SW MEDIA

What SW MEDIA does

SW MEDIA GmbH is a German communication agency founded in 1999 and headquartered in Oberhausen, Germany. The company operates as a full-service agency offering strategy, branding, graphic design, film production (live-action and animation), websites, mobile apps, E-Learning, interactive exhibits, and social media services. Its work is heavily concentrated in prevention, particularly occupational safety (Arbeitssicherheit) and road traffic safety (Verkehrssicherheit), making German public-sector clients the primary segment. Named marquee clients include BG RCI, DVR, DGUV, BG BAU, VBG, BG ETEM, BG Verkehr, and several Landesverkehrswachten—entities that collectively form the German social accident insurance and traffic safety ecosystem.

The company's technology base combines HTML5, PHP, ASP.NET, MySQL, Microsoft databases, and the TYPO3 CMS, with specific expertise in E-Learning standards (SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004, xAPI, cmi5, AICC) and accessibility compliance (BFSG/WCAG 2.2). Notable proprietary products include the German Road Safety App (supported since 2013, 13 languages), the 'Arbeitsschutz gewinnt!' database (500+ entries, 4,200+ companies, 14,000+ participants), the 'Bausteine' app for BG BAU, the DGUV Transformationskompass, and the 'Modul Heben und Tragen' ergonomic training software (priced at €1,125 perpetual license). The company also operates internal IT security and code review services.

SW MEDIA generates revenue through three streams: project-based agency services (the majority), one-time/perpetual software licensing (e.g., 'Heben und Tragen'), and E-Learning content licensing. Pricing is largely quote-driven and project-based. Go-to-market is direct sales to public-sector agencies and businesses across Germany, with a small core team of 10-15 staff supplemented by freelance specialists. The company is privately held, founder-managed (Andreas Staerkert, Managing Shareholder since 1999), with no external investors, no funding rounds, and no subsidiary structure. An OpenAI-powered chatbot is the only documented AI integration.

Name

SW MEDIA

Legal name

SW MEDIA GmbH

Website

https://sw.media

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SW MEDIA is a German full-service communication agency (est. 1999, Oberhausen) specializing in prevention-focused media, particularly occupational safety and road traffic safety, serving German public-sector Berufsgenossenschaften, Verkehrswachten, and businesses with strategy, film, digital, and E-Learning services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Communication Agency Services

NAICS

Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services (5418), Motion Picture and Video Industries (5121)

SIC

Services-Advertising Agencies (7311), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYMPAHAFAC

Localization Project Management & Vendor Services (Workflow, Scheduling, Vendor Management)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Media Technology & Services (Post-Production, VFX, Animation, Streaming Infrastructure)/Localization & Versioning (Subtitling, Dubbing, QC)

SECONDARYMPAHAAAI

Media Management for Post (Proxy/Transcode, Project Organization)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Media Technology & Services (Post-Production, VFX, Animation, Streaming Infrastructure)/Post-Production Services (Editing, Color, Finishing)

SECONDARYMPAHAFAG

Accessibility Localization (Audio Description, Accessibility QC)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Media Technology & Services (Post-Production, VFX, Animation, Streaming Infrastructure)/Localization & Versioning (Subtitling, Dubbing, QC)

Keywords

• Communication agency services
• E-learning development
• Film production services
• Occupational safety content
• Digital media solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Oberhausen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Agency Services (Project-based): Comprehensive agency services including brand strategy, communication strategy, branding, graphic design, film production (real film, animation), websites, apps, E-Learning, and interactive applications. Projects range from single deliverables to full-scale campaigns.
2. Software Licensing: Sale of proprietary software products such as the 'Heben und Tragen' (Lifting and Carrying) training module. Software available for purchase with customization options.
3. E-Learning Content Licensing: E-Learning modules available in multiple formats (HTML5, SCORM, xAPI) for integration into client LMS or intranet systems.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

SW MEDIA is a full-service German communication agency that develops media solutions for prevention, particularly occupational and road safety. The company combines strategy, design, and technology to deliver a portfolio including E-Learning modules (in HTML5, SCORM, xAPI, cmi5, and AICC formats), mobile apps (iOS/Android), custom databases, TYPO3 websites, real film and animation production, branding, graphic design, social media management, and trade show exhibits. It serves public-sector clients (Berufsgenossenschaften, Verkehrswachten, DGUV, DVR) and enterprises primarily in Germany with project-based agency engagements.

Product overview

SW MEDIA is a German communication agency founded in 1999, based in Oberhausen, offering a comprehensive portfolio of services focused on prevention, particularly occupational and traffic safety. The company provides a diverse mix of digital products (including E-Learning modules, mobile apps, interactive databases, and websites), film/animation production services, and traditional communication services (branding, graphic design, print materials). Their product portfolio includes named offerings like the German Road Safety App, the Arbeitsschutz gewinnt! Online Database, E-Learning modules for workplace safety (available in HTML5, SCORM, xAPI, cmi5, AICC formats), interactive exhibits (Verkehrstisch Deine Wege, Messeexponate), and various film/animation productions. Services span strategic services (brand strategy, positioning, corporate identity), creative services (branding, graphic design, content production, campaigns), digital communication (websites, apps, databases, e-learning, social media, SEO), and classical communication (print, photography, film, animation). The company operates with an interdisciplinary team combining strategy, design, and technology expertise.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Modul Heben und Tragen (Lifting and Carrying Module) Standalone software module for ergonomic training that uses camera-based body point marking to calculate and visualize back stress in kilograms during lifting. Sold as a perpetual license at €1,125 (incl. 19% VAT). Requires a webcam and notebook; optionally supports a color printer for participant documentation.
• E-Learning-Module Arbeitssicherheit / Erstunterweisung Digital learning modules for workplace safety and initial instruction, available in HTML5, SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004, xAPI, cmi5, and AICC formats for LMS or intranet integration. Free modules available for initial instruction; broader use licensed.
• Grundunterweisung Arbeitssicherheit E-Learning Free workplace safety instruction module for employees covering security and health protection, available in multiple e-learning standards for LMS integration.
• Safety Symbol Library (Symbolbibliothek) Comprehensive library of safety and health protection signage per ASR A1.3 and GHS pictograms, available in SVG and PNG formats for use in prevention materials, signage, and digital products.
• Memo-Spiel (Memory Game) Memory game designed for safety education and engagement, distributed as a standalone product via the agency's service catalog.
• Brand Strategy & Communication Strategy Brand strategy defining company identity and communication strategy for reaching target audiences across channels, from positioning to channel planning and audience analysis.
• Brand Architecture & Corporate Identity Brand architecture organizing portfolios and corporate identity development, including competitive analysis and design guidelines.
• Branding Strategic brand development from visual design to consistent communication, creating recognition, trust, and relevance across touchpoints.
• Graphic Design Professional graphic design services from logo development to campaign visuals with focus on consistency and emotional impact.
• Text Production & Content Targeted content creation for web, social media, print, and email marketing including SEO-optimized texts, editorial planning, infographics, videos, animations, and interactive formats.
• Campaign Concept Development Campaign concept development from awareness campaigns to performance-oriented measures with measurable results, including content strategy, audience analysis, and execution.
• TYPO3 Website Development Specialized TYPO3 CMS development, optimization, and technical/editorial maintenance for websites, including custom designs, SEO strategy, and SEO/GEO optimization.
• App Development (iOS / Android) Native app development and maintenance for iOS and Android, tailored to company requirements with modern development standards.
• Custom Software Development Custom offline applications including interactive trade show exhibits, presentations, and installations using HTML5 for cross-platform deployment.
• Database Development Custom database applications using PHP/MySQL, ASP.NET, or JSON with focus on data security, availability, efficiency, and intuitive UI.
• Custom E-Learning Development E-learning development with modern standards, responsive design, and multimedia content including real film sequences and animations.
• IT Security & Code Review Automated penetration testing for websites and servers (one-time, weekly, or monthly) plus source code security analysis covering SQL injection, XSS, and authentication vulnerabilities.
• Social Media Management Social media services including strategy development, content production, community management, advertising campaigns, and performance analysis.
• SEO / GEO Optimization SEO strategies including keyword research, onpage optimization, content concepts, link building, and local/regional GEO marketing.
• Webhosting Hosting services using in-house or rented servers in German data centers, certified to high data protection standards, including domain registration and support.
• Real Film Production Professional live-action film production services from concept through script, casting, filming, post-production, and dubbing.
• Animation Film Production Animation film production combining 25+ years of media experience in accident prevention with modern animation tools.
• Photography Professional photography services including casting, on-location shoots, and same-day image viewing with post-processing.
• Trade Show Exhibits Custom trade show exhibit development from concept to deployment, including hardware provision, installation, and UX design for events and exhibitions.
• Logo Development Logo development creating distinctive brand marks with strategic fit, optimized for all media and accompanied by style guides.
• Brochures and Flyers Brochure and flyer design and print production from concept through delivery, including interactive PDF and web versions.
• Posters Poster design and production from concept through delivery, including material selection and print communication.

Quantifiable outcome

• 500+ project entries made accessible through the BG RCI database platform
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 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

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Serviceplan Group: Europe's largest independent agency group headquartered in Munich, offering brand, digital, media, and tech services. Comparable in service breadth but at far greater scale, competing for the same German enterprise and public-sector mandates.
• Scholz & Friends: One of Germany's largest independent creative agency groups with full-service capabilities across brand strategy, campaigns, digital, and film. Comparable as an established German agency competitor but at significantly greater scale and broader portfolio.
• Jung von Matt: Hamburg-based leading German creative agency known for brand campaigns, digital, and film. Comparable as a top-tier German creative agency competing for major campaign and communication mandates, though at substantially larger scale.
• UFA: Germany's largest film and TV production company (Bertelsmann-owned). Comparable for SW MEDIA's film production and animation services, but UFA operates at broadcast/streaming scale across entertainment, scripted, and factual content.

Direct peers

• Polyphon Film- und Fernsehgesellschaft: Hamburg-based German film and TV production company producing documentaries, image films, and branded content. Comparable for SW MEDIA's live-action film production (Realfilm) and documentary-style safety campaigns.
• nexum: Cologne-based independent digital agency offering strategy, content, web platforms, and campaign execution. Comparable as a similarly sized full-service German agency competing for digital and content mandates from mid-market and public-sector clients.
• denkwerk: Cologne-based independent digital agency covering digital strategy, design, and software development. Comparable in scope (digital communication services) and target buyer (German enterprise and public-sector), though typically larger in scale.
• TERRITORY: German content, digital, and communications agency (G+J-owned). Comparable as a full-service German agency serving enterprise and public-sector clients across strategy, content, digital, and film/animation.
• imc information multimedia communication AG: Germany-headquartered E-Learning and digital learning content specialist serving enterprise and public-sector clients. Directly comparable to SW MEDIA's E-Learning module development, SCORM/xAPI/cmi5 standards expertise, and public-sector safety training focus.
• Strichpunkt Design: Stuttgart-based branding and design agency covering corporate identity, brand strategy, and visual communication. Comparable as a German creative agency offering brand strategy and graphic design alongside digital capabilities.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@swmediade
• Facebookfacebook.com/SWMEDIA.de
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sw-media-gmbh
• Instagraminstagram.com/swmediade

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 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 SW MEDIA