beaconsmind

Established in Switzerland in 2015 by Max J. H. Weiland, beaconsmind Group has transitioned from a focused location-based marketing (LBM) software provider to a diversified IT infrastructure and SaaS solution provider. The company's journey began with the idea of using Bluetooth technology to bridge the gap between physical retail stores and e-commerce. A significant milestone was the development of the beaconsmind Suite, a software created in collaboration with major retail brands. In July 2023, Jonathan Sauppe took over as CEO, with Max Weiland resigning from his roles as CEO and Chairman. A major strategic shift occurred in early 2025 when shareholders approved a merger with Swissnet AG, leading to the rebranding of the group to Swissnet Group AG and relocating the headquarters to Berg, Switzerland.

The company's core business involves providing a suite of solutions that enhance the customer experience in physical locations by integrating digital tools. The primary offering combines the beaconsmind® Suite software with Bluetooth beacons installed in stores to precisely locate and identify customers. This allows retailers to engage with shoppers in real-time through personalized push notifications and targeted offers on their mobile apps. Beyond the initial LBM focus, the company's portfolio has expanded through strategic acquisitions to include WiFi infrastructure, guest hotspots, and cloud-based communication services. This integrated product portfolio allows for significant cross-selling opportunities across its customer base. The business model primarily revolves around Software as a Service (SaaS), generating recurring revenue through software usage fees, supplemented by hardware sales and installation charges.

Serving a diverse clientele, the group targets sectors such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, and the public sector. Its customer list includes notable names like Adidas, Lidl, and Pizza Hut. The acquisition of companies like FREDERIX Hotspot and Socialwave has substantially broadened its customer base and service offerings, adding thousands of points of sale. Financially, the company has demonstrated strong growth, with revenues reaching CHF 6.2 million in the full year of 2023, a significant increase driven by its acquisitions. The first half of 2024 showed continued momentum, with revenues of CHF 5.9 million and an EBITDA of CHF 1.1 million, achieving free cash flow breakeven. The company is publicly listed, with shares traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Keywords: location-based marketing, retail analytics, guest WiFi, customer engagement, SaaS, digital transformation, point-of-sale solutions, IT infrastructure, omnichannel retail, cloud services