History
Our history
How it all began...
“Every part has its matching machine, and we know where it is.”
Frank SattlerCEO / Founder – Techpilot
In 1999, Frank Sattler decided to create a digital platform for drawing parts. He conceived the idea as he was working in sales for international machine tool manufacturer Trumpf. Here, he regularly received inquiries from buyers regarding which machines are available from which suppliers. On the other hand, manufacturing companies expressed a great interest in finding buyers who required their capacities, and thus the idea was born. Under the “Techpilot” brand, Frank Sattler created a digital website that brings together buyers with the matching suppliers.
20 years later and with 40,000 registered users, Techpilot is Europe’s largest platform for the manufacturing industry.
Motivated by a mission to give suppliers visibility, bring transparency to the drawing parts market, and consistently simplify sourcing, forming ideal partnerships continues to be the driving force for Techpilot.
A journey through time
2025
Techpilot grows...
2024
Migration of the Techpilot platform and change of domain to .com
2023
Techpilot focuses exclusively on the European market and only lists European suppliers on the platform.
2020
The Techpilot platform is relaunched, and its intelligent matching algorithm undergoes further development.
2019
Together with the machinery market, Techpilot issues the award for supplier of the year during the Best of Industry awards.
2015
Techpilot launches a search engine to optimize the search for suppliers.
2013
The company begins operations in Italy in collaboration with the italienischen Handelskammer für Deutschland e.V. [Italian Chamber of Commerce for Germany] (ITKAM)
2012
Fabricating.com is launched in the U.S. to internationalize the Techpilot business model.
2011
Proprietary supplier portals are launched as a white-label solution for small and medium-sized businesses.
2008
Due to strong growth, the Techpilot platform receives a scalable foundation and a new appearance.
2007
Techpilot becomes profitable for the first time as a pioneer in online marketing.
2006
Techpilot changes its business model and focuses on the open marketplace.
2004
SAP interfaces are introduced as a service for automatic data transfer.
2002
Techpilot provides 3D data visualization to its customers for the first time.
2001
Techpilot goes live at the Hannover trade fair and 3i comes onboard as an investor.
2000
The company DynamicMarkets GmbH and the Techpilot brand were founded in Munich.
Behind the scenes
