What Knirps GmbH does

Knirps GmbH is a German umbrella and parasol brand founded in 1928, currently operating as a brand within the doppler Group (doppler H. Würflingsdobler GmbH), a family-owned umbrella conglomerate headquartered in Simbach am Inn, Germany. The company markets premium folding and stick umbrellas (T.series for sturdiness, U.series for ultra-lightweight, A.series for value, plus the X4U pocket umbrella with Knirps Dry Case) and a parasol portfolio spanning cantilever (Hyperion), balcony, and patio/central-pole designs (Apoll, Phoenix). Product engineering emphasizes durability through wind tunnel testing (the T.200 model is rated to 150 km/h), aircraft-grade aluminum and motorsport-grade carbon components, flip-resistant frame construction, UV/heat protection up to UPF 50+, and a biodegradable ecorepel water-repellent coating.

The business is direct-to-consumer-led via six country-specific e-commerce storefronts (Germany, Austria, France, Netherlands, Switzerland, Czech Republic), supplemented by B2B corporate and promotional umbrella sales, a worldwide 5-year warranty, an authorized repair dealer network, and brand collaborations (notably Knirps x MINI). Pricing spans from approximately €24.99 for entry-level models to €1,899 for premium cantilever parasols, with unit-pricing models across all tiers. The parent doppler Group provides shared manufacturing, sourcing, and distribution infrastructure across multiple brands, including doppler-Schirme and Manufaktur. Knirps is privately held with no external funding or public listing, and the brand carries the iconic globally recognized red-dot logo as a core intangible asset.

Name

Knirps GmbH

Legal name

doppler H. Würflingsdobler GmbH

Website

https://knirps.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1928

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Knirps GmbH is a 1928-founded German premium umbrella and parasol brand, operating DTC across six European e-commerce markets and as part of the family-owned doppler Group, serving consumers and corporate customers with wind-tested, lightweight, and UV-protected products.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Umbrellas and Parasols

NAICS

Lawn and Garden Equipment and Supplies Retailers (4442), Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronics, and Appliance Retailers (449)

SIC

Retail-Home Furniture, Furnishings & Equipment Stores (5700)

akta.pro primary industry

Outdoor Window Shades & Awnings Retail (Exterior Shades, Retractable Awnings) (CRAIAKAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Outdoor Navigation, Safety & Survival Gear Retail (CRAMAAAE)

Keywords

• Folding umbrellas
• Outdoor parasols
• Wind resistant umbrellas
• UV protection parasols
• Lightweight pocket umbrellas

Headquarters

HQ city

Simbach am Inn

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Umbrella Sales: Primary revenue stream from selling folding umbrellas, stick umbrellas, and related accessories directly to consumers and B2B customers through owned e-commerce platforms and retail partners.
2. Parasol/Sunshade Sales: Sale of cantilever parasols, balcony parasols, patio umbrellas, and related bases and accessories for outdoor use.
3. Accessories and Replacement Parts: Revenue from replacement canopies, protection covers, spare parts, and accessories including rain clothing.
4. B2B/Corporate Umbrellas: Individual/customized umbrella solutions for business customers and corporate branding purposes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Knirps GmbH designs, manufactures, and retails premium folding and stick umbrellas plus outdoor parasols (cantilever, balcony, patio) through owned country-specific European e-commerce stores. The portfolio spans value (A.series), ultra-light (U.series), and premium sturdy (T.series) folding umbrellas, the X4U pocket umbrella, kids umbrellas, UV-protective umbrellas with Heat Shield, and a range of cantilever, balcony, and patio parasols with bases, replacement canopies, and protective covers. B2B customized and corporate-branded umbrellas complement consumer sales, with all products backed by a 5-year worldwide warranty.

Product overview

Knirps GmbH is a German manufacturer of premium umbrellas and parasols founded in 1928, known for its iconic red dot branding. The product portfolio centers on three main umbrella series (T.series for maximum sturdiness, U.series for ultra-lightweight design, and A.series for value pricing) across folding and stick/cane umbrella formats. Parasol offerings include cantilever/offset parasols (Hyperion series), balcony parasols, and patio/central-pole parasols (Apoll, Phoenix series). Notable innovations include UV and heat protection (Heat Shield) technology, ecorepel sustainable coatings, and the Knirps Dry Case microfiber feature on X4U models. The company also offers branded collaborations (MINI), limited editions (Apoll Shell Edition), and comprehensive accessories including bases, replacement canopies, and protective covers. Products are sold directly through regional e-commerce sites across Europe (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Netherlands, France) with B2B custom umbrella options available.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• T.series Folding Umbrellas Premium folding umbrellas marketed as the most sturdy and robust models in the Knirps range, featuring high-quality materials, robust construction, automatic and manual opening options, and wind tunnel testing up to 150 km/h. Available in small, medium, large, and long-automatic variants (e.g., T.020, T.200, T.260, T.771, T.900 Extra Long AC) starting from €24.99 to €89.99, targeting individual consumers seeking durable rain protection.
• U.series Ultra-Light Folding Umbrellas Ultra-lightweight folding umbrellas weighing similar to a smartphone, marketed as ultra-stable, ultra-small, and ultra-light, with ecorepel water-repellent coating on some models and Heat Shield UV variants for sun protection. Includes US.050 Ultra Light Slim Manual from €39.99, U.200 Ultra Light Duomatic from €37.90, and U.090/U.900 Ultra Light XXL variants, targeting on-the-go urban commuters.
• A.series Folding Umbrellas Value-oriented folding umbrellas offering unbeatable price with good quality across manual and duomatic variants in medium and XXL vented sizes (e.g., A.050 medium manual from €24.99, A.200 medium duomatic from €39.99, A.400 XXL duomatic from €59.99, A.771 long automatic from €59.99), targeting price-sensitive individual consumers seeking reliable Knirps quality.
• Stick Umbrellas Traditional cane/stick umbrellas available in large and extra-large sizes with manual and automatic opening mechanisms, including the T.760 dot main art and other large-format designs, targeting consumers seeking classic full-size umbrellas.
• Kids Umbrellas Umbrellas designed specifically for children, including models such as the Rookie manual umbrella with a bubble-style canopy, targeting parents shopping for child-safe and appropriately sized rain gear.
• X4U Pocket Umbrella Smart pocket umbrella featuring the Knirps Dry Case made from microfiber that protects items in bags or cars from moisture, sold as a versatile companion for everyday carry, priced from €49.99, targeting urban commuters and travelers.
• Hyperion Cantilever Parasols Side-offset cantilever parasols with a modern cantilever design, marketed as bringing contemporary lightness and exclusive design to terraces. Available in multiple sizes including the Hyperion 340, priced from €1,299.00 to €1,899.00, targeting consumers seeking premium outdoor patio shade.
• Phoenix Balcony Parasols Compact 245x245 balcony parasols designed for use on apartment balconies, including the Phoenix 245x245 model priced from €879.00, targeting urban apartment dwellers needing outdoor shade.
• Apoll and Phoenix Patio Parasols Central-pole parasols for patio and garden use, including the Apoll 240x240 (including Shell Edition variant), Apoll 290, and Phoenix 315 models, priced from €379.00 for patio umbrellas, targeting homeowners needing outdoor shade for terraces and gardens.
• Knirps x MINI Collaboration Umbrellas Exclusive umbrella collection co-developed with MINI (BMW Group), combining Knirps rain protection with automotive driving pleasure aesthetics via MINI-branded umbrellas, sold through Knirps e-commerce stores targeting MINI owners and lifestyle consumers.
• S.770 Partner Umbrella Long automatic umbrella (77cm) designed as a partner/people umbrella offering extended coverage for two people, available in manual and automatic variants, targeting consumers needing a shared-size umbrella for couples or two-person coverage.
• Parasol Bases and Stands Stands and bases for parasols, including models for middle-mast and cantilever parasols such as the Easy Click 50kg steel base, sold as required accessories for Knirps parasols to ensure stability.
• Replacement Canopies Replacement canopy covers for both parasols and umbrellas, available for various models including T.200, T.400, A.200, A.050, U.200, and US.050, priced from €3.99 to €4.99, sold as spare parts to extend product lifespan.
• Parasol Protection Covers Protective covers designed to shield parasols from weather elements during storage, sold as accessories for parasol maintenance, targeting parasol owners.
• Parasol Spare Parts Miscellaneous replacement parts for parasols, sold to enable repairs and extend the useful life of Knirps parasol products, targeting existing parasol owners.

Quantifiable outcome

• T.200 pocket umbrella tested at 150 km/h wind speed in wind tunnel
• +3 more outcomes

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• MINI (BMW Group)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive brand collaboration creating the Knirps x MINI collection, combining rain protection with driving pleasure factor. The collection includes specially designed umbrellas featuring MINI branding, representing a partnership between two iconic cult brands.
• doppler GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKnirps is part of the doppler Group, a larger umbrella company group that includes multiple brands. The doppler Group operates as the parent company for Knirps and other brands including doppler-Schirme and Manufaktur.
• doppler H. Würflingsdobler GmbHcoreOthersParent company and legal entity responsible for data processing for Knirps. Located at A.-Kolping-Str. 3, D-84359 Simbach am Inn, Germany. Managing Director: Martin Würflingsdobler. Register Court Landshut HRB 7264.
• Umbrella Depot Dieter BurkhardminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAuthorized dealer workshop for repair of Knirps umbrellas outside of warranty. Located at Hydrangea Trail 6, D-33330 Gütersloh, Germany.
• Rolf LippkeminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAuthorized dealer workshop for repair of Knirps umbrellas outside of warranty. Located at Kieler Str. 6, D-12163 Berlin Steglitz, Germany.
• Saß Umbrella BoutiqueminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAuthorized dealer workshop for repair of Knirps umbrellas outside of warranty. Located at Birch Street 77, D-40233 Düsseldorf, Germany.
• Umbrella-Repair-Service C.BöhmeminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAuthorized dealer workshop for repair of Knirps umbrellas outside of warranty. Located at Neuhofer Str. 24, D-95473 Creußen, Germany.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Umbrosa: Umbrosa is a Belgian premium designer of parasols and outdoor shade structures, offering cantilever and center-pole models in similar price tiers to Knirps Hyperion and Phoenix series. Comparable on design-led positioning and European premium market.
• Fulton Umbrellas: Fulton is a UK-based premium umbrella brand founded in 1956 with a Royal Warrant and similar heritage-driven positioning. Comparable to Knirps in product range (folding, stick, kids), premium pricing, and European retail distribution model.
• Glatz AG: Glatz is a Swiss premium parasol/sunshade manufacturer with a comparable heritage (founded 1895), product portfolio (cantilever, center-pole, balcony parasols), and DACH-market focus. Closest direct competitor in the higher-AOV parasol segment.
• doppler: doppler is the parent company of Knirps and operates sister umbrella/parasol brands (doppler-Schirme, Manufaktur) under the same corporate umbrella. They share manufacturing, distribution, and target markets, making doppler the closest operational and product peer.
• Mayhew Parasols and Patio Heaters: Mayhew is a UK parasol and patio specialist retailer offering cantilever, center-pole, and balcony parasols. Directly comparable to Knirps's parasol range, target customer (outdoor living), and premium-positioned product mix.
• Blunt Umbrellas: Blunt is a New Zealand-headquartered premium umbrella brand offering patented radial tensioning for wind resistance and weatherproof construction. Directly comparable to Knirps T.series in engineering-led wind resistance claims and premium positioning.

Broad incumbents

• ShedRain: ShedRain is one of the largest US umbrella manufacturers/wholesalers, serving mass and private-label channels. Compares to Knirps on product category and umbrella manufacturing capability but with much broader distribution and lower AOV focus.
• Weinor: Weinor is a German manufacturer of premium awnings, patio roofs, and outdoor sun protection systems. Comparable to Knirps in the parasol/outdoor shade category and German premium positioning, but with a wider product portfolio and installation-driven model.
• Totes Isotoner: Totes is a long-standing US/UK mass-market umbrella brand with broad product range and mass-retail distribution (department stores, supermarkets). Comparable to Knirps at the entry and mid-price tiers, but operates at much larger volume and lower price points.

Others

• Seneca Garden / outdoor lifestyle brands: Seneca is an Italian outdoor furniture and parasol brand serving similar European consumers in the outdoor living category. Adjacent competitor for premium parasol demand, useful for share-of-wallet benchmarking in the parasol segment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/dopplerschirme
• Facebookfacebook.com/dopplerschirme
• Instagraminstagram.com/dopplerschirme
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/knirps-gmbh

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 Knirps GmbH