Craftnote

Craftnote Competitive Intelligence & Landscape

craftnote.de ·

Craftnote
ForesightIQ Predictions

What is Craftnote likely to do next?

ForesightIQ connects Craftnote's hiring, product, web, ad, and market signals to forecast strategic moves — often months before they're announced.

Hiring signal

Senior hiring patterns point to a planned enterprise product line launching within two quarters.

High confidence · Next 1–2 quarters
Product signal

Quiet changes to docs and pricing pages signal an upcoming usage-based pricing tier and new API surface.

Likely · Next quarter
Market signal

Ad spend and partnership activity indicate a push into the mid-market segment across two new regions.

Plausible · Next 2–3 quarters
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Overview

Craftnote Overview

Craftnote (craftnote.de) is a prominent German software company specializing in digital solutions for the construction and skilled trades industry. Headquartered in Berlin, Germany, and operating under Aceve Deutschland GmbH, Craftnote offers a comprehensive digital construction folder (digitale Baumappe) designed to streamline workflows for craftsmen and construction businesses. Their core mission is to

Competitors

Craftnote Competitors

Craftnote (craftnote.de) operates in the competitive landscape of digital construction site documentation and communication software, facing numerous alternatives in the German and European markets. A significant direct competitor is HERO Handwerker Software (hero-software.de). Both platforms offer comprehensive solutions for craftsmen, including functions for team communication, documentation, and potentially time tracking. Users often compare HERO and Craftnote based on their specific features and how well they integrate into existing workflows, as both aim to digitalize and streamline processes for construction businesses. The choice between them often comes down to specific operational needs and user preference for interface and feature set.

Another key competitor is 123erfasst, which, according to buzzard-ai.de, offers a strong Handwerker-App with a particular focus on time tracking and mobile measurement, differentiating itself from Craftnote's emphasis on construction diaries and photo documentation (buzzard-ai.de/craftnote-vs-123erfasst/). While both are powerful, they cater to slightly different core needs within the same industry.

Craftboxx (craftboxx.de) also stands out as an alternative, focusing on order planning, mobile time recording, and documentation up to acceptance, while also being flexible enough to combine with existing accounting software like bexio or Sage Active (craftboxx.de). This modular approach might appeal to businesses looking to integrate new tools without overhauling their entire financial management system.

In the broader competitive landscape, Craftnote also faces competition from solutions like Connecteam and Zenzap, which are listed as popular alternatives offering similar features, pricing, and benefits (softwareworld.co/competitors/craftnote-alternatives/). Furthermore, platforms like Photoruction, Gryps, and StructionSite are identified as top competitors, especially considering Craftnote's focus on web and mobile-based construction site documentation and communication (tracxn.com/d/companies/craftnote/__fvJAttKQEujJbtktzNcWj_Cpwk2S4bcZMQyfVZ-93kU). These competitors collectively target the same market segment of construction companies and craftsmen seeking to digitalize their operations, with varying strengths in areas like photo documentation, project management, and team collaboration. The continuous evolution of these platforms means that features, pricing models, and market share are constantly shifting as they vie for dominance in the digital construction sector.

Alternatives

Craftnote Alternatives

Product & Pricing

Craftnote Product and Pricing Intelligence

Craftnote (craftnote.de) offers a comprehensive digital construction management solution designed to streamline operations for various trades, including SHK, high-rise, civil, drywall, electricians, painters, metalworkers, carpenters, tilers, roofers, and joiners. The platform centralizes crucial information in a digital construction map, allowing real-time access and simplified coordination between the office and the construction site. Key features encompass a Bautagebuch (construction logbook) for digital record-keeping, robust Baudokumentation to prevent unwarranted defect claims, and Zeiterfassung (time tracking) accessible via mobile or computer. Additionally, Craftnote facilitates team communication through its integrated Chat feature, provides standardized and customizable Rapport (report) forms for organizing daily tasks, and includes a Plantafel (planning board) for resource and capacity management, alongside Fahrzeug-Tracking for live fleet location and automated logbooks.

For more advanced back-office tasks, Craftnote provides a dedicated product called Büro Plus. This module, currently priced at €49.90 per user/month (excluding VAT) with annual billing, is a discount from its previous price of €69.90 per user/month.

Büro Plus is designed to eliminate paper chaos by enabling users to create offers and invoices using templates and automations, store customer data centrally, maintain a digital catalog of materials and services, and perform automatic calculations. It ensures a real-time overview of all open offers and invoices, and is GoBD-compliant and ready for e-invoicing, ensuring legal certainty and efficient billing processes.

While Craftnote emphasizes its all-in-one approach, it also offers Schnittstellen (interfaces) to integrate with existing applications, aiming to prevent duplicate entries and optimize workflows. Currently, Craftnote does not charge for an active interface, although the company notes that costs for interfaces can sometimes comprise two components. The platform operates as a cloud-based software, meaning no local installation is required, and its full range of functions, including modules and user roles, is detailed on the Craftnote website's pricing page. Users can test the platform for free, accessing an intuitive system for efficient order processing and management.

Hiring & Layoffs

Craftnote Hiring and Layoffs

Craftnote (craftnote.de) actively seeks to expand its team, reflecting a strategic focus on enhancing its innovative platform for the craft and construction industries. The company regularly lists full-time positions at its Berlin location, indicating a commitment to developing its core product and reaching a broader audience. Current job openings span crucial areas like product development, marketing, and customer support, signaling Craftnote's dedication to improving user experience and market penetration.

Notably, Craftnote is currently hiring for a UX Designer / Product Designer (m/w/d), a Content Manager (m/w/d), and a Customer Support & Success Manager (m/w/d), all based in Berlin and offered as full-time roles [https://craftnote.de/jobs/]. These roles are vital for the company's mission to streamline digital workflows for craft businesses, allowing them to save time and costs by replacing traditional analog processes with efficient digital solutions [https://craftnote.de/jobs/ux-designer-m-w-d/]. The open positions highlight Craftnote's investment in both the design and functionality of its app, as well as its ability to effectively communicate its value proposition to potential and existing customers.

The consistent offering of roles in product management and design, such as a Product Manager (m/w/d) [https://craftnote.de/jobs/product-manager-m-w-d/], alongside marketing and customer-facing positions, underscores Craftnote's growth-oriented strategy. There is no public information or indication of recent layoffs at Craftnote. Instead, the hiring patterns suggest a healthy expansion phase, aiming to further integrate digital solutions into the trades and solidify its position as a central tool for project planning, task coordination, and documentation within the craft sector [https://craftnote.de/blog/craftnote-wird-7-und-steht-auf-8-1-2-starken-grundsteinen/]. This aligns with their vision of seamlessly connecting the tradition of craftsmanship with the digital world.

Leadership

Craftnote Management and Leadership Team

Craftnote (Aceve Deutschland GmbH) is led by a dedicated management team committed to digitizing the skilled trades. The company is officially represented by Dr. Kapil Kohli and Claus Thorsgaard, who are listed as managing directors in the company's impressum [https://craftnote.de/impressum/]. They oversee the strategic direction and operations of Craftnote, focusing on its mission to provide intuitive software solutions that save time for artisans [https://craftnote.de/ueber-uns/].

Recent leadership changes at Craftnote include the departure of co-founder Dirk.

Dirk played a pivotal role in shaping the product and fostering a close connection to the trades, drawing from his own practical experience [https://craftnote.de/blog/craftnote-wird-7-und-steht-auf-8-1-2-starken-grundsteinen/]. His vision and dedication were instrumental in the company's growth, and he was considered by many to be the "heartpiece of the brand" [https://craftnote.de/blog/von-der-ersten-idee-bis-heute-dirk-im-interview-ueber-seine-zeit-bei-craftnote/]. Despite his departure, Craftnote assures its users that the service and support remain unchanged [https://craftnote.de/craftnote-powered-by-aceve/].

Another significant figure in Craftnote's development has been Gleb Christoffel, who served as a managing director. He was crucial in building Craftnote from its initial idea into a full-fledged company, professionalizing internal structures and working with the team to achieve its goals [https://craftnote.de/blog/craftnote-wird-7-und-steht-auf-8-1-2-starken-grundsteinen/]. The company also features its CEO prominently in webinars, discussing topics such as efficient vehicle tracking, indicating active leadership engagement in customer-facing initiatives [https://craftnote.de/event/effizienz-dank-fahrzeugtracking/]. These leadership figures collectively drive Craftnote's innovation and growth within the digital craftsmanship sector.

Financials

Craftnote Financial Performance, Fundraising, M&A

Craftnote, operating under the legal entity Aceve Deutschland GmbH, is a digital solution provider for the trades sector, emphasizing a paperless workflow for construction projects [https://craftnote.de/]. While specific revenue figures are not publicly disclosed, Craftnote generates income through various subscription tiers, with prices ranging from 14.90 € to 49.90 € per user per month for annual billing, and additional costs for features like vehicle tracking [https://craftnote.de/preise/]. The company positions itself as a tool to enhance efficiency and organization for various trades, suggesting a recurring revenue model based on user subscriptions.

Regarding fundraising and financial health, Craftnote was initially part of the HVD-Gruppe and has since become a component of Aceve, a broader network that consolidates experiences and ideas from across Europe [https://craftnote.de/craftnote-powered-by-aceve/]. This integration into Aceve implies a strategic alignment for growth and development, leveraging collective resources and knowledge from over 15,000 craft businesses throughout Europe. The company celebrated its seventh anniversary of official founding, with the underlying idea developing over 8.5 years, indicating sustained operations and evolution in the market [https://craftnote.de/blog/craftnote-wird-7-und-steht-auf-8-1-2-starken-grundsteinen/].

There is no explicit information on specific funding rounds, valuations, or acquisition activities for Craftnote as a standalone entity. However, its position within Aceve suggests a larger organizational structure that supports its growth and market expansion. The company focuses on continuous innovation and aims to seamlessly connect traditional craftsmanship with the digital world, driven by a mission to create more time for essential craft work by providing accessible software for all tradespeople [https://craftnote.de/ueber-uns/]. Its continuous efforts in product development and its dynamic team, evident from open job positions, reflect an ongoing investment in its platform and future growth [https://craftnote.de/jobs/].

Partnerships

Craftnote Partnerships, Clients and Vendors

Craftnote (craftnote.de) actively fosters a robust ecosystem through strategic technology integrations and partnerships, enhancing its comprehensive digital construction site management solutions. The platform is part of Aceve, leveraging its expertise and network to strengthen its offerings for the European construction industry [craftnote.de/craftnote-powered-by-aceve/]. This affiliation provides Craftnote with insights from over 15,000 craft businesses across Europe, ensuring a continuously improving product with German software quality and European support [craftnote.de/craftnote-powered-by-aceve/].

Craftnote offers numerous integrations with leading software providers to streamline workflows for its diverse clientele. Notable partnerships include 4b-software, allowing users to connect their 4b ERP-Software for optimized business processes and enhanced CRM capabilities [craftnote.de/schnittstelle/4b-software/]. Integration with LC-TOP provides robust tools for order and project management, customer administration, and calculation, specifically tailored for the SHK and electrical industries [craftnote.de/schnittstelle/lc-top/]. Furthermore, CPUWIN® integrates with Craftnote to offer a powerful solution for order processing, calculation, and billing in construction, craft, and production [craftnote.de/schnittstelle/cpuwin/]. Another key integration is with blue:solution – work, a free and cloud-based software that supports over 30,000 craft businesses in their daily office tasks, providing a modern path to digitalization for the construction craft [craftnote.de/schnittstelle/blue-solution/].

Beyond these, Craftnote partners with Fenzon, a sales platform for building elements, enabling direct access to price and product information from manufacturers and facilitating intuitive, location-independent quote generation and order processing for items like windows, doors, and garage doors [craftnote.de/schnittstelle/fenzon/]. Specialized integration with Patt Elektrotechnik extends the capabilities of LC-Top software, providing enhanced features for electrical professionals [craftnote.de/schnittstelle/].

Craftnote serves a broad client base, including companies like Alois Mehlhart GmbH, Dinkel Metall- & Anlagenbau GmbH & Co. KG, and SK Malermanufaktur, all of whom benefit from its digital solutions for time tracking, site documentation, and overall paperless operations [craftnote.de/]. These collaborations and client successes underscore Craftnote's commitment to empowering craft businesses through digital innovation [craftnote.de/erfolgsgeschichten/].

Events

Craftnote Event Participations

Craftnote (craftnote.de) actively engages with the craft and trade industry through a variety of online events and educational resources, demonstrating their commitment to digital transformation in the skilled trades. They host an "Events" page https://craftnote.de/event/ to highlight opportunities for craftsmen to delve into digital craftsmanship and learn how Craftnote can enhance their operations. These events often feature insights from industry experts and fellow craftspeople, fostering a sense of community among users.

Central to their event strategy are Craftnote's frequent online webinars, which cover key aspects of digitalizing craft businesses. Examples include sessions on efficient proposal and invoicing processes with "Büro Plus" https://craftnote.de/event/angebot-und-rechnung/, strategies for attracting new employees and apprentices using AI and social media https://craftnote.de/event/mitarbeitergewinnung/, and optimizing operations through vehicle tracking with their CEO https://craftnote.de/event/effizienz-dank-fahrzeugtracking/. These free, online sessions are designed to provide practical, time-efficient solutions for real-world challenges faced by tradespeople.

In addition to these focused webinars, Craftnote also offers online demos tailored for new customers to introduce them to digital task management and the overall benefits of integrating Craftnote into their daily workflow https://craftnote.de/event/aufgabenmanagement/. Their commitment to supporting users extends beyond live events through their active customer service, a comprehensive help section https://craftnote.de/termin-anfragen/, and a dedicated blog https://craftnote.de/blog/ that provides ongoing information, tips, and tricks related to digitalization, project management, and daily operations for various trades. Through these diverse offerings, Craftnote empowers craft businesses to navigate the digital landscape effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What strategic implications does Craftnote's integration into Aceve signal for its market position and product development?

Craftnote's integration into Aceve suggests a strategic move to leverage a broader network and collective resources for growth. This affiliation provides Craftnote with insights from over 15,000 craft businesses across Europe, aiming to strengthen its offerings, ensure German software quality, and deliver European support, thus enhancing its product development and market expansion capabilities.

What do Craftnote's recent hiring patterns, particularly for UX/Product Designers and Content Managers, suggest about their strategic priorities?

Craftnote's current hiring for roles like UX Designer / Product Designer and Content Manager indicates a strong strategic focus on enhancing user experience, platform functionality, and market penetration. These roles are crucial for improving the app's design, streamlining digital workflows, and effectively communicating its value proposition to potential and existing customers.

What is the significance of Dr. Kapil Kohli and Claus Thorsgaard leading Craftnote, especially after the departure of co-founder Dirk?

Dr. Kapil Kohli and Claus Thorsgaard, as managing directors, now lead Craftnote's strategic direction and operations. Their leadership ensures continuity in the company's mission to provide intuitive software solutions, particularly after the departure of co-founder Dirk, who was instrumental in product shaping and connecting with the trades. Craftnote assures users that service and support remain unchanged under the current leadership.

How does Craftnote's pricing strategy, particularly for 'Büro Plus,' compare with its core offering and what does it suggest about its target market?

Craftnote's 'Büro Plus' is priced at €49.90 per user/month (annual billing), a discount from €69.90, compared to its core platform with tiers from 14.90 € to 49.90 € per user per month. This tiered pricing, with 'Büro Plus' as a premium add-on for back-office tasks like offers and invoicing, suggests Craftnote targets a wide range of trades, offering a basic site management solution and an advanced option for businesses needing comprehensive financial and administrative tools.

What does Craftnote's emphasis on various online webinars and educational resources, like those for 'Büro Plus' and 'Mitarbeitergewinnung,' signal about its customer engagement and go-to-market strategy?

Craftnote's frequent online webinars and educational resources, covering topics like 'Büro Plus' and 'Mitarbeitergewinnung,' signal a strong focus on customer education and a content-driven go-to-market strategy. These free sessions are designed to provide practical solutions, foster community, and introduce users to how Craftnote can enhance operations, indicating a strategy to drive adoption and demonstrate value through practical application.

What do Craftnote's key technology integrations, such as with 4b-software, LC-TOP, and CPUWIN®, indicate about its ecosystem strategy and value proposition?

Craftnote's key technology integrations with providers like 4b-software, LC-TOP, and CPUWIN® indicate a strategic commitment to building a robust ecosystem through interoperability. These partnerships aim to prevent duplicate entries, optimize workflows by connecting to existing ERP, order management, and billing systems, and enhance Craftnote's value proposition by offering a more comprehensive and integrated digital solution for the trades.

How do Craftnote's specific product features like 'Bautagebuch', 'Zeiterfassung', and 'Fahrzeug-Tracking' address the core pain points of its target craft businesses?

Craftnote's features like 'Bautagebuch' (construction logbook), 'Zeiterfassung' (time tracking), and 'Fahrzeug-Tracking' directly address key pain points for craft businesses by digitizing and centralizing project information. These tools aim to prevent unwarranted defect claims through robust documentation, save time and costs by replacing analog processes, and optimize operations through efficient resource and fleet management, ultimately streamlining daily workflows.

What are the competitive implications of Craftnote's positioning against alternatives like 123erfasst and orgaMAX, considering their respective feature focuses?

Craftnote's competitive positioning against 123erfasst (stronger in time tracking/measurement) and orgaMAX (broader office/accounting solution) indicates it carves out a niche primarily focused on construction site documentation, communication, and basic time tracking. While powerful, Craftnote aims for a streamlined 'digital construction folder' experience, suggesting it differentiates by emphasizing ease of use and specific on-site workflow efficiency rather than extensive back-office or specialized field data capture.

Does Craftnote's financial structure, particularly its position within Aceve and subscription model, suggest a stable or high-growth trajectory?

Craftnote's position within Aceve, a network with over 15,000 craft businesses, and its recurring subscription revenue model suggest a stable and potentially high-growth trajectory. While specific revenue and funding figures are not public, this integration provides strategic alignment for growth and leverages collective resources, indicating ongoing investment in product development and market expansion rather than a warning sign.

What does the blog post mentioning Craftnote's 7th anniversary and 8.5 years of underlying idea development suggest about the company's maturity and strategic vision?

The blog post referencing Craftnote's 7th anniversary and 8.5 years of idea development suggests a company with significant market maturity and a well-established strategic vision. This longevity indicates sustained operations, continuous evolution in the market, and a deep understanding of the needs within the craft sector, reinforcing its mission to seamlessly connect traditional craftsmanship with the digital world.

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