Theben Smart Energy
Theben Smart Energy GmbH is a Haigerloch-based vendor of BSI-certified Smart Meter Gateways (CONEXA) and FNN control boxes (SELEXA) for German metering operators, grid operators, and utilities, including metrify, Horizon Energy Deutschland, and several Stadtwerke.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersHaigerloch, Germany
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Theben Smart Energy does
Theben Smart Energy GmbH is a Haigerloch-based German vendor of smart-metering infrastructure, legally incorporated in 2023 as a spin-off of Theben AG's smart energy business unit. The company builds BSI-certified Smart Meter Gateways (CONEXA 3.0, CONEXA M) and FNN-conformant control boxes (SELEXA series) for the German rollout framework, together with a Network Management System (theSI) that handles certificate and key management plus rollout services (smartOPTIMO). Core customers are metering operators (MSBs), municipal utilities, and grid operators in Germany (DACH), including named users such as metrify (10,000-unit iMsys deployment), Horizon Energy Deutschland, Stadtwerke Witten, Stadtwerke Bocholt, EWS Schönau, and RheinEnergie.
The underlying technology emphasizes certified security: Common Criteria EAL 4+ certified gateways (TR-03109-resistant architecture with separate µSD-Karte for security credentials, hardware-RNG-based TLS, and segmented IP interfaces), EEBUS-based interoperability with 30+ HEMS manufacturers, and certified interfaces with all major CLS backends (VOLTARIS, EVO, Robotron, Sagemcom Dr. Neuhaus, Power Plus). Manufacturing takes place in-house at the Theben campus in Madertal, with a multi-million-euro capacity expansion completed in late 2023. The company participates in BMWK-funded research consortia (FlexMC with 50Hertz/decarbon1ze, MeGA, AiM, eMpowerSYS, SkIES) covering flexibility markets, controllable generation, heat-pump integration, and energy sharing.
Commercial economics combine hardware unit sales (gateways and control boxes) with software/SaaS-style NMS subscriptions and supply chain services such as smartOPTIMO. Go-to-market is direct B2B through dedicated regional sales managers across Germany supported by the Theben AG field sales organization. Pricing is contract-specific: SMGWs are sold per device at B2B prices that vary with volume and configuration, while SELEXA control boxes deliver a separate revenue stream tied to §14a EnWG flexibility deployments. Revenue is not publicly disclosed, and headcount is reported in the 1-10 range, with the parent Theben AG providing operational backstopping.
Theben Smart Energy firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Theben Smart Energy
- Legal name
- Theben Smart Energy GmbH
- Website
- https://theben-se.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Theben Smart Energy GmbH is a Haigerloch-based vendor of BSI-certified Smart Meter Gateways (CONEXA) and FNN control boxes (SELEXA) for German metering operators, grid operators, and utilities, including metrify, Horizon Energy Deutschland, and several Stadtwerke.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Theben Smart Energy industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Smart Metering Hardware and Energy Management
- NAICS
- Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515)
- SIC
- Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Switchgear & Switchboard Apparatus (3613)
- akta.pro primary industry
- AMI Smart Meters (Electric) & Meter Hardware (EUADAFAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Standards, Interoperability & Certification (DLMS/COSEM, ANSI C12, IEEE 2030.5) (EUADAFAO), Smart Electrical Panel, Energy Monitoring & Load Management (HSAOANAE)
Keywords
Where Theben Smart Energy is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Haigerloch
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Theben Smart Energy business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Smart Meter Gateway Sales: Sale of CONEXA and CONEXA M Smart Meter Gateways to Metering Operators (MSB) and their service providers. Hardware is sold through direct B2B sales relationships.
- Control Box Sales: Sale of SELEXA and SELEXA D FNN-compliant control boxes for controlling flexible loads and generation facilities.
- Network Management System: Software-as-a-Service offering for SMGW monitoring and management, provided through partnership with SPiNE.
- Secure Supply Chain Services: theSI secure delivery and logistics services for SMGW hardware distribution.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Theben Smart Energy product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Theben Smart Energy GmbH develops and manufactures BSI-certified Smart Meter Gateways (CONEXA 3.0, CONEXA M) and FNN-compliant control boxes (SELEXA, SELEXA R, SELEXA D) sold primarily to German metering operators (Messstellenbetreiber), municipal utilities and energy service providers for intelligent metering rollout under the MsbG. The product ecosystem also includes the Mehrwertmodul Flex plug-in control module, the cloud-based Netzwerkmanagementsystem (NMS) for SMGW monitoring, and theSI secure supply chain services.
Product overview
Theben Smart Energy provides a modular Smart Meter Gateway ecosystem centered on the CONEXA platform for Germany's intelligent metering infrastructure (iMSys). The core product line includes CONEXA 3.0 and CONEXA M (with integrated value-added module), supplemented by SELEXA/SELEXA D/SELEXA R control boxes for FNN-compliant plant control, and the Mehrwertmodul Flex for direct gateway-based control. Supporting infrastructure includes the Netzwerkmanagementsystem (NMS) for device monitoring and theSI for secure supply chain management. The company also offers training, technical support, and a customer portal for Messstellenbetreiber (metering point operators).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CONEXA: Smart Meter Gateway platform providing secure communication for the digital energy transition, supporting tariff application cases and remote control functionality.
- CONEXA M
- SELEXA
- SELEXA D
- theSI
Quantifiable outcome
- Up to 80% self-consumption increase for prosumers with energybase.Conexa solution
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Theben Smart Energy
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Theben Smart Energy technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration29 records
Feature6 records
Theben Smart Energy partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- VIVAVIScoreJoint development of BSZ-certified FNN control box SELEXA. The SELEXA D and STBF24C represent the only BSZ-certified FNN control box on the market. VIVAVIS handles backend integration while Theben provides the hardware.
- smartOPTIMOcoreService provider for utilities conducting pilot deployment of NMS with Stadtwerke Witten and Bocholt. smartOPTIMO integrates Theben SMGWs and SPiNE NMS into their service offerings for municipal utilities.
- Horizon Energy Deutschland GmbHmajorFirst MAP (Modellkonfiguration Add-on Produkte) framework contract signed for SMGW supply. Horizon Energy Deutschland as competitive metering operator.
- SPiNE GmbHcoreDevelopment and operation partnership for Network Management System (NMS) for Smart Meter Gateways. SPiNE developed the cloud-based NMS platform integrated with Theben CONEXA 3.0 gateways. The system enables monitoring of connection quality and signal strength for metering operators.
- 50HertzcoreTransmission network operator partner in FlexMC research project (BMWK funded) for optimizing control of micro-flexibilities from heat pumps, EVs, and solar storage via intelligent metering systems.
- decarbon1zecoreBuilding automation startup partner in FlexMC research project for micro-flexibility optimization via SMGW.
- metrifymajorDeployed 10,000 iMsys with Theben Smart Energy's digital control solution in collaboration with partners Heinz Lackmann.
- Heinz LackmannmajorPartner in large-scale deployment of 10,000 iMsys with metrify and Theben Smart Energy.
- advaljucoreCLS service provider for metering operators. Listed on CLS backend interoperability list with CONEXA M, SELEXA R, and SELEXA D.
- BTC AGcoreBackend system provider (including service provider Gwadriga). CONEXA M compatible from Release 4.12, SELEXA R and D compatible from Release 4.12.
- RobotroncoreBackend system provider (including service providers Auxilius, Thüga & Voltaris). SELEXA R and SELEXA D compatible.
- Vaillant GroupcoreMajor HEMS/heat pump manufacturer with extensive EEBUS device portfolio including aroTherm Plus, aroTHERM split/plus, recoCOMPACT, GeniaAir Mono/Split, versoTHERM, myVAILLANT Connect, sensoNET, VR920, MiGo Link, sensoCOMFORT, multiMATIC, MiPro Sense, eloBLOCK - all compatible with CONEXA M and SELEXA.
- HagercoreJoint partner in Smart Metering Summit and product integration. Flow and witty solar HEMS products compatible with CONEXA M and SELEXA.
- Osthessen NetzminorGrid operator piloting system for dimming connection capacity with CLS service provider advalju.
- AiM ConsortiumminorR&D project for Smart Meter Gateway development based on BMWK/BSI standardization roadmap. Partners include BTC and hausheld.
- eMpowerSYS ConsortiumminorR&D project for value-added platform with app store using SMGW as secure communication anchor. Partners include EnBW, hausheld, Hochschule Albstadt-Sigmaringen, co.met, THU, and EEinfratec.
- MeGA ConsortiumminorR&D project starting October 2023 for SMGW deployment in context of large generation facilities > 100kW and their control. Partners include EnBW, hausheld, Hochschule Albstadt-Sigmaringen, co.met, THU, and EEinfratec.
- FlexMC ConsortiumcoreBMWK-funded project starting January 2022 for 3 years. Focus on micro-flexibility control, billing, and documentation via SMGW. Partners include decarbon1ze and 50Hertz.
- SkIES ConsortiumminorFfE-funded project for scalable Energy Sharing integration. Working on technical and economic implementation of § 42c EnWG Energy Sharing framework.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Theben Smart Energy competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Itron: Global smart metering and energy data management company serving utilities worldwide. Itron is a broad incumbent competitor delivering end-to-end AMI/AMM solutions into the European utility market alongside Theben's narrower German-focused product.
- Kamstrup: Danish manufacturer of smart metering solutions for electricity, heat, water, and gas. Kamstrup supplies European utilities with metering endpoints and communication infrastructure that overlap with Theben's electricity-focused SMGW business.
- Landis+Gyr: Global leader in smart metering and grid management solutions headquartered in Switzerland. Landis+Gyr serves the German AMI market with metering endpoints and head-end systems, providing broader-portfolio alternatives to Theben's SMGW-only offering.
- Sagemcom: French-headquartered supplier of smart meters, gateways, and energy management solutions across Europe. Sagemcom holds BSI-certified SMGW products and competes with Theben in the German certified-gateway category as a larger multi-national incumbent.
- E.ON Metering (E.ON Drive & Metering): Metering operator arm of E.ON, one of Germany's largest energy companies and active competitive MSB. E.ON's scale as both customer and infrastructure provider overlaps with Theben's MSB target segment.
Direct peers
- Discovergy GmbH: German digital energy services company providing certified smart metering solutions and meter operator services. Discovergy serves the same MSB/customer base as Theben Smart Energy with competing metering infrastructure offerings.
- PPC AG: German manufacturer of BSI-certified Smart Meter Gateways and broadband-powerline communication systems. PPC is one of the few certified SMGW suppliers in Germany and competes directly with CONEXA for German MSB framework contracts.
- EMH metering GmbH & Co. KG: German manufacturer of smart electricity meters and BSI-certified Smart Meter Gateways. EMH is a direct SMGW competitor to Theben Smart Energy, serving German utilities and metering operators with comparable certified products.
Others
- Robotron Datenbank-Software GmbH: German software provider of metering data management and CLS backend systems used by MSBs. Robotron is also a CLSEXTA backend integration partner for Theben — adjacent/ecosystem peer rather than head-to-head competitor.
- VIVAVIS AG: German provider of grid management, CLS backend, and control-box solutions that joint-developed SELEXA with Theben Smart Energy. VIVAVIS is both a partner and an adjacent competitor in the FNN-Steuerbox ecosystem.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Theben Smart Energy social profiles
Digital presenceTheben Smart Energy compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
Theben Smart Energy financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Theben Smart Energy leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Theben Smart Energy funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Theben Smart Energy 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 Theben Smart Energy
What does Theben Smart Energy do?
Theben Smart Energy GmbH develops and manufactures BSI-certified Smart Meter Gateways (CONEXA 3.0, CONEXA M) and FNN-compliant control boxes (SELEXA, SELEXA R, SELEXA D) sold primarily to German metering operators (Messstellenbetreiber), municipal utilities and energy service providers for intelligent metering rollout under the MsbG. The product ecosystem also includes the Mehrwertmodul Flex plug-in control module, the cloud-based Netzwerkmanagementsystem (NMS) for SMGW monitoring, and theSI secure supply chain services.
Is Theben Smart Energy a public or private company?
Theben Smart Energy is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Theben Smart Energy founded?
Theben Smart Energy was founded in 2020. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Theben Smart Energy based?
Theben Smart Energy is headquartered in Haigerloch, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Theben Smart Energy make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Smart Meter Gateway Sales are the primary driver. The others are control Box Sales, network Management System and secure Supply Chain Services.
Who are Theben Smart Energy's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Itron, Kamstrup, Landis+Gyr, Sagemcom and E.ON Metering (E.ON Drive & Metering). Direct peers are Discovergy GmbH, PPC AG and EMH metering GmbH & Co. KG. Others are Robotron Datenbank-Software GmbH and VIVAVIS AG.
Does Theben Smart Energy have an API?
No public API is recorded for Theben Smart Energy.
What industry is Theben Smart Energy in?
Theben Smart Energy's product category is Smart Metering Hardware and Energy Management. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUADAFAA, AMI Smart Meters (Electric) & Meter Hardware, with a secondary code of EUADAFAO, Standards, Interoperability & Certification (DLMS/COSEM, ANSI C12, IEEE 2030.5). Its NAICS code is 334515 and its SIC code is 3825.