KONUX
KONUX combines railway sensors with analytics to detect switch deterioration. Based in Munich, it also offers CoBrix to connect operational data and AI models.
Europe's most interesting startup stories. Every week.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
About KONUX
KONUX builds systems that help railway infrastructure managers inspect switch condition and plan maintenance. Its Switch solution combines field measurements with AI analysis and operational recommendations for the trackbed, crossing and point machine. The system can feed diagnostic tools already used by the operator, rather than requiring maintenance teams to work only within a separate interface. The business was founded in 2014 by a team from the Technical University of Munich: Andreas Kunze, Vlad Lata, Dennis Humhal and Maximilian Hasler. KONUX GmbH has its registered address within Munich itself. Its commercial offering includes software as a service and multiyear infrastructure contracts. CoBrix, introduced in 2025, lets partners combine data and AI models while keeping sensitive operational information within their own environments. Deutsche Bahn and Infrabel are documented commercial relationships. In February 2026, the company identified Johanna Leisch as CEO and described a focus on core products, customer delivery and a more self-sustaining financial base. That announcement also acknowledged tighter infrastructure budgets and longer purchasing decisions, which place practical limits on the pace of expansion.
The Story
Established in 2014 by four TUM students. UnternehmerTUM and company publications document the full founding team beyond the three people named in a 2017 release.
How KONUX works
Business Model
B2B SaaS for railway infrastructure managers, combined with field sensors and deployment agreements.
Revenue Model
Monitoring solution and software service contracts. Prices, revenue and the split between hardware and software are not verified.
Products & Services
Key Products
- KONUX Switch
- KONUX CoBrix
Core Use Cases
- Railway switch condition monitoring
- Detection of trackbed and crossing deterioration
- Maintenance scheduling
- Integration of railway data and AI models
Market & Clients
Key Customers
Deutsche Bahn and Infrabel are documented through agreements and deployments. The company also names Network Rail and ADIF in its 2026 update.
Geographic Presence
How KONUX competes
Competitive Advantages
- Sensors, analytics and recommendations within one system
- CoBrix supports processing within partner-controlled environments
How KONUX grows
Growth Strategy
The 2026 plan prioritises core products, customer delivery and operational continuity while reducing reliance on external funding.
Distribution Model
Direct contracts, tenders and partnerships with rail infrastructure managers and suppliers.
Key Risks
- The February 2026 update describes tighter budgets and longer decision cycles in the markets served.
Funding & Investors
Total Funding
Funding Rounds
- 2015 - Seed: $2M
- 2017 - Series A โ totale aggregato dei closing: $16M
Lead: New Enterprise Associates - 2018 - Series B: $20M
Lead: New Enterprise Associates - 2019 - Series B extension: $13M
Lead: New Enterprise Associates - 2021 - Series C: $80M
Lead: Sanno Capital
Key Investors
Founding Team
Founders
Key Executives
- Johanna Leisch - CEO
Key Metrics
Similar Startups
Helsing
Munich company founded in 2021 building autonomous systems and AI software for defence, from the HX-2 drone to the SG-1 underwater system. $1.8B Series E in 07/2026, at $18B.
Read AnalysisForto
Organises B2B shipments by sea, air and rail through digital platforms; HQ in Berlin. It announced a $2.1B valuation in its Series D of 7 March 2022.
Read AnalysisSereact
German startup founded in 2021 in Stuttgart. Develops AI enabling industrial robots to receive natural language instructions and adapt to new objects without reprogramming. Clients: BMW, Amazon.
Read AnalysisSources
- Imprint โ KONUX GmbH — KONUX
- KONUX awarded as Technology Pioneer — KONUX
- KONUX โ UnternehmerTUM — UnternehmerTUM
- European Artificial Intelligence leadership โ Box 2 — European Parliament
- KONUX raises $7.5m Series A — KONUX
- Final close brings Series A to $16M — KONUX
- KONUX secures further $20M in Series B — KONUX
- Series B extension: USD 13 million — KONUX
- KONUX secures USD 80 million Series C — KONUX
- Sanno Capital leads C funding round at KONUX — Sanno Capital
- Focus on customers and sustainable operations — KONUX
- KONUX Switch — KONUX
- Launch of KONUX CoBrix — KONUX
- Another order from Deutsche Bahn — KONUX
- KONUX wins Infrabel tender — KONUX