findIQ: Knowledge management reimagined – in conversation with Sina 

Industrial plants are becoming increasingly complex, while experienced specialists are becoming scarce. In the worst-case scenario, this knowledge gap can bring entire production lines to a standstill. This is where findIQ comes in. The startup’s mission is to make technical experts’ valuable knowledge available digitally, anytime, anywhere in the world and for any plant. We spoke to Sina, the co-founder and CEO of findIQ, about the company’s origins, her learning journey, and her plans for international expansion. 

What was the motivation to found findIQ? 

Sina: We are solving a real problem: the shortage of skilled workers in the technical sector. When we started, the problem was slightly different. During the pandemic, many technical experts in Germany were unable to travel, resulting in around 70% more downtime costs worldwide. This demonstrated the significant impact of experienced employees being unable to be on site to identify faults and resolve issues with machinery. 

It was this realisation that motivated us to found the company. Initially, we wanted to tackle the problem head-on during the pandemic crisis, and we systematically investigated what a sustainable solution might look like. Our approach was pragmatic from the outset: understand the problem, find the right solution, and think long term. 

Has the situation changed since? 

Sina: Today, we are still facing the same challenge: there are too few technical specialists for increasingly complex systems. Added to this are trends such as demographic change, a shortage of skilled workers, and an increasing turnover of staff in technical professions. Our solution digitises the specialist knowledge of individual experts and makes it available at any time and in any location. This means that future generations will also be able to keep machines running, even if the necessary expertise is not available on site. 

You have rethought knowledge management in machine servicing. What makes your solution different? 

Sina: findIQ is an AI-based knowledge management platform for technical systems, but our approach is fundamentally different. A key point is our definition of knowledge. For us, it’s not just a collection of data and documents; it’s also experience — what is often stored in the minds of experienced technicians and not simply found in manuals. 

Many AI models, such as large language models, are purely data-driven. While they can access huge amounts of explicit information, they often lack the deep, implicit knowledge that has been built up in practice over decades. This ‘head knowledge’ is crucial for putting data and documents into the right context, particularly with regard to complex machines in daily operation. From the outset, we have developed methods to digitise and secure precisely this knowledge. This is our first and most important USP. 

A second important difference lies in how knowledge is managed. Many classic systems are simply filing systems. They store information once it has been entered, but then they become rigid and quickly outdated. This is insufficient in modern industry, where machines and production processes are constantly evolving. Our approach is dynamic: we view knowledge as an ongoing cycle that is continuously updated. Rather than working with language models, we map the logical thought patterns of experts. 

How can you achieve this? 

Sina: We integrate feedback directly into our system from machine operators, technicians, and service teams. This ensures that the data remains up to date and relevant for everyday use. Our independence from machine data gives us enormous flexibility. We can work globally and across industries without the need for complex integrations or specialised hardware adaptations. 

The end result is a system that stores and keeps alive existing knowledge – a real competitive advantage in an industry where experience and efficiency determine success or stagnation. 

What were your most important learnings in the initial phase? 

Sina: One of the most important things I learnt was that our instincts are often the best compass, despite all the advice from outside sources. You start with a clear motivation and should always refer to it, especially when many stakeholders become involved. 

Our customers have always been the most important source of feedback. We focused on doing more of what works and letting go of what doesn’t, even if that meant doing things in an unconventional way. 

Another lesson we learned is that success doesn’t mean doing every step perfectly, but making continuous progress. Sometimes taking the next step in the right direction is enough instead of achieving perfection immediately. 

Following your latest round of financing, what are the next steps on the agenda? 

Sina: Internationalisation is a logical next step for us. Our customers, especially German machine manufacturers, export their products worldwide. Accordingly, we also have to think globally. 

Our next target market is the USA, where the shortage of skilled workers is referred to as a ‘skills shortage’ or ‘labour shortage’. The demographic trend there is similar to that in Germany, only on a larger scale. Through our latest funding round, we aim to systematically access this market with the support of local partners and our own on-site staff. 

We deliberately chose the USA because there is demand there and the cultural differences are manageable. It was also important to us to build on existing customer relationships and establish a foundation through early sales. 

What advice would you give to founders who are just starting out? 

Sina: Sina: Be aware that setting up a company is an all-consuming task! You need to learn to deal with resistance and accept that things won’t always run smoothly. Customer feedback is invaluable because it shows what actually works. Every step in the right direction counts. Not everything has to be perfect. 

Thank you very much for your time and insights!