KBW-Gruppe GmbH

What KBW-Gruppe GmbH does

KBW-Gruppe GmbH is the operating company group of Stiftung Kolping-Bildungswerk Württemberg, one of Southern Germany's largest private educational foundations, headquartered in Stuttgart. It operates more than 170 state-recognized schools across 65-67 locations in 25 cities, with a workforce of 2,500+ qualified employees serving approximately 17,500-20,000 participants annually and enrolling around 2,500 new students each year. The portfolio spans the full educational pathway — from early childhood (Kitas), through primary and secondary schools (Realschule, Gymnasium, Berufliche Gymnasien), to vocational training (care, business, IT, physiotherapy), higher-education partnerships (ISBA, SRH Fernhochschule), labor-market services, and continuing education.

The group's core technology is the proprietary Interaktive Lernplattform (ILP), a digital learning environment featuring structured courses, video and dialogue formats, and the in-house generative-AI tutor "SchulGPT," developed under the direction of teacher Steffen Haschler (Teacher of the Year 2025). The ILP and an AI-supported learning management system were deployed at the flagship Bildungszentrum Neckarpark (opened November 2024), with the "Abi ohne Stress" concept extending it to upper secondary in school year 2026/27. Shared-services entities (KBW Technische Services, KBW Services, KBW Personal Services) centralize IT, finance, HR, and marketing across the network.

KBW-Gruppe generates revenue through three primary streams: tuition and school fees at private Kitas, schools, and higher-education institutions; government subsidies as a recognized Bildungsträger for vocational training and labor-market services; and professional/corporate training fees including customized in-house programs. Distribution is direct — parents and students enroll at physical campuses, supplemented by partnership-based enrollment via ISBA and SRH — with no digital self-service channel. The GTM motion is sales-led and community-driven, supported by regional press coverage (ZDF, SWR1, Hessischer Rundfunk), sports partnerships (TVB Stuttgart, VfB Stuttgart), and the broader Kolping Network of more than 180 educational sites across Germany.

Name

KBW-Gruppe GmbH

Legal name

Stiftung Kolping-Bildungswerk Württemberg

Website

https://kolping-bildungswerk.de

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

KBW-Gruppe GmbH is the operating group of Stiftung Kolping-Bildungswerk Württemberg, running 170+ state-recognized private schools across 65+ locations in Germany and serving roughly 20,000 annual participants with K-12, vocational, and higher-education programs supported by a proprietary AI-enabled learning platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private Education Services

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110), Other Schools and Instruction (6116), Educational Services (61), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Preschool Programs within Private K–12 Schools (EDACABAM)

Keywords

• Private education services
• Vocational training programs
• K-12 private schooling
• Early childhood education
• Continuing professional education

Headquarters

HQ city

Stuttgart

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition and school fees: Revenue from tuition fees charged at private KINDERTAGESSTÄTTEN (KITAs), schools, and higher education institutions operated by KBW-Gruppe member organizations.
2. Government subsidies and funding: As a recognized educational provider (Bildungsträger), KBW-Gruppe receives government subsidies and funding for vocational training and employment services.
3. Professional services and corporate training: Fees from customized in-house training programs for companies and employment services.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

KBW-Gruppe GmbH operates as a private educational services group providing regional alternatives to public kindergartens (KITAs), schools, and universities in Germany. Through its parent foundation (Stiftung Kolping-Bildungswerk Württemberg) and subsidiaries, the group delivers a comprehensive educational pathway from early childhood through higher education and vocational training across 65+ locations and 170+ state-recognized schools. Core offerings include K-12 schooling, vocational training, dual study programs, healthcare training, and labor market services.

Product overview

KBW-Gruppe GmbH operates as a unified educational services platform consisting of a parent organization (Stiftung Kolping-Bildungswerk Württemberg) with over 170 state-recognized schools and numerous subsidiaries. The organization provides a comprehensive educational pathway from early childhood (Kita) through primary school (Grundschule), secondary education (Realschule, Gymnasium, Berufliche Gymnasien), to vocational training (Berufsausbildung) and continuing education. Core products include the Interaktive Lernplattform (ILP) - a digital learning platform with AI-powered tutoring (SchulGPT), and various specialized schools across regions including Kurpfalz Gymnasium Mannheim, ANGELL Akademie (physiotherapy), Pädagogium Schwerin (Europaschule), Pädagogische Kolping Akademie, and ISBA study locations. The group also operates shared services divisions (KBW Technische Services, KBW Services, KBW Personal Services) supporting both internal operations and external clients. Recent additions include CELOOK/PAS-Schulen (acquired 2025) and Kopernikus Kita (opened 2025).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Intelligente Lernplattform (ILP): Digital learning environment for vocational schools featuring structured courses, videos, dialogue formats, and AI tutor SchulGPT
• Abi ohne Stress

Products and services

• Kolping Schulen (Stuttgart, Fellbach, Neckarpark, Sindelfingen) Network of state-recognized private schools offering Realschule, Gymnasium, and Berufliches Gymnasium, part of the KBW-Gruppe educational network serving students in Southern Germany.
• Kurpfalz Gymnasium und Realschule Mannheim State-recognized secondary school implementing Positive Discipline as a Lab School (first German-speaking weiterführende Schule in the international network), also offering Berufliche Gymnasien.
• Kolping BFS für Pflege und Altenpflegehilfe Rottenburg Vocational nursing school offering 1- and 2-year Altenpflegehilfe and 3-year Pflegefachmann/-frau programs with approximately 280 students trained annually.
• ANGELL Akademie Physiotherapy School Vocational physiotherapy school in Freiburg with 280 graduates and 130 current trainees, including a partnership with ISBA for a dual study program leading to B.Sc. Physiotherapy.
• Pädagogische Kolping Akademie Advanced vocational college offering continuing education including 'Einsteigerwissen kompakt' modules for career changers in early childhood education; nominated for the German Fachkräftepreis 2025.
• ISBA - Internationale Studien- und Berufsakademie Study location network with campuses in Stuttgart, Freiburg, and Saarbrücken offering dual, part-time, and distance study programs in partnership with KBW-Gruppe schools.
• Kolping Kita and Kopernikus Kita Early childhood education and daycare services at multiple locations including the recently opened Kopernikus Kita in Freiburg with capacity for up to 80 children.
• Vocational Training and Continuing Education Vocational training programs across multiple sectors including care/nursing, business, design, and IT (Fachinformatiker), plus continuing education counseling and in-house training for companies.
• Englisches Institut Heidelberg Private secondary school in Heidelberg offering comprehensive education with emphasis on languages and media.
• CELOOK Unternehmensgruppe / PAS-Schulen Three Freie Schulen (PAS-Schulen) in Spergau and Großkorbetha (Saxony-Anhalt) covering grades 1-12 with all standard qualifications, acquired by KBW-Gruppe in September 2025.
• Rackow Schulen (Berlin, Frankfurt) Vocational and general education schools in Berlin and Frankfurt, including Life Skills programs and vocational training.
• Pädagogium Schwerin/Europaschule State-recognized private school serving approximately 400 students from grades 1-12, combining elementary school, Gymnasium, and orientation stage with Dalton pedagogy and 'My flexi school' concept.

Quantifiable outcome

• 20,000 annual participants across all educational programs
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Kongregation der Franziskanerinnen von Bonlanden (Congregation of Franciscan Sisters)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 July 2026Schulzentrum St. Hildegard in Ulm transitioning to KBW-Gruppe. Following three-phase transition plan, KBW will initially provide interim commercial management before full integration. Franciscan Sisters sought KBW for organizational and accounting support while maintaining educational concept.
• IES Santa Catalina, Burgo de Osma, SpainminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Erasmus+ partner school for Kurpfalz-Gymnasium Mannheim's international exchange program. Students aged 14-17 participated in cultural exchange including visits to Germany and Spain, plus study trips to Strasbourg and Brussels.
• DGPh – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Photographie, Regionalgruppe SüdwestminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Collaboration with DGPh for Berufskollegs Design student exhibition at Stuttgarter Fotosommer 2026. Professional photographers from DGPh exhibit alongside student work, creating dialogue between professionals and young creatives.
• Baden-Württemberg State Government (Landesregierung)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 December 2025KBW-Gruppe signed new agreement with state government as part of 'Weiter.Bilden.BW' initiative - Bündnis für Lebenslanges Lernen (BLLL). Collaboration to strategically develop continuing education in Baden-Württemberg from January 2026.
• Angell Akademie GmbH (subsidiary)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 October 2025Part of KBW-Gruppe. Celebrated 10th anniversary of Berufsfachschule für Physiotherapie with 280 graduates, 130 current trainees, and 40+ cooperation partners. Offers combined training and university study program with ISBA.
• EATA gGmbH – Europäische Ausbildungs- und TransferakademieminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025Joint venture with Stadt Ellwangen and Ostalbkreis. KBW-Gruppe holds stake through Dr. Klaus Vogt. Provides training and placement services for young people and skilled workers from European and international countries for German companies. Reached 75% capacity utilization.
• VDP – Verband Deutscher Privatschulverbände e.V.coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 December 2024National association of private school associations. KBW-Vorstand Dr. Klaus Vogt elected VDP Honorary President after 8 years as President. Dr. Sebastian Messer (Liebfrauenschule Bensheim) elected VP; Dominik Blosat (KBW-Institut Dr. Flad) re-elected head of Science Schools group; Fabian Kemmer (KBW Vorstand) elected head of Language Schools group.
• SRH FernhochschulecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for providing distance learning and part-time study programs. KBW-Gruppe offers SRH programs through its educational network as part of the comprehensive educational pathway from secondary to higher education.
• ISBA – Internationale Studien- und BerufsakademiecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudy partnership with ISBA locations in Stuttgart, Freiburg, and Saarbrücken. KBW-Gruppe schools provide pathways to ISBA programs including dual study, career-integrated, and distance learning formats. Also partners with ISBA for combined training and study programs (e.g., Physiotherapy B.Sc.).
• TVB StuttgartminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSports partnership with handball club. KBW special game day at Porsche-Arena with over 500 KBW students, teachers, and families attending. KBW-Gruppe uses event for visibility and to discuss educational and career opportunities.
• TVB Stuttgart (sports partner)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with VfB Stuttgart as a partner association. Collaborates on joint events and community engagement.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Strengths5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/kbwgruppe
• Instagraminstagram.com/kolpingbildung
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kbw-gruppe

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries18 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 KBW-Gruppe GmbH