CATIA
By Dassault Systèmes
Dassault Systèmes SE, founded in 1981 by engineers from Dassault Aviation, is based in Vélizy-Villacoublay, France, with ~25,000 employees across 184 offices. The company develops 3D design, simulation, PLM, and digital twin software under brands like CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, SIMULIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, and BIOVIA. In 2024, revenue reached approximately €6.21 billion, with a net income of €1.19 billion.
Originating as a Dassault Aviation spin-off, CATIA debuted in 1981 to automate aerospace engineering. Supported by an IBM partnership, CATIA gained rapid adoption through the 1990s, powering 70% of new airplanes and 40% of cars. A pivotal IPO occurred in 1996. Strategic acquisitions like SolidWorks (1997), MatrixOne (2006), and EXALEAD (2010) elevated its PLM and manufacturing capabilities.
Dassault Systèmes raised small EU grants since 2009, with a $779K grant in April 2015. Its market capitalization peaked at ~$78 B in 2021, declining to around $38 B by November 2025. As of September 2025, the share price was approximately $33–37 with a trailing P/E ~27 and strong financial ratios. As of September 2025, annual revenue stood at $6.96 B, operating income ~$2.07 B, and net income ~$1.29 B.
Dassault Systèmes has completed ~90 acquisitions, with 20+ in the past five years. Key acquisitions include:
Rooted in innovation, passion, excellence, and commitment from Marcel Dassault’s founding values. Inclusion and diversity are prioritized via the WIN program, disability policies, and mental health initiatives. Over 140 nationalities work across the company, supported by a strong ethics and sustainability focus and internal development programs.
CATIA serves over 370,000 companies and more than 1,000,000 users globally. Major clients include aerospace, automotive, energy, consumer goods, and construction.
The platform has vibrant community engagement—including user wikis, forums, webinars, Champions program, and a Community of Experts—fostering peer knowledge sharing.
