hostNET
hostNET is a Bremen, Germany-based hosting provider founded in 1994 offering Managed-Root cloud servers, dedicated servers, reseller hosting, and domain registration to German agencies, freelancers, resellers, and SMBs via proprietary technology on German Tier3+ data centers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersBremen, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What hostNET does
hostNET Medien GmbH is a Bremen, Germany-based hosting provider founded in 1994, operating as an owner-operated private company under founder Sebastian Jäschke. It sells managed web hosting and cloud server services primarily to German SMBs, agencies, freelancers, hosting resellers, and web professionals through a self-service website, customer portal, and an affiliate/partner channel. Core products include the Managed-Root Cloud Server (virtual cloud with root access), Baremetal Cloud Server, Agentur Server (reseller-focused), and Dedicated Managed-Root Server, supplemented by domain registration, SSL certificates, backups, and additional IPs.
The company's technical stack is heavily proprietary: a custom hostBSD-based operating system, a Managed-Root hybrid architecture that combines root-server flexibility with managed-server security, an in-house easyTECC 4 administration interface, a custom server chassis design delivering over 40% power savings, and a decentralized UPS system extending battery life to roughly 10 years. All infrastructure resides in German Tier3+ data centers, with SSD-only RAID5 storage delivering above 240,000 IOPS, second-by-second usage-based cloud billing, and a 99.99% physical availability SLA. An Auto-Installer supports one-click deployment of over 300 applications including WordPress, Shopware, TYPO3, Drupal, Magento, and PrestaShop.
Revenue mechanics are diversified across subscription contracts (dedicated servers, domains, SSL, backups, IPs), usage-based cloud billing, and an affiliate program paying up to 20% lifetime recurring commission. The company is privately held, has no disclosed institutional investors or funding rounds, and operates with a small headcount. There are no AI/ML capabilities disclosed in the product portfolio.
hostNET firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- hostNET
- Legal name
- hostNET Medien GmbH
- Website
- https://hostnet.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- hostNET is a Bremen, Germany-based hosting provider founded in 1994 offering Managed-Root cloud servers, dedicated servers, reseller hosting, and domain registration to German agencies, freelancers, resellers, and SMBs via proprietary technology on German Tier3+ data centers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
hostNET industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Web Hosting Services
- NAICS
- Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (5182)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Private Cloud Platforms (On‑Prem Cloud Stacks) (HDABABAA)
Keywords
Where hostNET is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bremen
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
hostNET business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Managed-Root Cloud Server (Usage-based): Pay-per-use cloud servers with second-by-second billing based on selected CPU, RAM, and SSD resources. No minimum costs or commitment. Monthly billing at the end of each calendar month.
- Dedicated Managed-Root Server: Dedicated physical server with managed services, root access, and hybrid managed/root model. Sold with monthly or annual contracts.
- Agentur Server (Reseller Server): Server packages designed for hosting resellers and agencies with multi-domain hosting, easyTECC reseller interface, free SSL certificates, and auto-installer for CMS and shop systems.
- Domain Registration: Registration and management of domain names across numerous TLDs including .de, .eu, .at, .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, and many others. Auto-renewing annual contracts.
- SSL Certificates: SSL certificates including free Let's Encrypt domain-validated certificates and paid certificates with organization or extended validation. Auto-renewal support.
- Long-term Backup / Snapshots: Optional long-term backup services: 7-day or 21-day snapshot-based backups, or physically separated backup in external data center (up to 21 days) with full disk image and fast restore capability.
- Additional IPs: Additional IPv4 addresses for servers requiring multiple SSL certificates or IP-based routing.
- Extended Support: Premium support tier with reduced response times and lower programming costs, available only with SSD-based servers.
- Partner / Affiliate Program: Commission revenue from referred customers. Partners earn up to 20% lifetime recurring commission on referred customer billing. 3% standard commission mentioned on partner portal.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Managed-Root Cloud Level 1 |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Managed-Root Cloud Level 2 |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Managed-Root Cloud Level 3 |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Managed-Root Cloud Level 4 |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Managed-Root Cloud Level 5 |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Custom Cloud Setup |
| Usage-based | Monthly | SSD Upgrade |
| Usage-based | Monthly | RAM Upgrade (16GB to 32GB) |
| Usage-based | Monthly | HDD Upgrade (2x1TB to 2x2TB SATA) |
| Usage-based | Monthly | Extended Support (SSD servers only) |
| Usage-based | Monthly | Long-term Backup 6 months |
| Usage-based | Monthly | Long-term Backup (Cloud) |
| Subscription | Monthly | Security and Service Package |
| Subscription | Monthly | Dedicated Managed-Root Server |
| Other | Monthly | Partner Commission |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
hostNET product offering
Product offeringCore offering
hostNET provides managed cloud and dedicated server hosting built on a proprietary Managed-Root hybrid architecture that combines root-level server access with managed-service security and maintenance. Its product portfolio centers on Managed-Root Cloud Servers, Baremetal Cloud Servers, Agentur Servers (reseller hosting), and Dedicated Managed-Root Servers, complemented by domain registration, SSL certificates, backups/snapshots, and specialized CMS and eCommerce hosting configurations.
Product overview
hostNET is a German hosting provider founded in 1994, offering a portfolio of managed hosting products built on its proprietary hostBSD-based Managed-Root system. The core product line consists of four server types: Managed-Root Cloud Server (virtual cloud with root access), Baremetal Cloud Server (dedicated physical), Agentur Server (reseller-focused with easyTECC control panel), and Dedicated Managed-Root Server (dedicated hardware with Managed-Root technology). These are complemented by domain registration services covering numerous TLDs, SSL certificates including free Let's Encrypt, and optional add-ons such as long-term backups/snapshots, additional IP addresses, and extended support. Specialized sub-brands provide optimized hosting for WordPress, Shopware, TYPO3, Drupal, Magento, and PrestaShop, all powered by the Managed-Root Cloud infrastructure. The proprietary easyTECC administration interface serves as the central management platform for all server products, supporting customer management, domain configuration, email, FTP, databases, and the Auto-Installer for over 300 applications. An affiliate partner program rounds out the offering.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Managed-Root Cloud Server Virtual cloud server combining root-level server freedom with managed-service security, offering SSD storage, scalable CPU/RAM resources, and hostNET's proprietary Managed-Root system for agencies, freelancers, and self-using businesses.
- Baremetal Cloud Server Dedicated physical server delivered as a cloud service providing full bare-metal performance without virtualization overhead for customers requiring isolated hardware resources.
- Agentur Server Reseller-focused server product with multi-domain hosting, easyTECC administration interface for both resellers and end customers, free SSL certificates, and Auto-Installer for CMS and shop systems. Designed for hosting resellers, agencies, and freelancers managing multiple customer accounts.
- Dedicated Managed-Root Server Dedicated physical server that combines the simplicity and security of a managed server with the powerful flexibility of a root server through hostNET's proprietary Managed-Root hybrid system, sold under monthly or annual contracts.
- Domains Domain name registration and management service covering a wide range of TLDs including .de, .eu, .com, .net, .org, .at, .ch, .info, .biz, and many others, with associated WHOIS management on auto-renewing annual contracts.
- SSL-Zertifikate (SSL Certificates) SSL certificate offerings for securing domain communications, including free Let's Encrypt domain-validated certificates with auto-renewal via custom installation scripts, and paid certificates with organization or extended validation.
- Langzeitbackup / Snapshots Optional long-term backup solutions for cloud and dedicated servers, including searchable snapshots (7 or 21 days) and physically separated external data center backups (up to 6 months) stored in a high-availability RAID-6 cluster.
- Zusätzliche IPs (Additional IP Addresses) Additional IPv4 addresses available as an add-on for servers requiring multiple IP configurations, multiple SSL certificates, or IP-based routing.
- Erweiterter Support (Extended Support) Premium support add-on for SSD-based Managed-Root Cloud servers offering reduced response times and lower costs for custom programming requests.
- Upgrades DMR Server Hardware and feature upgrades for Dedicated Managed-Root servers, including RAM expansion (e.g., 32GB instead of 16GB) and SSD storage upgrades.
- WordPress Blog Hosting Managed hosting optimized for WordPress blogs, powered by Managed-Root Cloud infrastructure with SSD storage, Varnish caching, and optional load-balancing support.
- Shopware Hosting Managed hosting optimized for Shopware eCommerce platforms, leveraging Managed-Root Cloud servers with MySQL 5.7, PHP 7.3, auto-installation, and snapshot/backup capabilities.
- TYPO3 CMS Hosting Managed hosting optimized for TYPO3 CMS, installed via auto-installer on Managed-Root Cloud servers tuned for high-traffic and complex projects.
- Drupal CMS Hosting Managed hosting optimized for Drupal CMS, leveraging Managed-Root Cloud infrastructure with auto-installation for rapid deployment.
- Magento eCommerce Hosting Managed hosting optimized for Magento eCommerce platforms, leveraging Managed-Root Cloud infrastructure with auto-installation support.
- PrestaShop Online-Shop Hosting Managed hosting optimized for PrestaShop online shop platforms, installed via auto-installer on Managed-Root Cloud servers.
Quantifiable outcome
- Bandwidth stays below 50% utilization even during peak times
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use hostNET
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
hostNET technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
Feature10 records
hostNET partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Let's Encrypt (Internet Security Research Group)coreLet's Encrypt SSL certificates are pre-installed on Managed-Root systems. hostNET provides a custom install_le_cert script enabling automatic certificate creation for multiple domains and mail services, with automatic renewal via cron. Free SSL is included for all Managed-Root Cloud customers.
- CORE Internet Council of RegistrarscorehostNET is a member of CORE and serves as an accredited registrar for .com, .net, .org and other gTLDs managed by CORE.
- RIPE NCCcorehostNET is a member of the RIPE Network Coordination Centre, the Regional Internet Registry for Europe, Middle East, and parts of Central Asia.
- DeNIC e.G.corehostNET is a member and accredited registrar for .de domains through DeNIC e.G., the central registry for .de domain names in Germany.
- EURidcorehostNET is an accredited registrar for .eu domains through EURid, the official registry for European Union domain names.
- SIDNcorehostNET is an accredited registrar for .nl domains through SIDN (Stichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland), the registry for Dutch domain names.
- nic.at Internet Verwaltungs- und Betriebsgesellschaft m.b.H.corehostNET is an accredited registrar for .at domains through nic.at, the registry for Austrian domain names.
- Apache Software FoundationcorehostNET's Managed-Root servers run Apache 2.4 web server with HTTP/2 support (enabled by default since December 2015), mod_rewrite, and other Apache modules. Custom configuration maintained by hostNET.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
hostNET competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Alfahosting: Alfahosting is a German hosting provider offering shared hosting, managed servers, domains, and SSL. It competes directly with hostNET for SMBs, freelancers, and resellers in Germany, with similar pricing tiers and product breadth.
- Netcup: Netcup is a German hosting and virtual server (VServer) provider offering KVM-based cloud servers, dedicated servers, and web hosting. It competes directly with hostNET's Managed-Root Cloud and dedicated server lines for tech-savvy SMBs and developers.
- Mittwald: Mittwald is a German hosting provider specialized in CMS-optimized managed hosting (TYPO3, WordPress, Shopware). It is comparable to hostNET's TYPO3/WordPress/Shopware sub-brands and competes for the same agency and CMS-developer buyer in the DACH market.
- All-Inkl: All-Inkl is a privately held German hosting provider focused on shared web hosting, reseller hosting, and managed servers. It mirrors hostNET's emphasis on agencies and resellers, with bundled domain, SSL, and CMS-optimized hosting products.
- IONOS: IONOS (1&1 IONOS) is one of Europe's largest hosting and cloud providers, headquartered in Germany. It competes directly with hostNET across shared hosting, managed servers, domains, and SMB cloud services, though at significantly greater scale and with a much broader product portfolio.
- Strato: Strato is a major German hosting provider offering shared hosting, managed servers, domains, and cloud products. It targets the same SMB and prosumer segments as hostNET and competes head-to-head on price across hosting and domain bundles.
- Hetzner: Hetzner is a German cloud and hosting provider offering dedicated servers, cloud servers, and shared hosting. It is the closest direct competitor to hostNET, with similar customer segments (agencies, SMBs, developers), German data center footprint, and a comparable pricing-led positioning.
Broad incumbents
- Google Cloud Platform: Google Cloud is a global hyperscaler offering compute, storage, Kubernetes, and AI/ML services. It is comparable to hostNET at the infrastructure layer and represents the kind of broader portfolio competition that pressures niche European hosting providers to expand their product capabilities.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS is the global hyperscale cloud incumbent. While not a direct peer for SMB hosting, it increasingly overlaps with hostNET's cloud server offerings as it pushes simplified SKUs and SMB-focused programs, raising the baseline of price/performance hostNET must compete against.
Regional players
- Cloudways: Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform that sits on top of hyperscalers (AWS, GCP, DigitalOcean). It is comparable to hostNET's managed-server positioning for SMBs and agencies, but serves a global (non-German) customer base and does not directly compete in the DACH market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks1 record
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
hostNET social profiles
Digital presencehostNET compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
hostNET financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
hostNET leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
hostNET funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
hostNET M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about hostNET
What does hostNET do?
hostNET provides managed cloud and dedicated server hosting built on a proprietary Managed-Root hybrid architecture that combines root-level server access with managed-service security and maintenance. Its product portfolio centers on Managed-Root Cloud Servers, Baremetal Cloud Servers, Agentur Servers (reseller hosting), and Dedicated Managed-Root Servers, complemented by domain registration, SSL certificates, backups/snapshots, and specialized CMS and eCommerce hosting configurations.
Is hostNET a public or private company?
hostNET is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was hostNET founded?
hostNET was founded in 1994. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is hostNET based?
hostNET is headquartered in Bremen, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does hostNET make money?
Nine revenue lines are on record. Managed-Root Cloud Server (Usage-based) is the primary driver. The others are dedicated Managed-Root Server, agentur Server (Reseller Server), domain Registration, SSL Certificates, long-term Backup / Snapshots, additional IPs, extended Support and partner / Affiliate Program.
Who are hostNET's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Alfahosting, Netcup, Mittwald, All-Inkl, IONOS, Strato and Hetzner. Broad incumbents are Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Cloudways is listed as a regional player.
Does hostNET have an API?
No public API is recorded for hostNET.
What industry is hostNET in?
hostNET's product category is Web Hosting Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDABABAA, Private Cloud Platforms (On‑Prem Cloud Stacks). Its NAICS code is 5182 and its SIC code is 7373.