UP Paragliders

What UP Paragliders does

UP Paragliders (legal entity: UP International GmbH, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany) designs, manufactures, and distributes paragliders and supporting equipment for sport pilots worldwide. Founded in 1972 and previously traded as Ultralite Products, the company operates a privately held, single-entity specialty manufacturing business with one German headquarters and a global dealer footprint. UP's product range spans the full certification spectrum - EN/LTF A beginner gliders (RIMO 2), B-class intermediates (KANGRI X, SUMMIT X, MAKALU 5), C-class performance wings (TRANGO X 2.5-liner, TORRE 2-liner), D-class competition wings (MERU 2), and tandem wings (K2 5), alongside accessories (packing bags, backpacks, gloves, speed bars) and aftersales services (2-year checks, performance checks, repairs, reserve packing, color customization).

The technology stack is mechanical and aerodynamic rather than digital. UP develops proprietary airfoil profiles (MPA, Gen-X), 3D panel shaping (N3D, T3D, D3D), stability and support systems (FSS, RSS, BSS, WLS), reduced-drag line schemes (OLS, SOD), and the 2.5-liner hybrid construction, using premium fabrics and lines from Dominico, Porcher Skytex, Liros, Edelrid, and Cousin. Lead Developer Frantisek Pavlousek anchors R&D, including collaboration with a Czech technical university's Institute of Aerospace Technology on airfoil development.

Revenue is generated through three streams: (1) hardware sales of paragliders via a worldwide authorized dealer network, supplemented by direct sales for EN/LTF C-and-above wings and commercial tandems; (2) accessories and apparel via dealers and an own online shop (shop.up-paragliders.com); and (3) professional service revenue from workshop checks, repairs, and reserve packing, with standard services running approximately two weeks. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; high-performance wings are sold via direct inquiry. The go-to-market relies on the dealer channel, OEM-direct for premium wings, an e-commerce storefront for accessories and demo/used inventory, and a Testival-based demo program across major European flying markets. Legal representation rests with Christian Rönning.

Name

UP Paragliders

Legal name

UP International GmbH

Website

https://up-paragliders.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Short description

UP Paragliders (UP International GmbH) is a privately held German manufacturer founded in 1972 that designs, produces, and distributes EN/LTF-certified paragliders, accessories, and after-sales services to sport pilots worldwide through a dealer network, direct sales, and an online shop.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Paragliders (free-flight equipment)

NAICS

Sporting Goods Retailers (45911)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Fixed-Wing Aircraft Kits & Experimental Aircraft Manufacturing (IMABAAAJ)

Keywords

• Paraglider manufacturing
• Free flight equipment
• Tandem paragliders
• Paragliding accessories
• EN LTF certified wings

Headquarters

HQ city

Garmisch-partenkirchen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Paraglider Sales: UP sells paragliders through two channels: authorized dealers worldwide and direct sales for high-performance gliders (EN/LTF C and above) and commercial tandem gliders. Products are categorized by skill level from EN/LTF A to D, including competition and tandem models.
2. Accessories and Apparel: Paragliding accessories including packs, gloves, caps, speed systems, compression bags, and apparel sold via dealer network and direct online shop.
3. Service and Repairs: Workshop services including 2-year checks, performance checks, reserve packing, and repairs. Standard services take approximately two weeks.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

UP Paragliders designs, manufactures, and distributes EN/LTF-certified paragliders covering training through competition classes (A through D plus tandem), supported by branded accessories (backpacks, packing bags, speed bars, gloves, apparel) and in-house workshop services including 2-year checks, performance checks, line trimming, and repairs. Products are sold primarily through a worldwide authorized dealer network, with direct sales for high-performance and tandem wings and a company-run online shop for accessories.

Product overview

UP Paragliders offers a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality paragliders and accessories for every skill level. The core product line includes performance paragliders across certification classes: EN/LTF A (RIMO 2 for training), EN/LTF B (KANGRI X, SUMMIT X, MAKALU 5 for intermediate/advanced), EN/LTF C (TORRE as 2-liner, TRANGO X as 2.5-liner hybrid), EN/LTF D (MERU 2 for competition), and tandem models (K2 5). The portfolio is unified by UP's signature handling characteristics, featuring proprietary technologies including MPA (Maximum Performance Airfoils), N3D/3D panel shaping, and optimized line schemes. Accessories include packing solutions (PARASLEEVE 2/3, Flexbag, Stuffsack), flight gear (gloves, caps, hoodies, speed bars), and backpacks. Services encompass color customization via online tool, professional check/repair with performance trimming, product registration for warranty, and test flight arrangements. The Color Customizer enables pilots to personalize their wing design, while the Check & Repair service uses UP-MTS technology for precision line maintenance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• TORRE Paraglider EN/LTF C certified 2-liner performance paraglider with 67 cells, aspect ratio 6.45, winglets, and an unsheathed line design for reduced drag, aimed at experienced pilots seeking maximum speed and C-class performance.
• K2 5 Tandem Paraglider Tandem paraglider with 56 cells, aspect ratio 5.7, double 3D-shaping, and AIT (Air Intake Tension) lines for clean leading edge at high speeds; available in three sizes (38, 41, 44) covering 95-240 kg total load for professional and private tandem pilots.
• MERU 2 Paraglider EN/LTF D certified high-performance competition paraglider with 84 cells and aspect ratio 6.9, targeting top-level competition and experienced XC pilots.
• TRANGO X Paraglider EN/LTF C certified 2.5-liner hybrid paraglider combining 3-liner and 2-liner concepts, with 65 cells, aspect ratio 6.47, Gen-X airfoils, HPR (High Performance Risers), and AIT technology for maximum efficiency and XC performance.
• KANGRI X Paraglider EN/LTF B rated paraglider designed for hike-and-fly and adventure flying with low weight and compact packing size while maintaining excellent cross-country qualities.
• MAKALU 5 Paraglider High-performance EN/LTF B-C class paraglider used by team pilots for cross-country flights, including reported 221 km flights.
• SUMMIT X Paraglider EN/LTF B rated paraglider featured in team pilot news with reported 207 km flights in Italy.
• RIMO 2 Paraglider EN/LTF A certified paraglider tested by Edelweiss flight school, designed for training and beginner pilots.
• PARASLEEVE 3 Cell pack sack with practical details for maximum protection; available in sizes S, M, L (430g for size M); included with TORRE purchase.
• PARASLEEVE 2 Cell pack sack for cell-on-cell packing with protected nylon rods, available in 3 sizes and weighing only 460g in size M.
• UP Rucksack Robust and comfortable backpack available in sizes M (140L / 1230g) and L (175L / 1330g) for carrying paragliding equipment.
• Flexbag Compression bag with anti-snag zipper and roll closure for compact packing, available in S, M, L, XL sizes in different colors.
• 2-Step Speed Bar Two-stage speed bar for accelerated flight, easy to install and operate.
• Handschuhe Asgard 2 Gloves Gloves for warmer seasons and transitional periods; wind and water resistant but breathable; touchscreen compatible; available in 5 sizes.
• Handschuhe Vesuv 2 Gloves Gloves with elastic wrist bands and waterproof stretch material combined with leather; comfortable in cooler temperatures; touchscreen compatible; available in 5 sizes.
• UP Stuffsack Quick packing bag for all paraglider models and sizes, especially practical for training, professional tandem flying, and winter storage.
• Check & Repair Service Professional workshop service including 2-year checks, performance checks, and repairs, utilizing the UP-MTS system for precise line trimming.
• Product Registration Service Warranty and support registration service for UP paraglider products, supporting the 2-year international warranty (3 years in DACH with UP service check).
• Test Flight Service Arrangement of test flights with UP gliders through test festivals, authorized dealers, or directly from UP; demo wings available for loan (typically one week, borrower pays shipping).
• Color Customizer Online tool for customizing paraglider colors, allowing pilots to design their wing with custom color schemes.

Quantifiable outcome

• Team pilots achieved notable results including 293 km flight (Martin Bühler), 265 km FAI flight (Julian Lange), first place in XContest FAI-3 PG 50plus category, and multiple competition victories
• +1 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature16 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered regional, core and minor.

• PBB Paragliding (Bengt Pettersson)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUP distributor for Sweden. Bengt Pettersson represents UP at local events including the Åre Skärmflygklubb testival celebrating the club's 50th anniversary in July 2026.
• UP Performance CenterscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealers specifically trained and equipped to provide specialized consultation for high-performance wings. These centers offer tailored advice for C, D-class gliders and competition models.
• Nordbayerische Drachen- und Gleitschirmflieger (NBDF)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman hang gliding and paragliding club organizing the Testival Siegritz event on September 5-6, 2026, where UP participates with rental gliders.
• Technical University (Czech Republic)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUP collaborated with a technical university in Czech Republic for the development of new wing profiles, including the TRANGO X airfoil designed in cooperation with the Institute of Aerospace Technology.
• DFCI (Drachenfliegerclub Ingolstadt)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman hang gliding club celebrating 50th anniversary on July 11-12, 2026 with a testival event in Altmühl Valley. UP participates with demo gliders.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Gin Gliders: Korean-founded paraglider manufacturer with global distribution. Competes directly with UP in the performance and competition segment using similar hybrid line architectures and an active team pilot program.
• Niviuk Gliders: Spanish paraglider manufacturer with global dealer coverage and a full range from school to competition wings. Competes directly with UP across skill levels and serves the same international pilot base.
• Sup'Air: French manufacturer specializing in harnesses and accessories for paragliding, with adjacent paraglider offerings. Comparable as a European paragliding equipment peer serving the same dealer and pilot ecosystem.
• BGD (Bruce Goldsmith Design): Paraglider manufacturer with a comparable EN/LTF-certified product range from beginner to competition. Overlaps directly with UP in target customers and in serving both recreational and competition pilots.
• Advance Thun AG: Swiss paraglider and harness manufacturer with a full A-through-D certified product range and a strong European dealer presence. Highly comparable to UP in target customer, certification strategy, and premium positioning.
• Ozone Paragliders: One of the largest dedicated paraglider manufacturers globally, headquartered in the UK. Direct competitor to UP across EN/LTF A through D and tandem segments, with comparable technology depth and a worldwide dealer network.
• Air Design Gliders: Austrian paraglider manufacturer producing certified wings across skill levels. Comparable to UP in size, European focus, and emphasis on handling characteristics in the EN/LTF B/C space.
• Skywalk GmbH & Co. KG: German paraglider manufacturer offering A-through-D wings and a tandem, with a dealer network across Europe and beyond. Closely comparable German-based peer with overlapping customer segments.
• Apco Aviation: Israeli paraglider manufacturer with a full product range and global distribution. Competes with UP across the same certification classes and serves the same international pilot market.
• Nova Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH: Austrian paraglider and harness manufacturer offering a complete A-through-D range plus accessories. Directly comparable to UP in product breadth, premium positioning, and European dealer network.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@UP-international
• Facebookfacebook.com/UPparagliders
• Instagraminstagram.com/upparagliders

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 UP Paragliders