The Munich-based startup lytra is off to a highly successful start in 2026: Led by HTGF (High-Tech Gründerfonds) and with the participation of other investors, the startup is completing its pre-seed financing round. With the fresh capital, lytra is continuing to turn its vision of transforming the service business of manufacturing companies into an automated, scalable revenue driver into reality.
The service business in manufacturing – a high-growth lever with enormous potential
The service business offers manufacturing companies a major strategic opportunity: it can contribute up to 50% of revenue and is also characterised by significantly higher margins than new business. At the same time, service is becoming increasingly important in view of the growing complexity of machines and rising customer expectations. To tap this potential in the long term, scalable processes and the effective use of existing product and process knowledge are crucial. The shortage of skilled workers makes this challenge even more difficult.
This is exactly where lytra comes in with its AI operating system for manufacturing service: various AI agents enable the automation of service processes such as ordering spare parts, planning on-site visits by service technicians or answering technical questions. The AI agents are integrated end-to-end into the customer's IT systems and are based on existing expert knowledge, so they are fully operational from day one. As a result, service employees can focus on the truly complex cases, and processing times for customers are significantly reduced.
Becoming a leading partner for the German Mittelstand
Etienne Fieg, co-founder and CEO of lytra, explains: "The successful completion of the pre-seed financing round marks an important milestone for us. The fresh capital will enable us to become the partner of choice for German SMEs in the manufacturing sector when it comes to providing continued service and after-sales business in engineering in 2026."
Timo Bertsch, Investment Manager at HTGF, comments: "The after-sales service business is one of the largest, yet untapped value levers in manufacturing. lytra addresses this structural problem with a clear focus on automation, scalability and securing expert knowledge through AI. The team combines deep industry knowledge with technological excellence and has already demonstrated the potential of its approach in pilot projects. We are very excited to accompany lytra on its journey to transform the manufacturing service industry in a sustainable way."