F.A.Z. Institut
F.A.Z. Institut is a Frankfurt-based research institute and event organizer, wholly-owned by Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, that produces executive conferences, commissioned studies, the 'kommunikationsmanager' magazine, and corporate certificates and awards for decision-makers across German-speaking Europe.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1993
- HeadquartersFrankfurt am Main, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What F.A.Z. Institut does
F.A.Z. Institut GmbH is a Frankfurt am Main-based research institute and event organizer that operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (F.A.Z.), one of Germany's leading newspapers. Founded in 1993, the institute runs a multi-format portfolio that includes (i) annual executive conferences (Deutscher Marken-Summit, Responsible Leadership Conference, Innovative Leaders Konferenz, KI Innovation Summit, Corporate Diversity Summit); (ii) the 'kommunikationsmanager' magazine for communications and marketing decision-makers and the 'Verantwortung' magazine on corporate responsibility; (iii) commissioned and proprietary studies, including the Sopra Steria Managementkompass series and the BARMER-backed climate healthcare studies, distributed through its research portal; and (iv) a broad certificate and ranking program covering categories such as sustainability, quality, transparency, family-friendly employers, growth, and gold/precious metals dealers, alongside joint awards with Cision Germany (Deutscher Image Award, Sustainable Future Award), KI Bundesverband (KI Innovation Award), Genoverband e.V. (GenoAward), and QuantiQuest (TOP Anwalt).
The institute does not develop proprietary technology; its core capability is methodology-driven research, event production, and certificate/ranking administration, leveraging the credibility of the F.A.Z. brand and a network of enterprise partners and trade associations. Its go-to-market is primarily event-driven, with conferences and awards functioning as the principal lead-generation and engagement channels for follow-on commissioned studies, magazine subscriptions, and certificate applications. Pricing is quote-based rather than publicly disclosed, with revenue drawn from four streams: professional services for study projects, professional services for events and conferences, recurring magazine subscriptions, and professional services for certificate and award programs.
The institute is led by Managing Directors Gregor Vischer and Hannes Ludwig, supported by a small core team of approximately nine colleagues plus student workers and interns. It serves a horizontal segment of senior decision-makers across German-speaking Europe (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), with named enterprise clients and partners spanning automotive (BMW, VW), financial services (Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank), technology (Bosch, Infineon), healthcare (BARMER, Fresenius, Siemens Healthineers), consulting (Deloitte), and consumer goods (Henkel, P&G).
F.A.Z. Institut firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- F.A.Z. Institut
- Legal name
- F.A.Z. Institut GmbH
- Website
- https://faz-institut.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1993
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- F.A.Z. Institut is a Frankfurt-based research institute and event organizer, wholly-owned by Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, that produces executive conferences, commissioned studies, the 'kommunikationsmanager' magazine, and corporate certificates and awards for decision-makers across German-speaking Europe.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
F.A.Z. Institut industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Business Research & Executive Events
- NAICS
- Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192), Management Consulting Services (54161), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416)
- SIC
- Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Periodicals: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2721)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Executive Summits & Invitation-Only Forums (MPAGAGAK), Conferences & Conventions Operations Services (Registration, AV, Logistics) (MPAGAGAM), Quality, Process Improvement & Lean/Six Sigma Certifications (EDAAANAC)
Keywords
Where F.A.Z. Institut is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Frankfurt am Main
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
F.A.Z. Institut business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Study and Research Projects: Custom study projects based on over 20 years of experience in conception and execution. Provides comprehensive service from initial idea to publication, delivering deep insights on central topics of business and society for decision-makers.
- Events and Conferences: Organization of exclusive events, roundtables, and conferences that bring together thought leaders and decision-makers. Major events include Deutscher Marken-Summit, Responsible Leadership Conference, Innovative Leaders Conference, Corporate Diversity Summit, and KI Innovation Summit.
- Magazine and Publications: Publishing the 'kommunikationsmanager' magazine for decision-makers in communication and marketing, and the 'Verantwortung' magazine on corporate responsibility and sustainability.
- Certificates and Rankings: Awarding certificates to outstanding companies and organizations across various competitions including Best Gold & Precious Metal Dealers, Family-Friendly Employer, High Transparency, Sustainability Pioneers, High-Growth Companies, Highest Quality, Best Insurers, and Most Recommended Asset Managers.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
F.A.Z. Institut product offering
Product offeringCore offering
F.A.Z. Institut is a Frankfurt am Main–based research institute and event organizer that conducts business studies, publishes the kommunikationsmanager communications magazine, and runs executive conferences including the Deutscher Marken-Summit, Responsible Leadership Conference, KI Innovation Summit, Corporate Diversity Summit, and Innovative Leaders Konferenz. It also operates the Initiative Verantwortung program and awards company rankings and certificates such as the „Innovative Unternehmen" and „Deutschlands Beste Arbeitgeber – Beste Jobs" certifications.
Product overview
F.A.Z. Institut is a research institute and conference organizer (subsidiary of Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung) offering a multi-format portfolio centered on networks, studies, and certificates. The offering consists of: (1) event and conference series — Deutscher Marken-Summit, Responsible Leadership Conference, KI Innovation Summit, Corporate Diversity Summit, and Innovative Leaders Konferenz — which serve as networking platforms for thought leaders and decision-makers; (2) the magazine 'kommunikationsmanager' for communications and marketing professionals; (3) a studies and research program including the Sopra Steria-backed Managementkompass and Disruptive Potenziale series, BARMER-backed climate healthcare studies, and cybersecurity studies; (4) an extensive certificates/certifications program that evaluates companies across categories including family-friendliness, sustainability, quality, transparency, and growth; and (5) multiple awards including the Deutscher Image Award (with Cision), KI Innovation Award (with KI Bundesverband), Sustainable Future Award, Circularity Champion Award, Integrated Communication Award, DEI Corporate Excellence Award, GenoAward (with Genoverband), and the TOP Anwalt quality seal (with QuantiQuest). Together these products serve decision-makers in business, communications, marketing, sustainability, HR, and public affairs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Kommunikationsmanager: Leading magazine for decision-makers in communication and marketing, offering practical insights, case studies, and expert analyses.
- Deutscher Marken-Summit
- Responsible Leadership Conference
- Innovative Leaders
- Corporate Diversity Summit
- KI Innovation Summit
- Initiative Verantwortung
Products and services
- Deutscher Marken-Summit
- Responsible Leadership Conference
- KI Innovation Summit
- Corporate Diversity Summit
- Innovative Leaders Konferenz
- kommunikationsmanager (Magazin)
- Initiative Verantwortung
- „Innovative Unternehmen" Certification
- „Deutschlands Beste Arbeitgeber – Beste Jobs" Certification
- Industry Studies / Research Reports
Companies that use F.A.Z. Institut
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
F.A.Z. Institut technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
F.A.Z. Institut partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- QuantiQuest Research & Consulting GmbHcoreStrategic cooperation for the TOP Anwalt 2026 project, which identifies and awards outstanding lawyers and law firms. QuantiQuest contributes expertise in data-based market and reputation analyses while F.A.Z. Institut provides branding and communication reach.
- Genoverband e.V.coreJoint organizer of the GenoAward, which honors outstanding cooperatives that contribute to Germany's future viability. The partnership combines Genoverband's expertise in cooperative enterprises with F.A.Z. Institut's research and event capabilities.
- KI BundesverbandcoreCo-hosting partner for the KI Innovation Award, recognizing practical and forward-looking AI solutions in German business. The partnership leverages F.A.Z. Institut's research expertise with the KI Bundesverband's industry knowledge to evaluate AI innovation across companies of all sizes.
- Cision GermanycoreLong-standing partner for the Deutscher Image Award and Sustainable Future Award. Cision conducts scientific media content analysis while F.A.Z. Institut provides strategic direction and awards ceremony hosting. Partnership enables comprehensive evaluation of CEO communication and corporate reputation.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
F.A.Z. Institut competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- DIHK (Deutscher Industrie- und Handelskammertag): Umbrella organization of the German Chambers of Commerce, hosting executive events, position papers, and certification-style recognition for member companies. Adjacent to F.A.Z. Institut in serving German enterprise decision-makers via events and recognition, though primarily public-institution rather than commercial.
- BDI (Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie): Federation of German Industries running high-profile conferences, position papers, and policy events for German business leaders. Comparable through its executive event/conference business serving decision-makers, though more policy- and association-oriented than F.A.Z. Institut's commercial research/awards mix.
- Bitkom: German digital industry association that runs large-scale summits, position papers, and certifications on AI, digital transformation, and tech policy. Comparable to F.A.Z. Institut through its combined trade-association events, studies, and certification-style recognition, though focused specifically on the digital economy.
Broad incumbents
- Süddeutsche Zeitung (conferences and research): SZ hosts executive conferences, forums, and corporate studies leveraging its premium newspaper brand. Broader media peer to F.A.Z. Institut in the German quality-press events and research market.
- Statista (awards and studies division): Statista produces Germany's most prominent corporate rankings and award programs (Germany's Best Employers, most innovative companies) backed by extensive data infrastructure. Broad incumbent peer to F.A.Z. Institut's certification business with deeper data and global distribution.
Others
- Cision Germany: Media intelligence and communications analytics provider, long-standing co-hosting partner of F.A.Z. Institut for the Deutscher Image Award and Sustainable Future Award. Indirectly adjacent through its role in media-content methodology underpinning awards rather than as a direct competitor.
Direct peers
- WirtschaftsWoche (Events/Studies): WirtschaftsWoche, the German business weekly, runs executive conferences, rankings, and studies targeting the same German C-suite audience as F.A.Z. Institut. Direct competitor in premium business-media events and corporate rankings.
- manager magazin / manager meetings: The events and conference arm of manager magazin (Spiegel group) organizes executive summits on leadership, strategy, and transformation topics for C-suite German audiences. Direct peer to F.A.Z. Institut in the executive conference and decision-maker media space.
- Handelsblatt Research Institute: A research and conference arm of the Handelsblatt/Diaphanes media group, it produces economic studies, executive briefings, and events for German business decision-makers. Direct peer to F.A.Z. Institut through its combination of economic research, executive events, and association with a premium business newspaper brand.
- Deutschland Test / ServiceValue: ServiceValue GmbH runs the Deutschland Test corporate rankings and customer/employee satisfaction studies producing seals for German companies. Direct peer to F.A.Z. Institut's certificate and rankings business, competing head-to-head in German corporate seal categories such as family-friendliness, sustainability, and service.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
F.A.Z. Institut social profiles
Digital presenceF.A.Z. Institut financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
F.A.Z. Institut leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
F.A.Z. Institut funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
F.A.Z. Institut 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 F.A.Z. Institut
What does F.A.Z. Institut do?
F.A.Z. Institut is a Frankfurt am Main–based research institute and event organizer that conducts business studies, publishes the kommunikationsmanager communications magazine, and runs executive conferences including the Deutscher Marken-Summit, Responsible Leadership Conference, KI Innovation Summit, Corporate Diversity Summit, and Innovative Leaders Konferenz. It also operates the Initiative Verantwortung program and awards company rankings and certificates such as the „Innovative Unternehmen" and „Deutschlands Beste Arbeitgeber – Beste Jobs" certifications.
Is F.A.Z. Institut a public or private company?
F.A.Z. Institut is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was F.A.Z. Institut founded?
F.A.Z. Institut was founded in 1993. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is F.A.Z. Institut based?
F.A.Z. Institut is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does F.A.Z. Institut make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Study and Research Projects are the primary driver. The others are events and Conferences, magazine and Publications and certificates and Rankings.
Who are F.A.Z. Institut's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are DIHK (Deutscher Industrie- und Handelskammertag), BDI (Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie) and Bitkom. Broad incumbents are Süddeutsche Zeitung (conferences and research) and Statista (awards and studies division). Cision Germany is listed as an others. Direct peers are WirtschaftsWoche (Events/Studies), manager magazin / manager meetings, Handelsblatt Research Institute and Deutschland Test / ServiceValue.
Does F.A.Z. Institut have an API?
No public API is recorded for F.A.Z. Institut.
What industry is F.A.Z. Institut in?
F.A.Z. Institut's product category is Business Research & Executive Events. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAHACAA, Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies), with a secondary code of MPAGAGAK, Executive Summits & Invitation-Only Forums. Its NAICS code is 56192 and its SIC code is 8742.