Berlin-based industrial AI startup Kyrok has successfully closed a €3.1 million pre-seed funding round to advance its AI operating system for supply chain management. Led by European venture capital firm Speedinvest, the investment will fuel Kyrok's mission to modernize operations for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. The company aims to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of Europe's industrial backbone by tackling deep-rooted inefficiencies.
Modernizing Europe's Industrial Core
Europe’s vital pharmaceutical and chemical sectors are currently hampered by outdated technology, with many SMEs relying on legacy software and manual processes. This digital deficit is compounded by an aging workforce, creating a significant risk of losing decades of institutional knowledge as experienced employees retire. These challenges threaten the competitiveness and resilience of an industrial base that employs millions across the continent.
An AI Layer for Legacy Systems
Kyrok addresses this by providing an AI operating system that functions as an application layer on top of existing ERP systems, eliminating the need for costly migrations. Through a single, modern interface, AI agents guide supply chain teams and automate routine tasks while learning from user interactions. This innovative approach captures and digitizes operational expertise, embedding valuable knowledge directly into company workflows.
Demonstrated Impact and Future Roadmap
Pilot projects with several pharmaceutical and chemical SMEs have already demonstrated the platform's significant impact. The system has successfully captured over 80 percent of complex orders without errors and reduced time spent on routine tasks by a similar margin. This frees up employees to focus on more critical, value-added activities that enhance customer relationships and operational strategy.
With the new capital, Kyrok plans to expand its platform across the core functions of supply chain management, developing future modules for production planning, material planning, and procurement. The funding will also be used to strategically grow its Berlin-based team to meet rising market demand. This expansion will build upon the initial module focused on customer service and order intake.
Strong Investor Backing and Vision
The funding round was led by Speedinvest and attracted notable investors, including Arve Capital and industry veterans like former SAP CPO Dr. Marcell Vollmer. This strong backing validates the vision of founders Daniel Hofinger and Lukas Bierfreund to equip industrial workers with modern tools. As CEO Hofinger stated, "They deserve tools from this century," underscoring the mission to empower the existing workforce.
Kyrok's successful pre-seed funding marks a significant step toward revitalizing Europe's essential pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing sectors. By providing an accessible AI-driven solution, the company is poised to help SMEs overcome the dual challenges of technological obsolescence and a shifting workforce. This investment not only validates Kyrok's innovative approach but also signals a growing recognition of the need to secure Europe's industrial sovereignty through targeted technological advancement.