What VIDEBIS GmbH does

VIDEBIS GmbH is an Austrian specialty retailer and service provider of assistive technology for visually impaired and blind individuals, headquartered in Vienna with six branches covering all major Austrian federal states (Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt). The company was formed in 2017 through the merger of TSB Transdanubia GmbH and BAUM Retec GmbH, with operating roots dating to 1987, and is led by CEO Dipl.Soz. Christian Zehetgruber with approximately 30 staff. VIDEBIS does not manufacture devices; instead, it curates, distributes, and supports a broad catalog that spans electronic video magnifiers, screen reader software (JAWS, ZoomText, Fusion), Braille displays and notetakers, AI-powered wearables (OrCam MyEye, Envision Glasses, Ray-Ban Meta), smart mobility aids (WeWalk SmartCane), specialty glasses, lighting solutions, and accessible household appliances.

The business operates a hybrid revenue model combining one-time product sales, monthly rental and rent-to-own subscriptions, professional services (low-vision assessment, fitting, training, on-site consultation, repairs with loaner devices), and ancillary device insurance offered with DONAU Broker Line and ARIS Treu. Approximately one-third of staff are themselves blind or visually impaired, supporting an authentic consultative sales approach reinforced by professional referrals from eye clinics, schools, employers, and partner opticians. Go-to-market mixes six retail branches, on-site home and workplace consultations, an online shop, recurring Hilfsmittelberatungstage consultation events across Austria, Tech Café community events, webinars, and a YouTube channel with Austrian Sign Language and audio description versions.

The company is privately held with no disclosed external funding or revenue. Strategic priorities evident from recent activity include completing nationwide physical coverage (Salzburg branch opened May 2024), extending into adjacent accessible-living categories via the Stilarena partnership, and building ecosystem relationships around AI accessibility (VIGO4AI) and rare eye diseases (ERN-Eye). Customer concentration is low: the base is a long-tail of individual consumers plus a modest set of B2B workplace-adaptation projects, with no evidence of large anchor enterprise contracts.

Name

VIDEBIS GmbH

Legal name

VIDEBIS GmbH

Website

https://videbis.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

VIDEBIS GmbH is an Austrian specialty retailer and service provider that distributes and supports assistive technology, including video magnifiers, Braille devices, screen readers, and AI-powered wearables, for visually impaired and blind individuals across six nationwide branches.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Assistive Technology for the Visually Impaired

NAICS

Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115), Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (8112)

SIC

Ophthalmic Goods (3851)

akta.pro primary industry

Vision Assistive Technology (Screen Readers, Braille, Magnification) (EDAKAIAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Low Vision & Assistive Vision Devices (Magnifiers, Electronic Video Magnifiers, Wearable Vision Aids) (HLAHAJAN)

Keywords

• Assistive technology products
• Low vision aids
• Visual impairment solutions
• Braille display devices
• Electronic magnifiers

Headquarters

HQ city

Vienna

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Product Sales: VIDEBIS sells a comprehensive range of visual aids including specialized glasses, electronic magnifiers, screen readers, Braille devices, reading systems, lighting solutions, and computer workstations. Products range from simple optical aids to sophisticated electronic devices.
2. Rental and Rent-to-Own Services: VIDEBIS offers rental options for most products allowing customers to test devices before purchase. Monthly rental payments with no minimum contract period and the ability to purchase devices from ongoing rental at favorable terms.
3. Professional Services: Services include professional consultation, eye examination, lighting consultation, device delivery and setup, training, on-site service, maintenance and repairs, and financing support with cost subsidy processing.
4. Insurance Services: Device insurance for electronic aids covering liquid damage, short circuits, operating errors, and clumsiness, developed with DONAU Broker Line and ARIS Treu insurance brokers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

VIDEBIS GmbH distributes and integrates a comprehensive range of assistive technology products for visually impaired and blind individuals—including electronic magnifiers, Braille displays and notetakers, screen readers, AI-powered wearables (e.g., OrCam), specialized optical aids, lighting solutions, and accessible household appliances. The company complements this portfolio with professional services: Low-Vision assessment/clarification, personalized consultation, device training, on-site delivery and setup, repair services, rental/rent-to-own programs, device insurance, and direct billing with Austrian health insurers and cost carriers, delivered through six branch offices and mobile on-site consultations across Austria.

Product overview

VIDEBIS GmbH is an Austrian company specializing in comprehensive assistive technology products and services for visually impaired and blind individuals. The company offers a broad portfolio organized into several product categories: Spezialaugenoptik (specialized optics including magnification glasses, filter lenses, AMD glasses, and electronic tinting glasses like CTRL); Elektronische Sehhilfen (electronic visual aids including portable and desktop video magnifiers from brands like Explore, Ruby, MagniLink, Mano, ClearView, Veo, and ZoomCam with OCR/text-to-speech capabilities); Vorlesesysteme (reading systems with OCR technology like Onyx OCR and Vocatex Plus); Brailleprodukte (comprehensive Braille solutions including Braille displays from Brailliant, Focus Blue, Active Braille, BrailleSense, and b.Note series, Braille notetakers, Brailledrucker, Braille labeling systems, and accessibility devices like Milestone audio label recorders and IKONN tactile measurement devices); Software (screen reader software including JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion for computer access); Smart Mobility (intelligent mobility aids like WeWalk SmartCane 2 and Buzzclip obstacle detectors); Accessible Appliances (speaking and tactile microwaves); and Smart AI Wearables (OrCam MyEye 2.0, OrCam Read, and Envision Glasses with AI-powered text recognition, face recognition, and voice output). The product ecosystem also includes lighting solutions, ergonomic accessories, and an online vision test tool. VIDEBIS provides holistic services including professional consultation, Low Vision assessments, device loans, financing support, on-site service, and training across six Austrian locations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Specialized Optical Aids (Spezialaugenoptik) A category offering covering magnifier glasses (e.g., E-Scoop, binocular/monocular magnifier glasses), specialty filter lenses (Kantenfiltergläser), electronically adjustable tinting glasses (CTRL), AMD-specific glasses, macula filter glasses (FITMacula), prismatic TV glasses (MaxTV), hand magnifiers with LED illumination, magnifying lamps, and telescopic magnifiers for low-vision users.
• Electronic Video Magnifiers Desktop, portable, and handheld HD video magnifiers for reading and viewing, including ClearView C 24 HD, ClearView Go, Compact 10 HD Speech, Explore 5/8/12 HD, Ruby 7 HD / Ruby 5 XL HD, MagniLink Mini/One/TAB/iTab/Student HD Pro/Zip 2, Mano 6/16/16 Edu/Edu/Edu Lite/XXL, Mezzo Vario/Fokus, Videomatic, Reveal 16 i, Veo Vario 24, Veo Vox 24, VEO UNO, ZoomCam, ZoomCam Speech, Onyx OCR, Vocatex Plus V4, ClearView C ONE Color, ClearView C Speech, Voxi Vision, and Topolino Mini. Many integrate OCR/text-to-speech functionality.
• AI-Powered Wearable Reading Devices (OrCam) Wearable AI cameras and handheld OCR readers that read text aloud, recognize faces, identify products and banknotes, and provide voice output for visually impaired users, including OrCam MyEye 2.0, OrCam Read, and OrCam Read 3.
• Envision Glasses Smart glasses with AI-powered scene description, text reading, and face recognition capabilities for visually impaired users.
• Braille Products (Displays, Notetakers, Embossers, Labelers) A comprehensive Braille portfolio including portable Braille displays (Brailliant BI 20 X / BI 40 X, FOCUS BLUE 40 / 80 GEN 5, Active Braille, b.Note 40/80, Activator/Activator Pro 80, Braille Actilino 16, Active Star 40, Braille Star 80, BRAILLEX EL 40C/80C), Braille notetakers (BrailleSense 6, BrailleSense Polaris 32, Mantis Q40, Braillenote Evolve), Braille embossers/printers (Index Everest V5, Emprint, Index Braillebox, PIAF tactile graphics printer), Braille labelers, Braille typewriters (Perkins Brailler), Hable One smartphone Braille controller, and tactile drawing boards (TactiPad, Tactonom Reader Flex).
• Assistive Software (JAWS, ZoomText, Fusion) Screen reader and screen magnification software providing speech and Braille access to computer applications for blind and low-vision users: JAWS (Job Access With Speech), ZoomText, and Fusion (a combined JAWS + ZoomText solution).
• Smart Mobility Devices Intelligent mobility aids for blind users: WeWalk SmartCane 2 (ultrasonic obstacle detection with haptic feedback) and Buzzclip 2.0 (wearable obstacle detector with vibration alerts).
• Accessible Appliances Household appliances adapted for blind users, including a speaking microwave (Sprechende Mikrowelle) with audio output and a tactile-control microwave (Taktiler Mikrowellenherd), and a barrier-free coffee machine (DeLonghi ECAM Magnifica S).
• Lighting Solutions for Low Vision Workstation and reading lighting products including VIDELUX LED workstation light, LED Tischleuchte Tricolor (adjustable color temperature), Stehleuchte Electra floor lamp, Klappleuchte Twist LED foldable lamp, Tischleuchte Umbrella desk lamp, Neolicht portable reading light, Handlupen mit LED, Lupenleuchte with two magnifying lenses, and Leddles Lupenbrille illuminated magnifier glasses.
• Audio Labeling and Identification Devices Electronic labeling systems for blind users, including Milestone 312 ACE Pro audio label recorder, Milestone 312-ACE Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi-enabled audio label recorder), and the IKONN-Controller electronic labeling system.
• DAISY Players and Accessible Reading DAISY-format audiobook players for blind users to access digital books and publications, including Victor Reader Stratus 12M and Victor Reader Stratus 4M.
• Large Print Keyboard Großschrifttastatur (large-print keyboard with black keys and white oversized letters) for low-vision computer users.
• Low-Vision Consultation and Clarification (Low-Vision-Abklärung) Approximately 90-minute specialized vision test conducted by qualified opticians and Low-Vision trainers to determine magnification needs, contrast vision, light sensitivity, and glare sensitivity and recommend appropriate aids. Offered free of charge as a non-binding consultation.
• Device Rental and Rent-to-Own Rental program for most products allowing customers to test devices before purchase, with monthly rental payments and no minimum contract period. Devices can be purchased from the ongoing rental at favorable conditions. Free loaner device provided during warranty repair.
• Device Insurance for Electronic Aids Specialized device insurance covering electronic aids for damages from liquids, short circuits, operating errors, and clumsiness. Developed and offered with insurance partners DONAU Broker Line and ARIS Treu Versicherungsmakler GmbH.
• B2B Workplace Adaptation Services Workplace adaptation services for employers employing visually impaired or blind workers, including assistive technology installation, employee training, and on-site support. Includes partnerships with opticians, eye doctors, clinics, schools, and employers across Austria.
• VIDEBIS Online Vision Test Online self-service vision test that determines visual acuity, contrast vision, magnification requirements, and preferred color combinations for reading. Designed for visually impaired individuals with vision below 0.5.
• VIDEBIS 3D Lighting Planning Software Light planning software that generates polygonal room forms, complex room elements, and corresponding furniture objectively to design optimal lighting solutions for low-vision users.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2-year warranty on screen readers, extendable to 5 years
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• StilarenacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Cooperation to improve access to barrier-free household appliances for people with visual impairments. VIDEBIS provides expertise in assistive technology while Stilarena contributes household appliance solutions.
• VIGO4AIminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVIGO4AI develops barrier-free AI training for people with visual impairments or blindness. VIDEBIS participates as a partner in developing accessible AI training programs.
• ERN-Eye (European Reference Network for Rare Eye Diseases)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVIDEBIS hosts expert events with ERN-Eye network professionals, providing updates on hereditary retinal diseases, Usher syndrome, and related conditions for Austrian patients and community members.
• DONAU Broker Line and ARIS Treu Versicherungsmakler GmbHminorOthersInsurance partnership for developing and offering specialized device insurance for electronic visual aids, covering damages from liquids, short circuits, operating errors, and clumsiness.
• hallermobilminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTransportation partnership offering mobility-impaired customers reduced-cost transport to VIDEBIS Vienna headquarters (€35 special rate), addressing mobility barriers for customers unable to use public transportation.
• brillenweltweit.deminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVIDEBIS collects glasses and frames to send through brillenweltweit.de organization to people in need worldwide. Addresses global vision impairment from lack of glasses in developing countries.
• OrCamcoreTechnology or IntegrationVIDEBIS is a certified OrCam partner offering OrCam MyEye 2.0 wearable reading system. Conducts certified OrCam training and offers special promotions like summer campaigns with glasses vouchers.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Index Braille: Swedish manufacturer of Braille embossers/printers and tactile graphics devices. VIDEBIS resells Index Braille products (Index Everest V5, Index Braillebox); directly comparable as Braille hardware supplier in the same product category.
• Eschenbach Optik: Established German manufacturer and supplier of optical low-vision products including magnifiers, reading aids, and electronic vision aids, with a global distribution footprint. Comparable to VIDEBIS on magnifying optics, filter lenses, and electronic magnifier categories.
• Humanware: Canadian manufacturer of assistive devices including BrailleNote notetakers, Victor Reader DAISY players, and low-vision products. Overlaps with VIDEBIS in Braille notetakers (BrailleSense/BrailleNote) and reading solutions (Victor Reader Stratus).
• Reinecker Vision GmbH: German specialist distributor and integrator of low-vision aids and electronic magnifiers serving ophthalmologists, opticians, and end users. Closely comparable to VIDEBIS in product breadth, B2B referrals, and DACH focus; competes directly for cross-border DACH customer relationships.
• LVI Low Vision International: Swedish manufacturer of MagniLink video magnifiers and assistive technology products distributed through a global partner/integrator network. Direct competitor in the electronic magnifier category that VIDEBIS sells (Mano, ClearView, Veo alongside MagniLink).
• Enhanced Vision (Optelec/Vispero): US-based manufacturer of desktop and portable video magnifiers (Acrobat, Pebble, Amigo, DaVinci) that compete with the ClearView, Mano, and Veo product families VIDEBIS integrates. Direct category competitor in CCTVs and electronic magnifiers.

Emerging players

• OrCam Technologies: Israeli developer of AI-powered wearable assistive devices (MyEye, Read) for blind and visually impaired users. VIDEBIS is a certified OrCam partner selling OrCam MyEye 2.0; OrCam's direct sales motion and certification program partially overlaps with VIDEBIS's specialist distribution role.

Regional players

• Schweizer Optik / Schweizer GmbH: Swiss-based provider of low-vision magnifiers and ergonomic reading aids primarily serving the Swiss market with its own retail and partner network. Regional peer with similar product category focus, differing from VIDEBIS primarily by geography (Switzerland vs. Austria).

Broad incumbents

• Optelec (Freedom Scientific / Vispero): Global incumbent in assistive technology, encompassing Optelec magnifiers, Freedom Scientific screen readers (JAWS), and Humanware Braille products. Several VIDEBIS product lines (JAWS, Braille displays) are supplied by Vispero group companies, making it both a critical supplier and a category-spanning competitor.

Others

• BAUM Retec GmbH: German manufacturer of Braille devices and accessible technology and predecessor entity that merged with TSB Transdanubia in 2017 to form VIDEBIS. Historically directly comparable but now a legacy reference and category peer for Braille displays.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCiM47JJaRhEH2-GFXbn1kmw/featured
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/videbis

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 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 VIDEBIS GmbH