Our history

2010

Cookis was founded in Landeck – as a new company emerging from the collaboration between IHC (a computer firm in Landeck) and West Werbeagentur. The starting point was quite pragmatic: there were many web projects, but insufficient technical resources to implement them properly and reliably.

A small team was quickly assembled: Karl-Heinz as managing director and several programmers. Manuel and Werner were on board from the beginning – at a time when agency projects were often heavily design-driven and technology had to "simply work." It was here that Cookis began to play an important role: as the counterbalance that brought technical arguments to the table, ensured quality, and delivered solutions that were not only visually appealing but also practical – and this for many advertising agencies.

2013

A major turning point doesn’t happen in a meeting room, but at a Christmas party: the idea emerges to build a system that solves real problems both internally and externally.

The goal was clear: instead of repeatedly fixing the same tasks, create a unified foundation that is maintainable in the long term. And at the same time, develop a system that helps agencies implement websites faster and better – with a CMS that is easy to use.

After the company holiday, work begins: development starts – and very quickly, a first prototype is built. A moment that sticks: front-end editing, which at the time was anything but commonplace. A spinning button (because animations and rounded corners were still considered “new” back then) becomes a symbol that something special is being created here – something that makes a real difference.

When West sees the result, the mood shifts: scepticism turns into enthusiasm – and with that, the support for what would later become Bakehouse is finally secured.

2014

In 2014, there are some changes in the background: IHC withdraws from Cookis. Karl-Heinz leaves the company as managing director to focus more fully on his hosting business again.

West takes over the shares, thus keeping Cookis stable. Above all, however, it makes a decision that is not taken for granted: trust in the employees. And it is precisely this trust that is the reason why Cookis can continue on this path – and why, step by step, a small start-up grows into something of its own.

2016

2016 feels like a fresh start in hindsight. Cookis is sometimes very small again; much depends on just a few people – in the short term, only Werner and Manuel are part of Cookis.

During this phase, the company moves from Landeck’s West to Imst, together with it. And it is precisely at this time that Cookis demonstrates what sets it apart: sticking with it, carrying on, maintaining quality – even when it’s not the easiest path.

Not everything is predictable. But focus, meticulous work, and trust pay off in the long run. And it is this mindset that will become the foundation in the coming years.

2019

Manuel and Werner officially become managing directors.

This changes the role – and also the perspective on the work. It is no longer just about implementing things well, but about taking responsibility: for customers, partners, decisions, quality and a team that can rely on this stability.

And this requirement remains: not just delivering, but building cleanly in the long term.

2021

Cookis moves to its own building in Imst.

It's just across the street – not far from the old office. And yet it feels like a complete change: from 25 square metres on one floor to 190 square metres over two floors.

More space here doesn't just mean more room, but also more opportunities. And it's now clear: Cookis isn't just growing – Cookis is being noticed. Suddenly, large international corporations are knocking on our door and placing their trust in us.

2024

In 2024, a step that has been in the air for some time comes to fruition – and suddenly becomes reality: Cookis becomes independent.

Manuel and Werner purchase the company shares from the West. The collaboration remains strong, trusted and stable – but from an economic standpoint, the paths now diverge. Not out of distance, but driven by the desire to shape the future independently.

Independence has always been a key theme for Cookis: independent of structures, independent of external guidelines – and also independent of trends that may look good in the short term but do not work in the long run.

From here on, Cookis stands entirely on its own two feet. With full responsibility – and with full freedom.

2025

In 2025, it becomes clear once and for all: Cookis is no longer "the small team." Suddenly, we’re eight employees – and that changes more than just the number of people in the office.

With growth comes a new kind of challenge: quality no longer happens automatically on the side; it must be consciously maintained, exemplified, and secured – even as projects grow larger, require more coordination, and become technically far more complex than before.

At the same time, Cookis remains true to what has always defined us: we don’t stand still. 2025 brings new products and developments – including innovations around AI support, accessibility, and major interface topics.

Cookis is also becoming more visible externally. Our connection to the TYPO3 community is growing stronger: Cookis GmbH becomes a TYPO3 Silver Member, and Manuel will give a talk at TYPO3 Camp Vienna about Frontend Editing – a topic that has essentially been at the heart of our work since the early Bakehouse days.

We now support over 1,000 customers across Europe.