M&A Lernsoftware

M&A Lernsoftware is an educational technology company that develops practical learning materials for German as a Second Language (DaZ) intended for primary and special education schools. The company was founded in 2016 by Andrea Gößlinghoff, a primary school teacher, and Matthias Geenen, a computer scientist. The idea originated from Gößlinghoff's direct experience in the classroom, where she faced the challenge of integrating children with no German language skills into her regular lessons and sought a way to support them without disrupting the class. Geenen, whom she met through a friend, was enthusiastic about her idea, leading to their collaboration. Gößlinghoff leverages her extensive teaching experience to design the concepts and didactic content of the materials, while Geenen manages the technical development and software design, drawing on his background as a freelance software developer.

The company's core business revolves around a blended learning solution that combines digital software with physical print materials. This approach provides a comprehensive, ready-to-use package for teachers, saving them significant preparation time. The product portfolio includes learning software, workbooks, reading books, and copy templates that cover alphabetization, vocabulary, and grammar. These materials are sold directly through the company's online shop. The business model is based on a one-time purchase for software licenses, with the number of licenses determining the number of students who can use the program simultaneously; it is not a subscription service. M&A Lernsoftware serves schools and teachers primarily in Germany but also has an international user base. The company also offers free training seminars for teaching staff, both online and in-person within a certain radius of Dortmund.

A significant milestone for the company was their appearance on the television show "Die Höhle der Löwen" (the German version of "Shark Tank" or "Dragons' Den") on May 5, 2025, to present their learning software. While seeking support in sales and marketing, the founders noted that they were not in urgent need of capital, as their products are self-developed and have been market-tested for years. The company is expanding its offerings to include mathematics, with workbooks and software for the first grade already released and materials for higher grades in development.

Keywords: EdTech, German as a Second Language, DaZ, educational software, primary education, special needs education, language learning, blended learning, digital curriculum, teacher resources, classroom tools, vocabulary training, grammar instruction, alphabetization, Andrea Gößlinghoff, Matthias Geenen, e-learning, educational materials, school software, language pedagogy