B2B software investor, Fortino Capital, has announced a strategic investment in Operations1, an AI-powered frontline-worker platform for the manufacturing industry.
Investing in Operations1 forms part of Fortino Capital’s strategy to support European B2B SaaS companies with the potential to deliver additional customer value through artificial intelligence.
Read also: Fortino Capital acquires MEHRWERK to drive AI-powered process intelligence innovation
Founded in 2017, the AI-powered platform digitises employee-led manufacturing processes, such as task planning, knowledge provisioning, intuitive process guidance, documentation and collaborative incident management. It combines work instructions, maintenance, quality assurance and process analytics into a single, integrated solution that can be implemented in just a few weeks.
“Since founding Operations1, we have been driven by one goal: to make the work of people in manufacturing simpler, safer, and more digital, and in doing so, to increase the productivity and flexibility of manufacturing companies,” says CEO Daniel Grobe.
Today, Operations1 boasts one of the broadest customer bases in its industry, with more than 160 renowned industrial clients (including global market leaders like ABB, Daimler Truck, Trumpf, Liebherr, and Thyssenkrupp, as well as fast-growing technology companies like Quantum Systems).
“What Daniel, Benjamin [Brockmann], Anian [Ziegler], and the entire Operations1 team have built since founding the company is impressive. A bold idea has become a leading platform for frontline manufacturing workers in the German-speaking manufacturing industry,” admires Philipp Remy, managing partner at Fortino Capital, which he explains has been following Operations1 for a long time.
Unlocking AI’s full workforce potential with one platform
With skilled labour shortages, rising compliance requirements and the industry-wide shift away from paper-based processes, the demand for scalable, digital solutions is increasing.
“We see a central market trend here: AI is increasingly taking over the work itself, rather than just supporting people,” Philipp explains. “Operations1 is actively helping shape this shift – from a system of record to a system of judgment, and ultimately, to a system of action.”
With this investment, Operations1 plans to continue this momentum and lay the groundwork for growth. This includes strengthening its presence in its home market, Germany, driving expansion into other European countries and systemically building out its AI capabilities. “In Germany alone, the addressable market amounts to around €800 million, with the potential across Europe being many times larger,” Philipp notes.
Fortino has offices in Antwerp, Amsterdam, and Munich, with more than €1.3 billion in assets under management. But beyond its industry expertise and operational know-how, the personal ‘fit’ was also an important part of Operations1’s decision to partner with the investment firm.
“We are very much looking forward to the collaboration and to continuing Operations1’s incredible journey,” adds Daniel, who will remain on the board of directors along with his co-founders Benjamin and Anian.
Philipp Remy, Arnaud De Vos, Paul Quick, Magdalena Burgstaller, Tim Reusch and Charlotte Bonamie were part of the Fortino team responsible for this deal. “We are extremely pleased to write this next chapter together with the entire team and to actively help shape the future of connected manufacturing,” Philip concludes.
