AI Startup juna.ai Secures $7.5 Million for Industrial Automation
juna.ai's leading Agentic Process Control platform autonomously runs complex industrial processes – Screenshot from company website
Berlin-based startup juna.ai has secured $7.5 million in seed funding to develop autonomous AI systems for industrial process control, according to the company's press release. The investment, led by Kleiner Perkins with participation from Norrsken VC and notable business angels like John Doerr, aims to address critical challenges in manufacturing.
The company's AI technology targets significant industry pain points, including high energy consumption, which accounts for approximately 40% of global energy use, and persistent talent shortages where 50% of manufacturing jobs remain unfilled. By creating intelligent, self-learning systems, Juna.ai helps manufacturers optimize production efficiency, reduce energy costs, and lower carbon footprints.
Founded by industry veterans Matthias Auf der Mauer and Christian von Hardenberg, Juna.ai's solutions are applicable across multiple sectors, including chemical, steel, paper, cement, textile, and food processing. The startup's approach goes beyond traditional automation, enabling facilities to adapt and optimize operations in real-time.
"Their innovative approach to agentic process control addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing manufacturers today," said Josh Coyne, partner at Kleiner Perkins, highlighting the startup's potential impact.
The new funding will accelerate the development of AI-enabled facilities and support the company's expansion, with plans to grow their team and establish headquarters in Berlin.
