Customer centricity is more than just a buzzword – it determines success or failure in the market. However, traditional methods of market research and customer analysis are often too slow, too expensive, and too superficial. The Munich-based AI startup DXI, founded in 2024 by Frank Rauchfuß and Stefan Trebbin, is taking a completely new approach: With PersonaX®, a platform for digital customer twins, DXI enables companies for the first time to interact with dynamic, realistic, and empathetic representations of their customers – in real time and on equal footing.
The founders bring experience from over 800 B2B and B2C projects, combining technological excellence with a deep understanding of customer needs. In recognition of their innovative strength, the team was awarded the iF Design Award in 2024 and is considered a leader in innovation in the field of "Digital Customer Twins."
We spoke with founder Frank Rauchfuß.
Frank, what specific problem does DXI solve?
Today, companies face the challenge of truly understanding their customers — and doing so in real time. Traditional market research is often retrospective, expensive, and often fails to deliver truly deep insights. Our platform PersonaX® fundamentally changes this: it enables companies to work with digital representations of their customers — empathetically, proactively, and interactively.
How exactly does it work?
At the core of our solution is our proprietary LIA technology — the “Latent-Insights Amplifier.” It generates dynamic, adaptive, and realistic digital customer twins. These twins are not just static data profiles; they behave like real customers — interacting, evolving, and providing deep insights into needs, expectations, and behaviors. PersonaX® can be flexibly integrated into various corporate areas: from product development to marketing and sales, all the way to customer service. Both B2B and B2C companies can thus better understand their customers, optimize processes, and unlock new potential.
What is unique about your solution?
Our platform PersonaX® combines cutting-edge AI innovation with a deep understanding of customer centricity — that’s our unique selling proposition. We achieve over 90% accuracy in mapping digital customer twins. Companies can reduce their costs by more than 70% and accelerate access to relevant insights by up to 90%. We offer PersonaX® as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model: our customers subscribe to the platform, benefit from continuous updates, and can flexibly integrate and use their own data.
You recently completed a pre-seed funding round. Who invested - and why did you choose these partners?
We are delighted to have strong partners by our side with High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) and experienced business angels from the AI and SaaS sectors. For us, it was crucial that they not only provide capital but also bring a deep understanding of our business model — including many years of experience, solid technological know-how, and a valuable network. With the fresh capital, we are specifically advancing the further development of our PersonaX® platform, aiming to reach the next evolutionary stage: fully autonomous digital customer twins.
How did you prepare for the funding round?
A big thank you goes to BayStartUP. They were a key sparring partner for us — from strategy development to connecting with investors. Particularly helpful were the VentureCon event in Munich, organized business angel meetings, and of course, the intensive support from our coach Jelena Helmbrecht. Her input was worth its weight in gold for us.
What advice would you give to other startups seeking capital?
Be clear about your vision and show why your business model is scalable and unique. Make use of programs like BayStartUP early on — and take feedback seriously. It is extremely helpful to have an experienced coach challenge your idea.
Photos: DXI