What Ppm Holding Gmbh does

PPM Precise Positioning Management GmbH (operating as PPM GmbH and ppm-Design) is a privately held German system house for GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) solutions, headquartered in Penzberg, Upper Bavaria, and founded in 1998. The company combines proprietary in-house developed hardware and software under the ppm-Design brand with value-added distribution of complementary products from global manufacturers such as NovAtel (Hexagon), LITEF (Northrop Grumman), Luminar, Furuno, LabSat (Racelogic), and Inertial Labs. Its core proprietary offering is the ppm10xx GNSS sensor family — a compact (130–235 g), multi-frequency, multi-constellation RTK receiver line supporting GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BEIDOU, and SBAS, with the ppm10xx zero variant adding integrated IMU-based tilt compensation up to 60 degrees. Complementary proprietary software includes ppm Commander (Android/Windows linking software handling NTRIP corrections and coordinate transformations) and ppm Terminal (professional configuration and analysis). The company's solutions are validated by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre for area measurements per EU Directive 809/2014.

The company serves surveying and GIS professionals, construction and civil engineering firms, forestry and agriculture entities, government agencies and municipalities, automotive testing facilities, maritime/hydrography users, and OEM/system integrators. Customers documented in the source data include Bavarian Palace Department, Bavarian State Tax Office, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Office, Flughafen Memmingen, Wiener Netze, City of Vienna, GEO Group, ETH Zürich, and Neubrandenburg University, among others.

The business operates with approximately 10 employees under managing partners Stefan Geißler and Michael Singer (in place since 2006). Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales of proprietary and distributed GNSS products, software licensing (ppm Commander, ppm Terminal, plus bundled third-party software like DATAflor MEASUREapp and Carlson Layout), and custom development and manufacturing services under the ppm-Design brand. Go-to-market is hybrid: direct sales from headquarters, an e-commerce shop (ppmshop.de), a channel partner network (ili gis-services, RIWA, Bunzel Bauvermessungstechnik, Dataflor AG), and active participation in trade shows including INTERGEO, KOMMUNALE, and Enforce Tac. Pricing is predominantly quote-based with multi-year support contracts; the company is bootstrapped with no disclosed external funding.

Name

Ppm Holding Gmbh

Legal name

PPM Precise Positioning Management GmbH

Website

https://ppmgmbh.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

PPM Precise Positioning Management GmbH is a Penzberg-based German GNSS system house founded in 1998, providing proprietary ppm10xx receivers, distributed third-party GNSS hardware, and proprietary software (ppm Commander, ppm Terminal) for surveying, construction, forestry, government, and utilities customers across the DACH region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Penzberg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. GNSS Hardware Sales: PPM GmbH generates revenue primarily through the sale of GNSS hardware products, including proprietary ppm10xx sensor family (ppm10xx, ppm10xx BT, ppm10xx zero), NovAtel GNSS receivers, antennas, simulators, and accessories. The company also offers custom product development and manufacturing through ppm-Design.
2. Software Licensing and Services: Revenue generated from software products including ppm Commander (Windows and Android), ppm Terminal, as well as bundled third-party software such as DATAflor MEASUREapp and Carlson Layout. Professional services including consulting, repair, and after-sales support also contribute to revenue.
3. Custom Development and Manufacturing (ppm-Design): Customized product development and manufacturing services branded under ppm-Design. This covers bespoke GNSS solutions tailored to specific customer requirements, complementing the portfolio of commercial off-the-shelf products.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

PPM GmbH operates as a system house for GNSS, providing GNSS receivers, antennas, timing modules, and software for surveying and positioning. The company offers a complete range of GPS-related products from consulting to individual components to customized product development and manufacturing. Its proprietary ppm10xx sensor family (ppm10xx, ppm10xx BT, ppm10xx zero) is complemented by distributed third-party hardware (NovAtel, LITEF, Furuno, Luminar, LabSat) and proprietary software (ppm Commander, ppm Terminal).

Product overview

PPM GmbH operates as a system house offering comprehensive GNSS/GPS solutions, combining proprietary ppm-Design products with third-party hardware and software. The core hardware portfolio centers on three ppm10xx GNSS sensor variants: the standard ppm10xx (USB-connected), ppm10xx BT (wireless with Bluetooth), and ppm10xx zero (with tilt compensation via integrated IMU). These work alongside proprietary ppm Commander and ppm Terminal software, complemented by partner applications including DATAflor MEASUREapp and Carlson Layout for surveying workflows. The company also distributes complementary GNSS hardware including anti-jamming antennas, GPS simulators, IMUs, and timing modules from manufacturers like NovAtel, Furuno, LITEF, and Luminar, along with various antenna types and accessories.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ppm-Design: Proprietary in-house product brand for GNSS sensors and systems developed and manufactured by PPM GmbH, including the ppm10xx, ppm10xx BT, ppm10xx zero, ppm20xx, and ppm40xx GNSS product lines.
• ppm Commander
• ppm Terminal

Products and services

• ppm10xx GNSS Sensor A compact multi-frequency RTK GNSS receiver supporting GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BEIDOU systems. Connects via USB to tablets or smartphones, offering centimeter-level accuracy for surveying, construction, and GIS applications. Weighs 130g with dimensions 10x5x3 cm and is validated by the European Commission's JRC for area measurements per EU Directive 809/2014.
• ppm10xx BT GNSS Sensor A wireless GNSS sensor using Bluetooth Low Energy for cable-free data transfer and power supply, with an integrated rechargeable battery. Features an L1/L2 helix antenna providing near 360-degree reception with multipath suppression. Designed for cable-free surveying workflows.
• ppm10xx zero GNSS Sensor The lightest GNSS sensor with an integrated IMU for tilt compensation, enabling centimeter-accurate measurements at angles up to 60 degrees without requiring a circular level. Features Bluetooth LE, internal battery up to 24 hours, ergonomic design with centered weight distribution, and weighs 170g. Manufactured in Germany.
• ppm Commander Software Proprietary linking software between GNSS receiver and application software for configuration, NTRIP correction data reception, coordinate transformation, and seamless data transfer to GIS applications without accuracy loss. Available for Windows and Android.
• ppm Terminal Software Terminal software for configuring GNSS receivers and for professional visualization and analysis of GNSS receiver data.
• GAJT-AE3 Anti-Jamming GNSS System for Aircraft Multi-Constellation and Multi-Frequency GNSS protection system with seven-direction jamming protection per frequency band, specifically designed for aircraft. Distributed as part of PPM's anti-jamming portfolio for aerospace and defense customers.
• DATAflor MEASUREapp Intuitive measurement software from DATAflor AG for precise measurements, efficient data processing, and seamless integration into digital workflows. Supports stakeout, control measurements, and direct CAD/BIM data transfer. Distributed by PPM in the DACH region.
• Carlson Layout Android surveying software from Carlson Software for beginners with intuitive graphic-driven operation. Supports DXF and DWG file import, stakeout functionality, and background maps. Bundled and recommended with ppm10xx GNSS sensors.
• NovAtel OEM7 GNSS OEM Board Series High-precision 555-channel GNSS OEM receivers from NovAtel (Hexagon) supporting GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BEIDOU, QZSS, and IRNSS. Available in OEM719, OEM729, OEM7500, OEM7600, OEM7700, and OEM7720 form factors. Distributed by PPM in the DACH region.
• ppm-Design Custom Development and Manufacturing Bespoke GNSS solution design, development, and manufacturing services under the ppm-Design brand, covering customized product development tailored to specific customer requirements to complement commercial off-the-shelf products.
• GNSS Consulting and After-Sales Services Consulting, repair, and after-sales support services for GNSS products, offered by PPM's sales and service professionals drawn from leading GPS and communications manufacturers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Tree management savings: TreeConsult reduced measurement burden by replacing bulky smart antenna systems (previously carried in backpacks) with 130g ppm10xx sensors, enabling each of 7 field teams to have their own device.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NovAtel (Hexagon)coreTechnology or IntegrationNovAtel, a brand under Hexagon, is a primary technology partner supplying OEM7 GNSS board series, PwrPak7 sensors, MarinePak7, SMART7 antennas, and anti-jamming products (GAJT series). PPM GmbH serves as a value-added distributor and system integrator for NovAtel products in the DACH region.
• LITEF (Northrop Grumman)coreTechnology or IntegrationLITEF, a Northrop Grumman company, supplies inertial measurement units (IMUs) including the LiPAD-100, ISA-100, LCI-100, and µIMU. PPM GmbH distributes LITEF products as part of its GNSS and positioning solution portfolio.
• LuminarcoreTechnology or IntegrationLuminar supplies LiDAR sensors with up to 500m range at 1550nm wavelength, compliant with Laser Class 1. PPM GmbH distributes Luminar LiDAR products for automotive, surveying, and mapping applications.
• FurunocoreTechnology or IntegrationFuruno supplies GNSS timing products including the TB-1 portable GNSS reference signal generator. PPM GmbH distributes Furuno timing solutions in the DACH region.
• LabSat (Racelogic)coreTechnology or IntegrationLabSat by Racelogic provides GNSS record and replay simulators. PPM GmbH distributes LabSat 4 and related products for testing and developing GNSS receivers.
• Carlson SoftwarecoreTechnology or IntegrationCarlson Software provides Carlson Layout surveying software for Android. PPM GmbH bundles and recommends Carlson Layout with its ppm10xx GNSS sensors as a complete surveying solution.
• DATAflor AGcoreTechnology or IntegrationDATAflor AG provides the DATAflor MEASUREapp for precise measurements and digital workflows. PPM GmbH expanded its product portfolio by adding DATAflor MEASUREapp as a recommended companion to its GNSS sensors in May 2025.
• RIWA GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRIWA GmbH provides the RIWA KartenApp and RIWA GIS-Zentrum for mobile GIS data collection. PPM GmbH partners with RIWA to enable professional GPS receivers to be used within the RIWA GIS ecosystem for municipal applications.
• ili gis-servicescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributorili gis-services of Freising, Germany is a key channel partner that integrates ppm10xx GNSS sensors into turnkey GIS solutions, notably winning the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern government tender for IACS area control.
• Bunzel BauvermessungstechnikminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBunzel Bauvermessungstechnik serves as a channel partner for construction surveying solutions, integrating ppm products into specialized equipment packages for the construction industry.
• GeoLantis360 (PelicanCorp)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGeoLantis360 by PelicanCorp provides a geodata solution for capturing and locating underground utility assets. PPM GmbH recommends this solution in combination with its GNSS sensors for 3D utility asset mapping.
• GS1 GermanyminorOthersPPM GmbH holds a GS1 Germany certificate, indicating participation in the global GS1 standards organization for product identification and barcodes.
• Inertial LabscoreTechnology or IntegrationInertial Labs supplies inertial measurement and positioning solutions. PPM GmbH distributes Inertial Labs products as part of its comprehensive GNSS and positioning technology portfolio.
• systema GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partnersystema GmbH developed the online portal and GIS solution for the City of Vienna's Alte Donau underwater mowing management, integrating ppm10xx GNSS sensors for precise boat positioning and mowing area tracking.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Stonex Srl: Italian manufacturer of GNSS surveying instruments, GIS handhelds, and total stations with strong EMEA distribution. Directly comparable product/market overlap with Ppm in DACH-adjacent markets.
• CHC Navigation (CHCNAV): Chinese manufacturer of compact and full-featured GNSS RTK rovers, GIS receivers and hydrographic equipment. Closely comparable product set to Ppm's, competing in surveying, GIS, and machine control globally at aggressive price points.
• Emlid: Compact, affordable multi-frequency RTK GNSS receiver maker (Reach RS3, RX) targeting GIS, surveying, drone mapping and hobbyist/maker markets. Highly comparable to Ppm's lightweight centimeter-accurate ethos and integration-with-tablet workflow.
• u-blox: Swiss fabless GNSS module/chip maker supplying RTK and high-precision positioning components to OEMs and integrators. Highly comparable to Ppm's OEM/integration business with multi-frequency multi-constellation receivers in compact form factors.
• Septentrio (Hexagon): Belgium-based high-precision GNSS receiver manufacturer (now owned by Hexagon) specializing in OEM boards and reference receivers with strong anti-jamming/anti-spoofing capabilities. Direct overlap with Ppm's NovAtel-sourced OEM7 portfolio and counter-UAS/security positioning.

Others

• Carlson Software: Surveying and mining software publisher (Carlson Layout, Carlson Survey) bundled with Ppm's hardware. Not a direct competitor — a partner — but operates in the same surveying value chain and is comparable for understanding the software ecosystem Ppm integrates into.

Emerging players

• ArduSimple: European distributor and integrator of u-blox-based RTK boards and simpleRTK2B kits aimed at makers, surveying pilots, and integration projects. Adjacent peer targeting similar lightweight, low-cost RTK positioning workflows as Ppm.

Broad incumbents

• Leica Geosystems (Hexagon): Hexagon's flagship surveying brand offering high-precision GNSS rovers, total stations, and machine-control systems. Competes broadly with Ppm across centimeter-accurate surveying but is far larger and broader in scope — Ppm represents the regional, agile, lightweight alternative.
• Trimble Inc. Global leader in GNSS hardware and surveying software (Trimble Access, Catalyst). Indirectly comparable through Trimble's compact R-series and Catalyst software GNSS receiver, although Trimble targets large enterprise surveyors while Ppm serves lighter-form-factor use cases.
• Topcon Positioning Group: Major Japanese surveying and GNSS equipment manufacturer offering integrated rovers, machine control and OEM boards. Overlaps with Ppm in high-precision receivers and OEM distribution, but operates at far greater scale with full enterprise platforms.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ppmgmbh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 Ppm Holding Gmbh