What DataCAD does

DataCAD GmbH is a privately held, Germany-based CAD/CAM software company and value-added reseller serving small and midsize manufacturers, CNC users, architects, construction engineers, and design professionals in the DACH region. Founded in 1998, it has 1-10 employees and operates as a German private limited company. Its portfolio combines DataCAD and DataCAD LT AEC-CADD products with third-party solutions for 2D and 3D CAD, CAM, reverse engineering, BIM, robot programming, CAD viewing, format conversion, and technical documentation.

Core capabilities include Rhinoceros 8 NURBS and SubD modeling, BobCAD-CAM integrated CAD/CAM and 2- to 5-axis CNC programming, and Quicksurface and Mesh2Surface conversion of point clouds and STL meshes into parametric CAD models. DataCAD also distributes VisualARQ BIM and IFC software, RoboDK offline robot programming and simulation for more than 1,200 robot models from over 80 manufacturers, Lattice and XVL technical documentation, CAD conversion tools, and 3D viewers. Integrations with SolidWorks, Rhino, PLM, ERP, and MES systems span design-to-manufacturing workflows.

DataCAD reaches DACH customers primarily through its German-language website, direct phone and email consultation, vendor partnerships, downloadable trials, and quote-based ordering. It sells perpetual one-time licenses rather than mandatory subscriptions and supplements license sales with support, training, and post-processor customization services. No public revenue, funding, customer concentration, or detailed ownership information is disclosed beyond its private and apparently independent status.

Name

DataCAD

Legal name

DataCAD GmbH

Website

https://datacad.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

DataCAD GmbH develops and distributes CAD/CAM, BIM, reverse-engineering, and technical-documentation software for DACH-region manufacturers, CNC users, architects, engineers, and designers, primarily through local consulting and direct sales with free trials and perpetual licensing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

CAD/CAM Software Distribution

NAICS

Software Publishers (5132), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Data Platform (Unified Data & Analytics) Suites (HDAEABAD)

Keywords

• CAD/CAM software
• CNC programming
• Reverse engineering
• BIM architecture software
• Robot simulation

Headquarters

HQ city

Bad Kreuznach

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Software License Sales (One-Time Purchase): DataCAD sells perpetual one-time licenses for CAD/CAM software products without subscription or rental requirements. Products like Rhinoceros, BobCAD-CAM, and VisualARQ are sold as 'Kauflizenz' (permanent purchase licenses) with no recurring fees, offering SME customers cost predictability. The company emphasizes 'kein Abo-Zwang' (no subscription pressure) as a key differentiator.
2. Software Support and Services: The company offers technical support, training services ('Schulung'), and presumably post-processor customization services for BobCAD-CAM. These services complement the software sales business.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

DataCAD GmbH is a German value-added reseller and distributor of CAD/CAM, reverse engineering, BIM, robot simulation, and 3D technical documentation software for small and medium-sized enterprises in the DACH region. The company distributes a multi-vendor portfolio including Rhinoceros (NURBS 3D modeling), BobCAD-CAM (integrated CAD/CAM for CNC programming), VisualARQ (BIM plugin), Quicksurface/Mesh2Surface (reverse engineering), RoboDK (robot offline programming for 1,200+ robot models), Lattice/XVL Suites (technical documentation), and the proprietary DataCAD/DataCAD LT AEC-CADD software for architects. All products are sold as perpetual one-time purchase licenses with no subscription requirement, differentiated by German-language consulting and local support.

Product overview

DataCAD GmbH distributes a portfolio of CAD/CAM, reverse engineering, BIM, and technical documentation software products for small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses, CNC users, architects, and designers in the German-speaking market. The product range is organized as a multi-vendor platform: DataCAD acts as the primary brand and reseller for a curated set of software solutions, some of which it also develops (DataCAD, DataCAD LT) while others are third-party products distributed as authorized partners. The core offerings include: (1) BobCAD-CAM — a standalone CAD/CAM system for 2- to 5-axis milling, turning, mill-turn, wire EDM, laser/plasma/waterjet cutting, CNC routers, probing, and machine simulation — with BobCAM für SolidWorks as a Gold-certified SolidWorks Add-In variant; (2) Rhinoceros (Rhino 8) — the flagship NURBS/SubD 3D CAD platform for Windows and Mac — extended via plug-ins including VisualARQ (BIM/IFC), RhinoArtisan (jewelry design), Bongo (animation), RhinoLands (landscape architecture), Mesh2Surface/Quicksurface (reverse engineering); (3) RoboDK — manufacturer-independent robot simulation and offline programming for over 1,200 robot models; (4) Lattice/XVL Suites — interactive 2D/3D technical documentation with MS Office integration; (5) 3D Viewers (3D ViewStation, Glovius, eDrawings) and CAD converters (Datakit/CrossManager); and (6) DataCAD / DataCAD LT — proprietary AEC-CADD software for architects. All products are sold as perpetual one-time purchase licenses (no subscription/recurring fees), differentiating DataCAD's offering from subscription-based competitors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• BobCAD-CAM A standalone CAD/CAM complete solution offering integrated 2D and 3D design (wireframe, surface, and solid modeling) combined with CNC programming for milling (2–5 axes), turning, mill-turn, wire EDM, laser/plasma/waterjet cutting, CNC routers, probing, and machine simulation. Sold as a perpetual one-time license (no subscription) with modular add-on packages. Targeted at small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in the DACH region.
• BobCAM für SolidWorks A Gold-certified native Add-In for SolidWorks that provides integrated CAD/CAM CNC programming directly within the SolidWorks feature tree, enabling users to program CNC toolpaths in their familiar SolidWorks environment without separate data exports.
• Rhinoceros (Rhino 8) An industry-standard NURBS-based 3D CAD software for freeform surface and SubD modeling, used across product design, industrial design, architecture, jewelry, and mechanical engineering. Available for Windows and macOS, priced as a one-time purchase without subscription, with support for Grasshopper visual programming and a wide range of third-party plug-ins.
• VisualARQ A Rhino Plug-in adding parametric BIM (Building Information Modeling) capabilities, IFC import/export (including IFC-4), flexible BIM properties, parametric architecture objects (walls, facades, beams, columns, openings, stairs), dynamic documentation, Grasshopper integration, and VisualARQ.Inside.Revit interoperability via Rhino.Inside technology. Targeted at architects and civil engineers.
• Quicksurface A standalone reverse engineering software that converts point clouds and STL meshes into high-precision parametric CAD models. Supports NURBS surface and feature-based geometry creation with real-time deviation analysis. Targeted at reverse engineering professionals.
• Mesh2Surface for Rhinoceros A fully integrated Rhino Plug-in that provides Mesh2Surface tools for creating NURBS surfaces and feature geometry directly within Rhinoceros, enabling hybrid modeling that combines freeform NURBS surfaces with prismatic regular geometries for component reconstruction.
• RoboDK Manufacturer-independent robot simulation software and offline programming (OLP) tool enabling robot arm programming like a 5-axis CNC machine or 3D printer. Supports over 1,200 robot models from over 80 major manufacturers (KUKA, ABB, Fanuc, Universal Robots) with collision-free path calculation and automated G-code generation.
• Lattice / XVL Suites A suite for interactive technical documentation combining 2D documentation with interactive 3D models using XVL technology. Includes XVL Player (3D viewer with AES encryption), XVL Studio (work instructions and digital mock-ups), Lattice 3D Reporter (interactive 3D reports in Microsoft Excel), XVL Web3D Manager (browser-based 3D product viewing), XVL Konverter (CAD format to XVL conversion), XVL Signer (digital signatures and access control for XVL data), and XVL Integration Toolkit (integration with PLM, ERP, MES systems).
• DataCAD Professional AEC-CADD software specifically designed for architects and building engineers, offering 2D and 3D planning, construction, and documentation tools for efficient architecture projects.
• DataCAD LT A cost-effective 2D/3D architecture CADD solution for architects and engineers seeking simple and fast planning tools, suitable for small to medium-sized projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduces programming time through associative toolpaths that automatically update when CAD geometry changes
• +2 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• RoboDKcoreTechnology or IntegrationRoboDK is offered as a manufacturer-independent robot simulation and offline programming software solution. DataCAD distributes RoboDK in the DACH region, enabling customers to program over 1,200 robot models from 80+ manufacturers (KUKA, ABB, Fanuc, Universal Robots) without production downtime. RoboDK TwinTrack variant also distributed for intuitive teach-by-hand programming.
• Quicksurface / Mesh2Surface (Certified Partner)coreTechnology or IntegrationDataCAD is a certified Demo and Support Partner for Quicksurface and Mesh2Surface products. These solutions enable reverse engineering by converting 3D scan point clouds and STL meshes into parametric NURBS CAD models. Available as standalone Quicksurface software, SolidWorks Add-in (Quicksurface for SolidWorks), and Rhinoceros plugin (Mesh2Surface for Rhino).
• BobCAD-CAM (Worldwide Leading Provider)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDataCAD is the primary distributor of BobCAD-CAM CAD/CAM software in the German-speaking market. BobCAD-CAM is described as a worldwide leading provider with more than 30 years of experience. Products include BobCAD-CAM standalone (with integrated CAD) and BobCAM for SolidWorks (Gold-certified Add-in). Capabilities span 2-5 axis milling, turning, mill-turn, wire EDM, laser/plasma/waterjet cutting, and CNC routers.
• Rhinoceros (Robert McNeel & Associates)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDataCAD distributes Rhinoceros 3D CAD software for NURBS and SubD modeling in Germany. Rhinoceros is positioned as the industry standard for high-precision freeform modeling at a fraction of the cost of conventional CAD systems, offered without subscription fees. Products include Rhino 8 for Windows and Mac, plus ecosystem plugins.
• VisualARQcoreTechnology or IntegrationVisualARQ is a BIM architecture plugin for Rhinoceros distributed by DataCAD. Version 3 was released with over 1,000 requested features including IFC-4 support, parametric architecture objects (walls, facades, stairs), Grasshopper integration, and VisualARQ.Inside.Revit compatibility. Sold with 30-day free trial.
• RhinoArtisan (2Shapes / Rafael del Molino)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRhinoArtisan is developed by Rafael del Molino (founder of RhinoGold) and the 2Shapes team. DataCAD distributes this Rhino plugin for jewelry design featuring parametric design, GPU-optimized rendering, direct STL export for 3D printing, and gem placement reporting. 15-day free trial available.
• Bongo (Modeling Lab)Channel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBongo is an animation plugin for Rhinoceros (versions 5, 6, 7, 8) distributed by DataCAD. Enables professional keyframe animation directly within Rhino using standard timeline interface, supporting rendering to AVI and individual frames through Rhino-compatible renderers.
• Lattice / XVL (3D Interconnect)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDataCAD distributes Lattice XVL Suite products for interactive technical documentation in 2D and 3D. Products include XVL Player (3D viewer with AES encryption), XVL Studio (work instructions and digital mock-ups), XVL Web3D Manager (browser-based 3D viewing), and Lattice 3D Reporter for Excel integration.
• 3D ViewStation, Glovius, eDrawingsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDataCAD distributes 3D CAD viewers including 3D ViewStation (versatile viewer for Windows desktop/tablet/smartphone), Glovius (digital mock-up analysis with measurements, sections, comparisons), and eDrawings (compatible with major CAD systems for easy data sharing).
• RhinoLandsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRhinoLands is an advanced landscape design software with extensive tools and databases distributed by DataCAD. Optimizes planning for outdoor facilities and green spaces with high precision, built on the Rhinoceros platform.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Autodesk: Largest CAD/CAM/PLM incumbent (AutoCAD, Inventor, Fusion 360, PowerMill) with broad mid-market and enterprise coverage. Broad incumbent because Autodesk overlaps DataCAD's customer base at a larger, more diversified scale.
• PTC: Provider of Creo (CAD), Windchill (PLM), and Onshape (cloud CAD). Broad incumbent competing for SME and enterprise design-to-manufacturing workflows that DataCAD serves via Rhino, BobCAD-CAM, and RoboDK.
• Dassault Systèmes (SOLIDWORKS): Owner of SOLIDWORKS and the broader 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Broad incumbent that competes for the same SolidWorks-centric SME manufacturers DataCAD targets via BobCAM-for-SolidWorks and Quicksurface-for-SolidWorks.
• Siemens Digital Industries Software: Owner of Solid Edge, NX CAM, and Teamcenter PLM. Broad incumbent competing in DACH manufacturing CAD/CAM where DataCAD's perpetual-license positioning directly contrasts with Siemens' subscription-led portfolio.

Direct peers

• BobCAD-CAM: Developer of the BobCAD-CAM and BobCAM-for-SolidWorks products that form DataCAD's flagship CAM offering. Direct peer as the upstream vendor whose economics and roadmap directly drive DataCAD's CAM revenue.
• Cimatron: CAD/CAM vendor specializing in mold, die, and discrete manufacturing. Direct peer as a comparable mid-market CAD/CAM suite competing for the same European tooling and manufacturing customer base.
• Robert McNeel & Associates: Developer of Rhinoceros, the NURBS/SubD CAD platform that DataCAD distributes in DACH. Direct peer because McNeel and DataCAD both sell Rhino to overlapping European design/manufacturing customers and compete for the same channel economics.
• Tebis: German-headquartered CAD/CAM and MES vendor serving mid-market manufacturing. Direct peer because Tebis competes for the same DACH SME manufacturing budget that DataCAD targets with its integrated CAM and post-processor services.
• Mastercam: Established standalone CAM software vendor competing head-to-head with BobCAD-CAM. Direct peer in the CAM-only segment, addressing the same CNC programming and mill/turn/lathe workflows that DataCAD resells.
• Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence (Vero Software): Owner of Vero's CAM brands (Edgecam, WORKNC, VISI) competing in mid-market CNC programming. Direct peer in CAM software and adjacent to DataCAD's BobCAD-CAM/Quicksurface portfolio for European manufacturers.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/data_cad
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/datacad-software-und-service-gmbh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 DataCAD