Endor AG was founded in October 1997 by Thomas Jackermeier. The venture originated from Jackermeier's observations as an active PC gamer during the 1990s, where he identified a lack of high-quality input devices available for simulation. To fund his education at the University of Regensburg, Jackermeier operated a wholesale biking store, which he eventually sold to focus on the electronics industry.
After obtaining his Masters of Business Administration, Jackermeier purchased AB-Union. This entity was renamed Endor Ltd. and eventually transitioned into the legal structure of Endor AG. During this period, the flagship brand Fanatec was established to market the company's gaming hardware.
The company's early product catalog included a diverse range of PC peripherals, such as the Game Commander/Alpha Twin joystick and a licensed trackball designed for the Command & Conquer franchise. Endor achieved a significant commercial breakthrough with the release of the Le Mans wheel for PC.
This success led to a partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) to develop the Speedster 2, the first officially licensed racing wheel for the PlayStation system. The Speedster 2 was marketed directly by SCEE and was followed by the Speedster 3 and the °G game controllers, solidifying Endor's position as a hardware partner for major console platforms. On June 27, 2006, Endor AG went public, trading over-the-counter on the Munich, Stuttgart, and Hamburg stock exchanges.
Under the Fanatec brand, the company manufactured a comprehensive ecosystem of sim racing hardware, including racing wheels, pedals, shifters, and cockpits. The brand became noted for its licensing agreements with premium automakers, producing hardware modeled after equipment from BMW, McLaren, and Porsche.
Fanatec peripherals were developed for compatibility across multiple platforms and were utilized as the official hardware for various licensed racing titles. These included games based on Formula 1, NASCAR, and the World Rally Championship.
Endor expanded the Fanatec brand from virtual racing into real-world motorsport through high-profile sponsorships. In July 2018, Fanatec became an official partner of Formula 1, supplying peripherals for and sponsoring the F1 Esports Series.
In 2021, the company increased its visibility in GT racing by becoming the title sponsor for the GT World Challenge, organized by the SRO Motorsports Group. This followed a 2020 partnership where Fanatec served as the official partner for the SRO E-Sports GT Series.
In May 2023, Polyphony Digital named Fanatec the official steering wheel supplier for the Gran Turismo World Series. This partnership included the integration of the Fanatec brand within the Brand Central feature of the video game Gran Turismo 7. Additionally, the company provided personal sponsorship to Igor Fraga, the 2018 FIA-Gran Turismo World Series Nations Cup champion, supporting his 2023 campaign in the Super Formula Lights series.
In early 2024, Endor AG entered a period of significant corporate instability. On March 28, 2024, the board dismissed founder Thomas Jackermeier from his position as CEO, effective March 30. This dismissal was a mandatory condition set by lending banks to extend a standstill agreement regarding the company's finances.
In May 2024, the American manufacturer Corsair Gaming announced its intention to acquire Endor AG and the Fanatec brand, pending regulatory approval in Germany. Endor AG filed for bankruptcy in July 2024. By September 23, 2024, Corsair completed the acquisition of all business assets. While Endor AG was wound up and liquidated as a legal entity, Corsair announced that the Fanatec brand name would continue and that no jobs would be lost during the transition.