AI Optimizes Business: More Than Just Bread Rolls

Bastian Nominacher, co-founder of European AI firm Celonis, draws parallels between his family's bakery business and large corporations. He highlights how data analysis and efficiency in demand prediction, even for something as simple as bread rolls, are crucial for profitability. Celonis, a process mining company, applies these principles to Fortune 500 clients.

Celonis maps every business stage to uncover inefficiencies. For instance, a brewing company improved its delivery routes by 17%, boosting revenue, customer satisfaction, and reducing fuel costs and emissions. This demonstrates the "top-line, bottom-line, green-line" impact of their AI solutions.

Nominacher notes that current global supply chain pressures and economic conditions are increasing demand for Celonis's services. Companies are seeking ways to free up capital and achieve savings, with process mining easily uncovering millions in potential efficiencies.

Regarding the software-as-a-service (SaaS) market, Nominacher views the rise of agentic AI as an opportunity for differentiated infrastructure providers like Celonis. He emphasizes that AI does not necessarily eliminate jobs but rather shifts focus to higher-value tasks, allowing professionals to concentrate on strategic work and customer engagement.

While Celonis is focused on customer support and technology development, Nominacher confirms that a public listing is a long-term goal, contingent on the right market conditions and internal readiness. The company is not prioritizing a short- to mid-term IPO.