What JDB Media does

JDB Holding GmbH, founded in 1997 by Jens de Buhr and headquartered at Schanzenstraße 70 in Hamburg, is a founder-owned private media group organized around three wholly-owned subsidiaries: DUP Media GmbH (quality B2B journalism and corporate publishing), diind GmbH (German Innovation Institute for Sustainability and Digitalization, producing trend studies, audits and certifications), and DISQ (German Institute for Service Quality). The group operates a multi-channel content platform targeting Germany's Mittelstand entrepreneurs, anchored by the DUP UNTERNEHMER print magazine (distributed as a supplement in Süddeutsche Zeitung and Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung at ~290,000 copies), the dup-magazin.de digital portal, the DUP Weekly newsletter reaching 300,000+ subscribers, and sector-specific DUP INSIGHTS newsletters covering Finance, Health and New Work. The portfolio is supplemented by videocasts and podcasts (Chefvisite, BIG BANG Podcast, "Mit Herz und KI"), books such as NEXT.2030 and IGNITE.2034, and proprietary certifications including Arbeitgeber der Zukunft and FIT FOR KI.

Revenue is generated through five streams: (1) event tickets and corporate sponsorships from the BIG BANG KI FESTIVAL (Europe's largest B2B AI event) and the new BIG BANG Nürnberg Management Summit; (2) advertising and content marketing in DUP UNTERNEHMER and via branded content campaigns for enterprise clients such as Toyota/Lexus; (3) PR and communications agency services (e.g., the long-term mandate for Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier); (4) certification fees for Arbeitgeber der Zukunft and FIT FOR KI; and (5) newsletter subscriptions and premium digital content. Go-to-market is a hybrid of direct sales (Sales-Spezialist:innen handling mid-market accounts), event-led demand generation (BIG BANG KI FESTIVAL 2025 drew 8,000+ attendees with 250+ speakers; 2026 targets 11,000+ C-level guests), and content-led nurturing through newsletters and print. The group operates exclusively in Germany and serves B2B decision-makers across automotive, real estate, financial services, healthcare, banking, telecommunications, and consumer electronics.

In 2025/2026 JDB executed a strategic refocusing, divesting DUB.de (Deutsche Unternehmerbörse) to Dealcircle and announcing a strategic partnership with Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) to launch the BIG BANG Nürnberg Management Summit format premiering June 11, 2026. The group is led by founder and managing director Jens de Buhr alongside co-managing director Ayse Mese, supported by a senior team across editorial, sales, online marketing/AI, events, and business development. With ~50 employees and a deliberately multi-format media footprint, JDB functions as an integrated B2B media and events house rather than a single-product technology platform.

Name

JDB Media

Legal name

JDB Holding GmbH

Website

https://jdb.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

JDB Holding GmbH is a Hamburg-based, founder-owned German B2B media group operating the DUP UNTERNEHMER cross-media platform (print, digital, newsletters, podcasts, videocasts), the BIG BANG KI FESTIVAL (Europe's largest B2B AI event), and certifications such as FIT FOR KI, serving German Mittelstand decision-makers with journalism, PR, events, and corporate publishing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

B2B Media Publishing

NAICS

Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (516210), Advertising Agencies (541810), Media Representatives (541840)

SIC

Services-Advertising Agencies (7311), Periodicals: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2721), Miscellaneous Publishing (2741)

akta.pro primary industry

Technology & B2B PR (MPAAADAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

QC, Compliance & Certification (Technical/Editorial, Platform Specs) (MPAHALAI), B2B / Industrial Market Research (MPAAALAA)

Keywords

• B2B media publishing
• Corporate communications
• Business events
• Employer branding certification
• Digital journalism

Headquarters

HQ city

Hamburg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Event Tickets and Sponsorship: BIG BANG KI FESTIVAL generates revenue through ticket sales (attendees, VIP packages) and corporate sponsorships. 2024 event attracted 6,000+ guests; 2025 expected 7,000+; 2026 targeting 11,000+ C-level guests.
2. Advertising and Content Marketing: DUP UNTERNEHMER magazine and digital platform generate advertising revenue from corporate clients. Content campaigns including articles, videocasts, videos, and social posts for brands like Toyota/Lexus.
3. PR and Communication Services: DUP Media GmbH provides PR, communications, marketing, content, editorial, consulting, strategy, and creative agency services to B2B clients, including tailored PR for Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier.
4. Certification Services: Employer of Future (Arbeitgeber der Zukunft) certification and FIT FOR KI certificate programs provide revenue through assessment and certification fees.
5. Newsletter Subscriptions and Digital Content: DUP Weekly and DUP INSIGHTS newsletters reach 300,000+ subscribers. Premium digital content and magazine subscriptions for B2B decision-makers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

JDB Media is a Hamburg-based B2B media and publishing group that operates the DUP UNTERNEHMER cross-media platform (print magazine distributed as supplement in Süddeutsche Zeitung and Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, digital portal dup-magazin.de, newsletters reaching 300,000+ subscribers), runs Europe's largest B2B AI festival (BIG BANG KI FESTIVAL), and delivers PR, communications, corporate publishing, and content marketing services to German Mittelstand enterprises. It also operates the diind innovation institute offering the Arbeitgeber der Zukunft employer certification and FIT FOR KI AI competency certification.

Product overview

JDB Media operates as a multi-brand media publishing and events group organized around three subsidiary units: DUP Media GmbH (quality journalism and publishing), diind GmbH (sustainability and digitalization research institute), and DISQ (service quality research). The portfolio centers on DUP UNTERNEHMER — a cross-media B2B platform comprising a print magazine, the dup-magazin.de digital portal, DUP newsletters (DUP Weekly, DUP INSIGHTS), DUP videocasts/podcasts, and social media — which together reach over 300,000 Mittelstand decision-makers. The flagship event is BIG BANG KI FESTIVAL, Europe's largest B2B AI festival, alongside the new BIG BANG Nürnberg Management Summit. Complementing the media business are employer branding certifications (Arbeitgeber der Zukunft), the FIT FOR KI certificate, trend studies (e.g., Silver Workforce 2023), and B2B publications such as IGNITE.2034. PR, communications and corporate publishing services round out the commercial offering.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• DUP Media GmbH: Die Medienmarke setzt auf Qualitätsjournalismus - DUP-Magazin, Newsletter, Content-Hub, Pod- und Videocasts, Events, Corporate Publishing und PR
• diind (Deutsches Innovationsinstitut)
• BIG BANG KI FESTIVAL
• DUP UNTERNEHMER
• DUP Newsletter
• Chefvisite

Products and services

• BIG BANG KI FESTIVAL Europe's largest B2B AI festival, bringing together entrepreneurs, C-level executives, scientists and politicians for panel talks, masterclasses, keynotes and networking. Offers the 'FIT FOR KI' certificate for participants.
• DUP UNTERNEHMER The reach-strongest B2B content platform delivering orientation, know-how and inspiration on AI, sustainability, innovation and modern leadership to Mittelstand decision-makers. Available as print edition, digital portal dup-magazin.de, and as supplement in Süddeutsche Zeitung and Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (total circulation ~290,000 copies).
• DUP Newsletter (DUP Weekly, DUP INSIGHTS) Targeted email newsletters reaching over 300,000 subscribers. Includes DUP Weekly for weekly business knowledge, DUP INSIGHTS Finance, DUP INSIGHTS Health, and DUP INSIGHTS New Work for sector-specific content targeting B2B decision-makers.
• DUP Videocasts & Podcasts Video and audio talk series featuring experts on Mittelstand-relevant topics. Includes 'Chefvisite' (with Prof. Jochen A. Werner on healthcare transformation) and 'BIG BANG Podcast' hosted by Ayse Mese. Reached millions of viewers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• FIT FOR KI Certificate Official AI knowledge certification offered in connection with the BIG BANG KI FESTIVAL, providing participants with a recognized credential in artificial intelligence competence, in partnership with diind.
• Arbeitgeber der Zukunft (Employer of the Future) Top certification program in the employer branding space, focusing on digitalization and sustainability — key aspects for strong employer branding targeting young, highly qualified workers.
• BIG BANG Nürnberg Management Summit Strategic think-tank event bringing together approximately 50 leaders from business, society and science with around 150 selected executives for strategic exchange on the future of Germany's economy. Premiere held June 11, 2026 at FAU. Tickets start at 800 EUR.
• PR & Communications Services Full-service PR and communications agency services including strategy, creation, editorial, project management, media work, content distribution, channel management and event communications, serving B2B clients.
• Corporate Publishing Corporate publishing services across print and digital media formats, including branded magazines (e.g., Toyota/Lexus 'AUTO & LEBEN'), content campaigns, video casts and social media posts for enterprise clients.
• IGNITE.2034 Successor to the bestseller 'NEXT.2030', a future book featuring 32 international thought leaders sharing their visions for the world in 2034. Covers topics from AI to climate change, medicine and energy generation.
• Trend Studies & Audits Research-driven trend studies and audits delivered through the diind institute, covering digital transformation, sustainability, and employer branding topics for corporate clients.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reaches 300,000+ newsletter subscribers weekly
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) / Nürnberg Management SummitcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 March 2026Strategic partnership between BIG BANG KI FESTIVAL and Nürnberg Management Summit at FAU. Combined format 'BIG BANG Nürnberg Management Summit' premiered June 11, 2026 at FAU. Initiative connects BIG BANG's festival ecosystem with academic depth and strategic focus. Targets exchange between economy, politics, science, and digital economy leaders. JDB Managing Director Ayse Mese serves as co-organizer.
• DealcircleminorOthersDealcircle acquired DUB.de (Deutsche Unternehmerbörse) from JDB Holding. DUB.de was developed under JDB leadership to become Europe's leading platform for business succession and M&A transactions. JDB exited successfully after strategic repositioning and revenue/profit growth.
• Unibail-Rodamco-WestfieldcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJDB serves as long-term PR partner for Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier in HafenCity. One of Europe's most ambitious construction projects completed in early 2025. JDB provides comprehensive PR support for the development.
• 10xD (FOM Hochschule / Universitätsmedizin Essen)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for BIG BANG HEALTH events. Co-hosts include Prof. Dr. Jochen A. Werner (Medical Director and CEO of Universitätsmedizin Essen) and Prof. Dr. David Matusiewicz (Dean of FOM Hochschule). Focus on digital health transformation and healthcare innovation.
• Siemens AGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSiemens AG CEO Roland Busch confirmed participation in BIG BANG Nürnberg Management Summit 2026 as keynote speaker. Represents high-profile speaker engagement rather than formal partnership.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• DMEXCO: Major B2B digital marketing and tech event held annually in Cologne, with associated media and content. Comparable to BIG BANG KI FESTIVAL as a large-scale German B2B event targeting digital transformation and technology decision-makers.
• brand eins: German business magazine focused on entrepreneurship, innovation and new work. Comparable to DUP UNTERNEHMER in covering Mittelstand-relevant themes (digitalization, sustainability, leadership) with a print-plus-events model.
• manager magazin: Premium German business magazine with digital subscription business, podcasts, and high-profile events (manager magazin Kongress). Comparable as a B2B business media brand targeting senior executives and decision-makers in German-speaking markets.
• OMR (Online Marketing Rockstars): Major German B2B events company (OMR festival in Hamburg, ~50,000 attendees) and digital media platform covering digital marketing, e-commerce, and technology. Comparable event-led B2B media model targeting German-speaking decision-makers.
• Heise Medien: German technology media group (heise online, c't, iX, Technology Review Germany) with events and podcasts. Comparable as a multi-brand German B2B technology publisher targeting professional decision-makers, with an established events portfolio.
• WirtschaftsWoche: Weekly German business magazine for entrepreneurs, executives and investors with associated events and digital subscriptions. Founder Jens de Buhr worked as journalist at WirtschaftsWoche. Closely comparable editorial audience and Mittelstand focus to DUP UNTERNEHMER.
• impulse: German business magazine and digital platform for entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals, with events and coaching offerings. Comparable Mittelstand/entrepreneur target audience to DUP UNTERNEHMER, with similar print-to-digital migration.
• t3n Magazin: German digital business magazine covering digital transformation, technology, and the future of work for business professionals. Closely comparable editorial coverage of AI, sustainability, and innovation themes central to DUP UNTERNEHMER.
• Handelsblatt: Germany's leading daily business newspaper targeting executives and Mittelstand decision-makers, with a strong events division (Handelsblatt Summit, Handelsblatt ESG) and digital subscriptions. Directly comparable to DUP UNTERNEHMER as a German B2B business media brand.

Others

• Bitkom: German digital industry trade association representing 2,000+ member companies, hosting major B2B events and publishing trend studies. Comparable as an ecosystem player producing certifications, trend studies, and events serving the same Mittelstand digital transformation audience.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCJT1lNEv7gLFBD7eaS6KzfQ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dup-unternehmer
• Instagraminstagram.com/jdb_holding

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries3 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 JDB Media