Papilio

What Papilio does

Papilio gemeinnützige GmbH is a nonprofit social enterprise headquartered in Augsburg, Germany, founded in 2010 (incorporated as gGmbH on 28 May 2019). The organization develops, scientifically validates, and disseminates evidence-based prevention programs targeting the social-emotional development of children aged 0–9 in German Kitas (daycare centers) and elementary schools. Its product portfolio comprises three age-differentiated core programs — Papilio-U3 (under 3 years), Papilio-3bis6 (ages 3–6) and Papilio-6bis9 (ages 6–9) — supplemented by add-on modules (Papilio-ElternClub for parent engagement, Papilio-Integration for culturally sensitive pedagogy) and free digital resources such as Papilio-Elternschätze, the multilingual Papilio-Gefühleguide, and Kitagold. All programs are developed and evaluated in cooperation with academic partners including Freie Universität Berlin (Prof. Dr. Herbert Scheithauer, engagement since 2002), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (Dr. Ina Bovenschen), Universität Augsburg, and Universität Bremen, with longitudinal studies demonstrating sustained effects into elementary school.

Papilio's underlying delivery technology combines in-person facilitator-led training, printed program materials, and the Papilio-Akademie, a learning management system that certifies trainers and educators. Distribution is sales-led and routed through three core channels: (i) direct municipal contracts (e.g., Augsburg's 53 municipal Kitas, Munich's "Papilio für Kitas" project), (ii) state ministry partnerships (Hesse, Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Brandenburg, Berlin, Baden-Württemberg), and (iii) a strategic health-insurance channel with BARMER, which funds nationwide dissemination under the German Prevention Act (Präventionsgesetz). Revenue mechanics blend professional-services training and certification fees, unit-priced program materials (e.g., EUR 80 per educator for Papilio-3bis6), freemium parent resources, and recurring government and foundation grants. Named institutional customers include the City of Augsburg, City of Munich, the State of Hesse (356 Kitas reaching 100,000+ children), and Kaleido Ostbelgien (80% coverage of East Belgium Kitas). The organization operates with 11–50 employees, holds gemeinnützigkeit status under §§ 51 ff AO, and is co-led by Geschäftsführerinnen Katharina Hepke and Dr. Charlotte Peter following the October 2023 transition from Heidi Scheer.

Name

Papilio

Legal name

Papilio gemeinnützige GmbH

Website

https://papilio.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Papilio gemeinnützige GmbH is a German nonprofit (Augsburg) that develops, scientifically evaluates, and disseminates evidence-based prevention programs for children aged 0–9 in Kitas and elementary schools, delivered through certified trainers and the Papilio-Akademie learning platform in partnership with municipalities, state ministries, and BARMER health insurance.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Early Childhood Prevention Programs

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Child Care Services (62441), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351)

akta.pro primary industry

Behavior Support, PBIS & Positive Guidance Programs (Early Years) (EDACAOAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Behavioral & Social-Emotional Support (ABA, PBIS, Counseling) (EDAJAKAE), Specialized Intervention & Skill-Building Programs (Speech/OT Support Materials, Social Skills) (EDACAJAJ)

Keywords

• Early childhood prevention
• Social-emotional learning
• Kindergarten educator training
• Evidence-based prevention programs
• Youth welfare programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Augsburg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Training and Certification Fees: Papilio generates revenue through fees for educator training programs and trainer certification. Fees are charged per participant for participation in prevention program training.
2. Program Materials: Revenue from sale of educational materials, handbooks, and resources used in prevention programs. Usage fees of 80 per educator are mentioned for certain programs.
3. Government and Foundation Grants: Papilio receives funding from government ministries and foundations for program development, research, and dissemination.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Papilio develops and disseminates evidence-based, scientifically evaluated prevention programs for children aged 0-9 in German Kitas (daycares) and elementary schools, focused on social-emotional development and prevention of behavioral problems. The portfolio comprises three age-differentiated core programs (Papilio-U3, Papilio-3bis6, Papilio-6bis9), complemented by add-on modules (ElternClub, Integration) and free digital parent resources (Elternschätze, Gefühleguide). Programs are delivered through certified trainers trained via the Papilio-Akademie learning platform, with partnerships enabling funding through statutory health insurers and government ministries.

Product overview

Papilio is a non-profit organization (gemeinnützige GmbH) based in Augsburg, Germany, that develops and disseminates evidence-based prevention programs for children aged 0-9 years in Kita (daycare) and elementary school settings. The product portfolio consists of three age-differentiated core programs—Papilio-U3 (children under 3), Papilio-3bis6 (kindergarten children aged 3-6), and Papilio-6bis9 (elementary school children aged 6-9)—each targeting social-emotional competency development and prevention of behavioral problems. These core programs are supplemented by add-on modules including Papilio-ElternClub for parenting partnerships and Papilio-Integration for culturally sensitive pedagogy. Additionally, Papilio offers digital resources including Papilio-Elternschätze (parent videos and E-books), Papilio-Gefühleguide (multilingual emotional guide), Kitagold (video-based knowledge materials), and the Kinderpodcast Gefühle süßsauer (children's emotions podcast). The organization operates the Papilio-Akademie learning management system for trainer certification and training delivery, and provides Kommunale Präventionsketten (municipal prevention chain) consulting services. All programs are developed on scientific foundations and their effectiveness has been evaluated through rigorous studies. The programs are disseminated through a network of certified trainers and in cooperation with health insurance partners like BARMER.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Papilio-Akademie: Training academy for continuing education of daycare and elementary school professionals on Papilio prevention programs
• Papilio-U3
• Papilio-3bis6
• Papilio-6bis9
• Papilio-ElternClub
• Papilio-Integration
• Papilio-Elternschätze
• Kitagold
• Gefühleguide

Products and services

• Papilio-U3 Evidence-based prevention program for pedagogical staff caring for children under three years old in Kitas (crèches), focused on fostering secure attachments and developing social-emotional precursor competencies.
• Papilio-3bis6 Evidence-based kindergarten prevention program for children aged 3-6 that promotes prosocial behavior, emotional regulation, and friendships while reducing behavioral problems. Scientifically evaluated and proven effective.
• Papilio-6bis9 Prevention program for elementary schools (grades 1-2) that addresses more complex emotions and social learning needs during the school transition; includes the 'Paula kommt in die Schule' puppet theater component.
• Papilio-ElternClub Intensive parenting partnership module that belongs to the Papilio-3bis6 program, strengthening cooperation between parents and Kita staff and supporting parenting skills.
• Papilio-Integration Training module for culturally sensitive pedagogy that helps pedagogical staff work more effectively with refugee and immigrant children and their parents.
• Papilio-Elternschätze Free downloadable videos and practice booklets (E-books) for parents providing tips on mindful support of children's social-emotional development, developed in cooperation with BARMER.
• Papilio-Gefühleguide Free multilingual emotional guide with play and craft templates available in Ukrainian, Russian, and German for teaching children emotional regulation, developed with Stiftung Deutsches Forum für Kriminalprävention.
• Kitagold Knowledge treasures for Kita everyday life delivered through short videos, video cards, and booklets with exercises and reflection activities.
• Papilio-Akademie Learning management system (LMS) for training and certifying Kita staff and trainers in Papilio prevention programs, providing access to training materials, trainer qualifications, and continuing education.
• Kommunale Präventionsketten Consulting service where Papilio accompanies municipal prevention strategies from impulse lectures through planning and implementation to quality assurance, supporting cities and municipalities in establishing comprehensive 0-9 prevention pathways.

Quantifiable outcome

• Papilio-3bis6 increases prosocial behavior and reduces behavioral problems in kindergarten children
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• BARMERcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021BARMER is the primary prevention partner of Papilio. As a statutory health insurance provider, BARMER funds and promotes Papilio programs in Kitas nationwide based on the Prevention Act (Präventionsgesetz). BARMER enables program training, Kita consultation, and material provision for early childhood prevention.
• Freie Universität BerlincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary scientific partner; Prof. Dr. Herbert Scheithauer has worked with Papilio since 2002 on all program development and studies. The university provides ongoing scientific evaluation and program refinement.
• Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Ina Bovenschen from FAU has supported the development of Papilio-U3 since 2017, contributing to the prevention program's scientific foundation.
• Stiftung Deutsches Forum für Kriminalprävention (DFK)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman Forum for Crime Prevention Foundation initiates and supports Papilio projects, including development of multilingual materials (Ukrainian, Russian, German) and research on program effectiveness.
• Hessisches Ministerium für Familie, Senioren, Sport, Gesundheit und PflegemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHesse State Ministry provides funding and political support for Papilio-3bis6 implementation. Hesse was the first state to adopt nationwide Papilio-3bis6 rollout after the model phase.
• Hessische Landesstelle für Suchtfragen e.V.majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCoordinates and supports nationwide implementation of Papilio programs in Hesse, training prevention network staff as Papilio trainers.
• Kaleido OstbelgienmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional implementation partner for East Belgium. Through cooperation agreement, Papilio-3bis6 is implemented in 80% of Kitas in East Belgium.
• Ministerium für Arbeit, Soziales, Gesundheit und Gleichstellung des Landes Sachsen-AnhaltmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMinistry provides patronage for Papilio-3bis6 program in Saxony-Anhalt, supporting regional implementation.
• aqtivator gGmbHminorStrategic or Co-development Partner2020-2023 partnership to integrate Papilio programs into early childhood educator training curricula and develop acquisition strategy for trainer recruitment nationwide.
• AshokaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAshoka Support Network provides mentorship for leadership, coaching for team members, and team coaching through the Ashoka Fellowship connection to founder Heidrun Mayer.
• Universität AugsburgminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner for initial Papilio-3bis6 study (2003-2006) and ongoing e-learning cooperation.
• Universität BremenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCenter for Clinical Psychology and Rehabilitation participated in initial program development and the ALEPP evaluation study.
• Augsburger PuppenkisteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe famous Augsburg puppet theater collaborates on stage productions (Paula und die Kistenkobolde) for program implementation in elementary schools.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Lions-Quest Germany: Lions-Quest is a German nonprofit offering SEL and life-skills curricula for schools and kindergartens, emphasizing democratic education and social responsibility. Directly comparable to Papilio's elementary and kindergarten programming, sharing similar German nonprofit distribution and ministry-funded rollouts.
• Klasse2000: Klasse2000 is the most widely implemented German SEL and prevention program for elementary schools (grades 1-4), targeting healthy development, violence prevention, and life skills. Directly competes with Papilio-6bis9 for state ministry contracts and Kita/school adoption in Germany.
• Faustlos: Faustlos is a German SEL and violence-prevention curriculum for Kitas and elementary schools (kindergarten through grade 7), addressing similar prosocial behavior and emotional regulation outcomes as Papilio's programs and competing for the same municipal and institutional buyers.
• MindMatters (Germany): MindMatters is a German evidence-based mental health promotion program for schools covering SEL, depression prevention, and crisis response. Overlaps with Papilio-6bis9 at the elementary level and competes for the same state ministry prevention funding pools.

Broad incumbents

• Committee for Children (Second Step): Committee for Children produces Second Step, a leading international SEL curriculum for preschool through grade 8 with widespread global adoption and significant digital infrastructure. Comparable to Papilio across age bands and learning outcomes, but operates at much larger scale with broader geographic reach.
• Incredible Years (Webster-Stratton): Incredible Years is an internationally recognized parent, teacher, and child training program series targeting young children's behavioral problems and social-emotional competencies. Comparable target outcomes to Papilio's programs, distributed globally through certified trainer networks similar to Papilio-Akademie.
• Triple P (Positive Parenting Program): Triple P is a globally licensed parenting and family intervention program targeting child behavioral and emotional outcomes through parent training. Comparable to Papilio's ElternClub and parent-engagement modules, with overlapping insurance and government funding channels across Europe.

Emerging players

• PATHS (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies): PATHS is an SEL curriculum for preschool and elementary students covering emotional understanding, self-control, and problem-solving. Comparable learning outcomes and educator-training model to Papilio's programs, with similar kindergarten-to-grade-2 scope.

Others

• Stiftung Deutsches Forum für Kriminalprävention (DFK): DFK is a German crime-prevention foundation that both co-develops multilingual materials with Papilio and funds competing violence and behavior prevention initiatives in Kitas and schools. Functions as both an active partner and an adjacent funder of comparable SEL/prevention programs.
• BARMER (Prevention Programs): BARMER is Papilio's primary prevention partner and statutory health insurer, funding Papilio-U3 nationwide dissemination and member-Kita adoption. Functions as both distribution channel and adjacent funder of comparable SEL/prevention programs through Prevention Act mandates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/PapilioPraevention
• Instagraminstagram.com/papilio.de
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/papilio-e-v-

Compliance1 record

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 Papilio