SegelnAG

What SegelnAG does

SegelnAG (legal entity: SegelnAG Alexander Greiss) is a German direct-to-consumer e-learning platform founded in 2017 by Alexander Greiss and Nadja that delivers online courses for German recreational boating licenses. The platform serves hobbyist sailors, motorboat operators, and advanced sailors preparing for certifications ranging from Sportbootführerschein (SBF See and SBF Binnen) through Sportküstenschifferschein (SKS), Sportseeschifferschein (SSS), and Sporthochseeschifferschein (SHS), as well as radio certificates (SRC, UBI, LRC) and specialty licenses such as Bodenseeschifferpatent and FKN pyrotechnics. Headquartered in Wiesbaden with a registered address in Nentershausen, the company holds a BSH (Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency) license (0800Z11-117/065) and a registered DPMA trademark.

The platform is browser-based with no app installation required, accessible on PC, Mac, tablet, and smartphone. Its instructional core combines proprietary 3D animations and interactive scenarios with an integrated AI learning assistant that answers course-specific questions. Content is delivered through structured lesson paths covering navigation, seamanship, meteorology, and law, with exam simulations and chart exercises. Practical training is fulfilled offline through a network of certified partner boat schools in Germany and selected European regions, either chosen by the customer or arranged via an optional paid matchmaking service. The platform integrates third-party learning tools including Bootsprüfung.de (exam question trainer, PRO version bundled), Ekynavy (digital logbook), Sea Alert (navigation warnings), and Cassens & Plath (nautical instruments).

SegelnAG operates a hybrid revenue model combining one-time course purchases (€49.90-€450), a monthly subscription for SBF See & Binnen (€79.90/month with optional extension), paid add-ons including personal theory tutoring (€69-€189), exam registration services (€59-€99), physical products (navigation equipment, knot boards, learning cards), and gift vouchers. Distribution is exclusively direct via segelnag.com, supplemented by a pay-per-sale affiliate program (partner-boat.com) and content marketing through a YouTube channel with 370+ videos, 13,000+ subscribers, and 2M+ cumulative views. Since founding, the platform has served over 20,000 course participants and maintains a 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating across 300+ verified reviews.

Name

SegelnAG

Legal name

SegelnAG Alexander Greiss

Website

https://segelnag.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

SegelnAG is a German founder-led e-learning platform founded in 2017 that sells online courses for German recreational boating licenses (SBF See/Binnen through SHS), plus radio certificates and specialty licenses, to hobbyist sailors and advanced charter skippers via direct-to-consumer e-commerce and a network of partner boat schools.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Online Boating and Maritime License Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Navigation, Seamanship & Offshore Operations (EDAOANAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Sports & Recreation Lessons (Surfing, Skiing, Golf, Tennis) (THAJAKAN)

Headquarters

HQ city

Nentershausen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Software

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Online Course Sales (One-time + Subscription): Primary revenue from one-time purchase of individual online courses (e.g., SBF See €49.90, SHS €450). Some courses (e.g., SBF See & Binnen at €79.90/month) operate on a subscription/recurring model with optional monthly extensions. Upsell through theory support packages (€69–€189) and exam registration service (€59–€99).
2. Physical Products: Sale of supplementary physical materials including navigation equipment (€19.90–€39.90), knot boards (€34.99), learning cards (€39.95), and gift vouchers (€40–€500).
3. Affiliate / Partner Referrals: Pay-per-sale affiliate program: partners earn €15 per sale plus a €50 sign-up bonus. 90-day cookie tracking window.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

SegelnAG sells online theory courses that prepare individual learners for German recreational boating licenses (Sportbootführerschein See & Binnen, Sportküstenschifferschein, Sportseeschifferschein, Sporthochseeschifferschein, Bodenseeschifferpatent) and maritime radio certificates (SRC, UBI, LRC), plus pyrotechnic signaling (FKN). Courses are delivered through a proprietary browser-based e-learning platform with 3D animations, interactive scenarios, and an integrated AI learning assistant; practical training is arranged through certified partner boat schools across Germany and selected European regions. Add-on paid services include theory tutoring, exam registration support, navigation equipment, knot boards, learning cards, and gift vouchers.

Product overview

SegelnAG operates as an e-learning platform providing online courses for boat and sailing licenses in Germany. The product portfolio includes a unified online learning platform combining video-based 3D animations, interactive content, and AI-supported learning tools. Core offerings span from entry-level Sportbootführerschein (SBF See & Binnen) through advanced Sporthochseeschifferschein (SHS) for high seas certification. Radio certificates (SRC, UBI, LRC), specialized courses (FKN pyrotechnics, Bodensee license), and supplementary add-ons (theory support, exam registration service, navigation equipment, knot boards, learning cards) complete the ecosystem. The platform integrates third-party learning tools including Bootsprüfung.de for exam practice, Ekynavy digital logbook, and Sea Alert navigation warnings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SBF See & Binnen Kombi (Sportbootführerschein Combined Course) Combined online course preparing students for both Sportbootführerschein See (coastal) and Sportbootführerschein Binnen (inland) recreational boating licenses. Covers navigation, seamanship, meteorology, and law with 15 chart exercises and official exam simulations, and includes the PRO version of Bootsprüfung.de plus 50% off the Ekynavy app. Targets hobbyist sailors and motorboat users operating up to 3 nautical miles.
• SKS Onlinekurs (Sportküstenschifferschein) Online theory course for the Sportküstenschifferschein (Coastal Skipper license) covering navigation up to 12 nautical miles, seamanship, and practical skills for safe charter and extended coastal navigation. Includes AI-supported learning and 3D animations. Targeted at sailors preparing for charter operations.
• SSS Onlinekurs (Sportseeschifferschein) Online theory course for the Sportseeschifferschein (Offshore Skipper license) covering navigation, law, seamanship, and meteorology for the 30 nautical mile zone. New content modules released in 2026. Targeted at advanced sailors preparing for offshore voyages.
• SHS Onlinekurs (Sporthochseeschifferschein) Online theory course for the Sporthochseeschifferschein (High Seas Skipper license) covering worldwide sailing certification and required for professional maritime activities. Includes astronomical navigation. Targeted at experienced sailors pursuing professional or blue-water qualifications.
• SRC Onlinekurs (Short Range Certificate) Online theory and practical course for the Short Range Certificate (SRC) VHF radio license, including an included radio simulator. Valid worldwide. Targeted at boaters needing marine communications certification.
• UBI Onlinekurs (Inland Radio Certificate) Online course for the UBI (Binnenschifffahrtsfunk) inland waterways radio certificate for inland marine communications. Targeted at boaters operating on German inland waterways.
• LRC Onlinekurs (Long Range Certificate) Online course for the Long Range Certificate (LRC) covering global maritime radio communications beyond VHF range. Targeted at offshore sailors requiring long-range communications certification.
• FKN Onlinekurs (Pyrotechnic Signaling) Online course for the Fachkundenachweis für Seenotsignalmittel (FKN) pyrotechnic signaling certificate required to legally carry and use distress signal devices on board. Targeted at boaters carrying pyrotechnic distress signals.
• Bodenseeschifferpatent Onlinekurs Online course preparing students for the Lake Constance (Bodensee) boat license covering navigation requirements specific to the Bodensee region. Targeted at boaters operating on Lake Constance.
• Kombi: SRC, UBI Bundle Combined radio certificate package including both SRC (Short Range Certificate) and UBI (Inland Radio Certificate) licenses at a discounted price. Targeted at boaters needing both inland and coastal radio certification.
• Kombi: SRC, UBI, LRC Full Radio Package Complete radio certificate package including SRC, UBI, and LRC for comprehensive marine and inland communications certification. Targeted at boaters requiring all radio certifications.
• Richtig Chartern Onlinekurs Online course providing practical knowledge for yacht charter planning, route selection, and charter management. Targeted at sailors preparing for their first or subsequent charter trips.
• Theorie Support Paket (Theory Tutoring) Personal tutoring package providing direct contact with experienced sailing instructors via phone, email, or video call (Zoom/Skype). Includes 1.5 to 3 hours of individual support depending on course type. Targeted at learners seeking additional 1:1 help.
• Servicepaket Prüfungsanmeldung (Exam Registration Service) Paid service package covering exam registration support, boat school referral/matching, and personal coordination support across SegelnAG's Germany-wide school network. Targeted at learners who want SegelnAG to handle exam logistics.

Quantifiable outcome

• 20,000+ course participants since 2016
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Blue-2.atcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading provider of practice-oriented skipper training in the German-speaking world. Offers professional SKS and SSS training in Croatia with experienced instructors. Also provides Skipper 360° video portal with 300+ training videos. Recommended as the primary practical training partner.
• Guido DwerstegminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSailing YouTuber with authentic sailing content. Original Skipper-Cards sold in the SegelnAG shop. Practical learning aids and exclusive products from an experienced long-distance sailor available to SegelnAG customers.
• Bootsprüfung.decoreTechnology or IntegrationQuestion trainer app for exam preparation. PRO version included free with SBF See/Binnen; 30% discount on PRO version for other courses. Integrated into the learning workflow. Essential exam prep tool for many participants.
• Cassens & PlathminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGerman manufacturer of high-quality nautical instruments, especially sextants. SHS course participants receive 20% discount on all sextants and 15% on other products. Relevant for astronomical navigation training.
• EkynavyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDigital logbook and navigation app for sailors and motorboat users. 50% discount on the app, included as a bonus in most SegelnAG courses. Automatically documents trips, positions, statistics, and notes.
• Sea AlertminorGTM or Marketing PartnerModern tool for nautical navigation warnings. SegelnAG customers get 1 month free with code SEGELNAG-SEAALERT. Provides real-time warnings about nautical hazards across Europe on an interactive map with automatic notifications and 6-language support.
• Einfachboot.deminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDeveloped by Matthias Palitza. Known for innovative knot training products and 3D printing projects for boaters and sailors. YouTube channel and complementary learning materials sold through the SegelnAG ecosystem.
• Sailor's Point BootsschulecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBoat school offering SBF licenses, radio training, regular sailing trips, SKS exam trips, sea mile trips, and skipper training in attractive sailing areas. Based in the Rhein-Neckar district. Covers lock trips (Mannheim–Heidelberg), SKS trips (Heiligenhafen), and sailing trips (Denmark, Tuscany).
• SailwizminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational sailing platform offering a wide selection of sailing trips, sailing courses, and training voyages worldwide. SegelnAG customers receive €25 credit via referral link. Covers crewing, skipper training, SKS practice trips, and ocean crossings.
• BlackSails YachtingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorYacht charter broker for trip planning and execution. Focus on personal consultation, individual route suggestions, and supplementary services around flights, transfers, and skipper matching. Destinations include Mediterranean, Canaries, Caribbean.
• Charterbar YachtingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOne of the best-known yacht charter agencies in the German-speaking region. Founded 2016; member of Nautic Alliance. Long-standing experience and personal consultation for yacht selection, regions, and charter operators.
• Affiliate Partner Program (partner-boat.com)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPay-per-sale affiliate program: €15 per sale + €50 instant bonus for account setup. 90-day cookie window. Free promotional materials (banners, videos, text links). Targets boat schools, blogs, and watersport websites/social channels.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Yachtschule.de: German online platform offering sailing license and yacht training courses. Targets the same German-speaking recreational boater and license-prep customer base as SegelnAG.
• Bootsschule-Online.com: A Germany-based online boat school offering theory preparation for SBF See, SBF Binnen, SKS, and SSS licenses. Directly competes with SegelnAG in the same digital-first, exam-prep segment of the German boating license market.
• Deutsche Nautikschule: German nautical school providing both classroom and online training for Sportbootführerschein and advanced certifications. Operates in the same German regulatory framework and targets the same recreational boater segment as SegelnAG.
• Mareike Segelschule: German sailing school offering boat license courses and skipper training, including online theory components. Competes with SegelnAG for the same recreational license-seeker customer base.
• Segelschule Priess: Long-established German sailing school offering SBF and SKS training with a hybrid online + practical model. Comparable to SegelnAG in product scope (license preparation) and target customer (recreational German sailors).

Broad incumbents

• Blue-2.at: Established provider of SKS and SSS practical skipper training in Croatia for German-speaking clients. Overlaps with SegelnAG's advanced-certification audience and is also listed as a strategic partner, making it a hybrid competitor-distributor.
• RYA (Royal Yachting Association): UK national body for sailing certification, offering shorebased theory and practical training programs. Comparable as an established credentialing and training authority serving recreational sailors in a regulated maritime market.

Emerging players

• Babbel: Berlin-based subscription language-learning platform with integrated AI tutoring and a self-serve D2C e-commerce model. Useful as a comparable for SegelnAG's blended 3D-content + AI-assistant + subscription monetization approach in a niche consumer education category.
• Bootsprüfung.de: Online question-trainer app for German boating license exam preparation. While a current integration partner of SegelnAG (PRO version bundled with courses), it functions as a partial substitute for textbook study and could expand into broader curriculum delivery.

Regional players

• Sailwiz: International sailing platform offering sailing trips, courses, and crewing/skippers worldwide with a referral partnership into SegelnAG. Adjacent peer sharing the same target customer (recreational sailors pursuing credentials) but with a different revenue mix (experiences rather than courses).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/Sportseeschiff1
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCamwSYKqYE0YUvtrCjc3u0g
• Facebookfacebook.com/alexander.greiss.56
• Instagraminstagram.com/segeln_ag
• Pinterestde.pinterest.com/SegelnAG
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/segelnag

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 SegelnAG