulung (Corporate Training): Customized in-company training for businesses covering Business English, IT skills, intercultural training, and health management. Individualized proposals based on company needs.
6. Examination and Certification Services: Fees charged for official language examinations (Einbürgerungstest, DTZ), internal language certifications, and test preparation coaching.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

ProfeS is a private adult education provider delivering German language integration courses (Integrationskurse, Berufssprachkurse, Erstorientierungskurse, Landeskurse), vocational qualification programs, career reintegration coaching, and customized corporate training. The portfolio is delivered across five physical locations in Rhineland-Palatinate and via the proprietary VIONA® Virtual Online Academy, serving both publicly funded participants (BAMF, Agentur für Arbeit, Jobcenter, ESF+) and private/enterprise customers.

Product overview

ProfeS Gesellschaft für Bildung und Kommunikation mbH is a private education provider offering adult education, vocational training, career reintegration, and German language integration services. The portfolio is organized around VIONA®, the Virtuelle Online Akademie (Virtual Online Academy), which serves as the primary digital delivery channel for more than 500 online courses. The core product line encompasses integration courses (Integrationskurse), occupational language courses (Berufssprachkurse), and initial orientation courses (Erstorientierungskurse) — all funded by the BAMF — supplemented by state-funded German language courses (Landeskurse). Non-language offerings include vocational qualification programs (Qualifizierung) and corporate training (Firmenschulung), while coaching services address career transition, application support, and labour market integration. Room rental (Raumvermietung) serves as an ancillary service. The company operates across five locations in Germersheim, Landau, Kaiserslautern, and Neustadt, with programs funded by public institutions including the Agentur für Arbeit, Jobcenter, BAMF, and ESF.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• VIONA®: Virtuelle Online Akademie - Virtual Online Academy offering over 500 educational courses in linguistic, social, commercial, and technical fields.

Products and services

• VIONA® Virtuelle Online Akademie
• Integrationskurse (Integration Courses)
• Berufssprachkurse (Occupational Language Courses)
• Erstorientierungskurse (Initial Orientation Courses)
• Firmenschulung (Corporate Training)
• Coaching & Einzelcoaching (Individual Coaching)
• Landeskurse Sprachziel: Deutsch
• Qualifizierung (Vocational Qualification)
• Raumvermietung (Seminar Room Rental)
• Examination and Certification Services

Quantifiable outcome

• Successfully prepared internationally trained physicians for the Fachsprachprüfung, enabling employment in German hospitals (e.g., Dr. Yoganand Malliappanahalli at Klinikum Annweiler since summer 2020)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ZERTPUNKT / KiwacoreTechnology or IntegrationProfeS holds AZAV (Trägerzulassung) certification through ZERTPUNKT/Kiwa, enabling the organization to deliver government-funded vocational training and employment programs. This certification is fundamental to ProfeS' business model.
• telc gGmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationProfeS is an accredited telc test center for German as a Second Language certificates across proficiency levels A1-C2, and for medical and nursing language tests. Enables official language certification for participants.
• g.a.s.t (LTS Language & Testing Service GmbH)coreTechnology or IntegrationProfeS is an authorized test center for the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ), the standardized exit test for integration courses administered by g.a.s.t.
• Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAs an accredited BAMF Träger, ProfeS delivers integration courses, Berufssprachkurse, and Erstorientierungskurse funded by the federal government. This is the largest single revenue stream and defines the organization's core mission.
• Agentur für Arbeit and Regional JobcenterscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrimary distribution channel for participant referrals and program commissioning. Jobcenter Germersheim and Jobcenter Landau – Südliche Weinstraße co-fund multiple ESF+ and state-level projects managed by ProfeS.
• Netzwerk IQ / RINIA IQ (Regionales Integrationsnetzwerk für internationale Arbeitskräfte)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfeS operates multiple IQ program components: IQ Service Anerkennung + Südpfalz II, IQ Path2Work, and IQ Arrival+ Medizin & Gewerbe-Technik as part of the nationwide Integration durch Qualifizierung network coordinated by ism Institut für Sozialpädagogische Forschung Mainz e.V.
• ism Institut für Sozialpädagogische Forschung Mainz e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development Partnerism Mainz coordinates the Regionale Integrationsnetzwerk RINIA IQ in RLP, within which ProfeS delivers multiple IQ integration programs (IQ Path2Work, IQ Arrival+). Acts as the network backbone for ProfeS' international professional integration services.
• IHK TrierminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIHK Trier administers the final examination for the Zertifikatslehrgang 'Sprachmittler/-in (IHK)' as part of the MitSprache – Trier 2026 project. Examination conducted under IHK supervision.
• IHK PfalzminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIHK Pfalz administers the final examination for the Zertifikatslehrgang 'Sprachmittler/-in (IHK)' as part of the MitSprache – Pfalz 2026 project. Also recognized as an outstanding apprenticeship employer.
• INQA (Initiative Neue Qualität der Arbeit)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerINQA-Coaching is an initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS). ProfeS delivers authorized INQA coaching to SMEs for digital transformation support, with up to 80% coaching cost subsidy available.
• Zentrale Ausländerbehörde Rheinland-PfalzcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSince January 2026, the ZAB RLP handles immigration questions in the accelerated skilled worker procedure (§81a AufenthG), with ProfeS' Beratungsstelle supporting foreign qualification recognition and qualification for companies in RLP.
• Landesamt für Soziales, Jugend und Versorgung (LSJV) KoblenzcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLSJV Koblenz is the competent authority for medical professional licensure in Rhineland-Palatinate. Since August 2024, ProfeS handles postal application submission for third-country medical graduates seeking Berufserlaubnis/Approbation in RLP.
• Wirtschaftsjunioren and DIE JUNGEN UNTERNEHMERminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfeS holds membership in Wirtschaftsjunioren and DIE JUNGEN UNTERNEHMER, regional entrepreneur networks providing business connections and industry peer relationships.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• DAA Deutsche Angestellten-Akademie: Major nationwide German adult education provider running AZAV-certified vocational training, integration courses, and coaching programs for employment agencies. Comparable scale and funding mix to ProfeS, with similar reliance on SGB II/III and BAMF commissioning.
• Bildungswerk der Bayerischen Wirtschaft (bbw): Large German Bildungswerk delivering vocational retraining, integration courses, and digital skills with AZAV and BAMF accreditations. Comparable in mission, customer base (Jobcenter/BAMF), and diversified project portfolio.
• DEKRA Akademie: Subsidiary of DEKRA e.V. offering AZAV-certified retraining, integration and language programs, and corporate upskilling across multiple German states. Directly comparable as a multi-location Bildungsträger serving Jobcenter, BAMF and corporate clients.
• ESO Euro-Schulen / ESO Group: Network of private vocational schools running Integrationskurse, Berufssprachkurse, and qualification programs under AZAV. Operates a similar multi-state, multi-product model centered on migrant integration and labor market entry.
• IBB Institut für Berufliche Bildung: German adult and vocational education provider delivering AZAV-certified FbW, integration courses, and online learning via its own virtual academy. ProfeS already partners with IBB as the content/technology partner behind VIONA®, making IBB the closest comparable in scale, program mix, and delivery model.
• Carl Duisberg Centren: Provider of German language training and professional integration courses for international skilled workers, including preparatory courses for medical Fachsprachprüfungen. Directly overlaps with ProfeS' healthcare-professional integration and language certification offerings.
• inlingua: Franchise-based network of language schools in Germany offering corporate language training, integration courses, and Fachsprachprüfung preparation. Comparable in core language instruction and corporate training mix, though more franchise-distributed.

Broad incumbents

• TÜV Rheinland Akademie: Continuing education arm of TÜV Rheinland offering corporate upskilling, digital transformation coaching (INQA-eligible), and certified vocational programs. Overlaps with ProfeS' Firmenschulung and INQA coaching but operates as part of a much larger certification conglomerate.
• Berlitz: Global language training brand operating in Germany with corporate and private language courses plus intercultural training. Comparable on language-teaching and corporate training, but Berlitz is a broader incumbent not specialized in government-funded integration programs.
• Volkshochschulen (DVV): Federation of Germany's publicly funded adult education centers delivering integration courses, Berufssprachkurse, and general adult education. They are the public-sector alternative to ProfeS, competing for the same BAMF commissioning and learner pool at municipal level.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/profes-gmbh
• Facebookfacebook.com/profesgmbh

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 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 ProfeS