The AI co-pilot for industry: David Hahn on the transition to an AI-first company

In the dynamic world of startups, founders face a wide range of challenges: from product development to fundraising to integrating new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

In an interview with Unicorn Bakery , David Hahn co-founder of remberg provides valuable insights and recommendations that help founders to overcome these challenges towards Series A.

You can listen to the full interview here (German Only).

Here are the key lessons and calls to action from the interview that can help any founder take the next step.

remberg is an emerging technology company specializing in the development of software solutions for medium-sized businesses, particularly for the management of physical assets. Its innovative XRM (Extended Relationship Management) software enables companies to efficiently manage everything from large production facilities to small devices such as fire extinguishers.

The software is already used to manage over one million assets. After a successful €11 million Series A financing round from Earlybird Venture Capital and Fly Ventures in 2022, the company is now transitioning to an AI-first approach to further improve customer service. remberg now employs almost 60 people and has built a solid customer base in the German mechanical engineering sector and beyond.

1. Find your product-market fit: a must for success

The path to product-market fit is often long and arduous, as David Hahn reports. It took remberg three to four years to reach the first million euros in recurring revenue (ARR).

The key was to focus on a clearly defined market: “Only DACH, only machine builders and only small-to-mid-market,” says Hahn.

This focus helped to understand the market and develop targeted solutions that meet customer needs. Founders should use a structured market selection process to define their “beachhead market”, which is large enough to enable growth but specific enough to gain a foothold.

2. Use crises as an opportunity: the pivot as a strategic tool

Market dynamics can change quickly, as the energy crisis in 2022 showed. remberg was forced to rethink its strategy and tap into new market segments.

This flexibility, which Hahn describes as “go-to-market spaghetti tests”, made it possible to throw the technology at different verticals and identify new business opportunities. Founders should remain flexible and be willing to adapt their business models to respond to external changes.

This requires a clear head and a structured approach, as Hahn emphasizes: “Take Action” is one of the values that drive him and his team.

3. Fundraising: How to optimize your investor round

Well-thought-out fundraising is essential for the growth of every startup. David Hahn explains how important it is to see investors not only as financiers, but also as strategic partners.

He recommends that angels and VCs be selected specifically to support the company not only financially, but also with their network and expertise. “For the topics of the respective phase, you just need someone you can approach selectively,” says Hahn.

Founders should also pay attention to market signals and structure their rounds in such a way that they gain the trust and support of investors.

4. Integrating artificial intelligence correctly: from assistance to action

The transformation to an AI-first company is a complex process that has been successfully implemented at remberg. Hahn emphasizes that it is crucial not only to improve the status quo, but to beat it by ten times to achieve competitive advantages.

This requires a clear vision and consistent implementation. Founders should consider how AI can enrich the specific context of their customers to achieve maximum efficiency.

At remberg, for example, the integration of AI enables instant fault diagnosis on machines, which offers customers significant added value.

5. Energy management: How to stay productive as a founder

One aspect of being a founder that is often underestimated is personal energy management.

Hahn shares his strategy, which is based on the concept of the “zone of genius”: tasks that energize him and in which he is good dominate his daily routine.

Founders should analyze their own strengths and focus on spending their time and energy on areas that bring them joy and help them move forward. This helps to maintain a balance between work and private life and to be successful in the long term.

Conclusion

remberg is an impressive example of how a startup can grow successfully in a highly competitive industry segment. By focusing on the product-market fit, integrating artificial intelligence and implementing a smart fundraising strategy, David Hahn and his team have managed to secure a significant market share. remberg's journey, from fundraising to strategic pivot to successful transformation into an AI-first company, offers valuable lessons for founders. The focus on the essentials, coupled with a clear vision and the willingness to respond flexibly to market changes, are key to success.

Founders who are looking for sustainable growth should take remberg's approach as a model and adapt the strategies to achieve similar success in their own companies.

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