Zentio: Revolutionizing Production Planning with AI
European manufacturers face numerous decisions daily, from organizing shifts to managing machines and inventory. However, current systems often fail to provide real-time insights into the consequences of these decisions. This can lead to problems such as missed deadlines, underutilized resources, excess inventory, and significant financial setbacks.
A Berlin-based startup, Zentio, aims to tackle these issues by integrating artificial intelligence into production planning. They have successfully secured €1.4 million in pre-seed funding to enhance their AI-focused platform.
The funding round, led by HTGF and supported by SIVentures, marks an important step in Zentio’s effort to revolutionize operational decision-making in European factories. SIVentures has a strong background in supporting early-stage B2B tech startups.
How Zentio is Changing the Game
Established in 2025 by Julian Rose, Immo Polewka, and Christophe Kafrouni, Zentio has developed a platform that consolidates operational, machine, and production data typically scattered across various ERP systems, MES tools, spreadsheets, and manual processes.
“Our goal in the coming months is to enhance our mathematical systems and machine learning pipelines, integrating everything with user experience and automation,” explains Christophe Kafrouni, Co-Founder and CTO of Zentio. To accomplish this, they are expanding their team and welcoming passionate engineers.
Their AI agents continuously analyze the gathered data, creating a system that adapts and enhances planning capabilities over time. This real-time information allows decision-makers to streamline workflows, optimize resource allocation, and quickly react to issues like machine failures or supply shortages.
Immo Polewka, co-founder and CCO at Zentio, emphasizes the need to elevate decision-making standards in European manufacturing. “By blending operational data with advanced mathematical models and automation, companies can proactively plan and confidently address disruptions,” he says.
With their approach, decision-makers can foresee capacity demands weeks ahead, effectively manage machine breakdowns or material shortages, and make on-the-fly adjustments to schedules and machine settings to boost productivity.
Unlike existing solutions such as Siemens Opcenter or SAP APO, Zentio focuses on a fresh AI-based approach rather than digitizing outdated methods, offering factories a clearer strategic outlook.
Currently, Zentio is working with a diverse group of pilot customers and strategic partners across Europe to further its vision of AI-driven production planning.
Looking Ahead
The recent investment will help Zentio expand its team and continue developing key technologies, including machine learning systems, mathematical optimization, and automation tools.
Hendryk Hosemann, Senior Investment Manager at HTGF, remarked, “Julian, Immo, and Chris have demonstrated that outdated tools still greatly influence many industries. Zentio transforms chaotic data from ERP, MES, and spreadsheets into a reliable AI planning layer. Their unique blend of AI expertise and manufacturing knowledge is exactly what we’ve been seeking, and we’re excited to support their journey.”
