Experial, a rising German deeptech startup, is redefining how companies approach market research by replacing traditional surveys with AI-powered simulations. Backed by a fresh €2 million pre-seed funding round led by Capnamic, the company is on a mission to make consumer insights faster, more precise, and dramatically more cost-effective.
Instead of relying on outdated and often inaccurate surveys, Experial leverages simulation-based audience analysis to understand consumer behavior. This approach not only slashes research costs by up to 100 times but also delivers insights in real-time—eliminating the lag of weeks typically seen in traditional studies. The result? Businesses can now make informed, data-backed decisions aligned with evolving customer needs—every single day.
A New Era of AI-Powered Market Research
Founded in 2022 by Dr. Tobias Klinke and Nader Fadl, both researchers from Bergische Universität Wuppertal, Experial is using AI to solve long-standing problems in market research. Their platform creates digital twins—synthetic simulations of target audiences—to mimic real-world behavior, purchasing patterns, and demographic traits. All of this is done without processing personal data, making it both efficient and privacy-friendly.
This innovation helps companies run real-time market tests, campaign performance reviews, and product feedback loops—instantly and securely. Clients already tapping into this tech include major names like Fressnapf, TDK, and Versicherungskammer Bayern.
“Our goal is simple,” explains Dr. Tobias Klinke, co-founder and CEO. “We want to democratize access to high-quality, data-driven consumer insights. Instead of waiting weeks for survey results, our AI-powered digital twins provide precise answers in seconds.”
Backed by Top Investors and Academic Rigor
Experial’s latest €2 million round was led by Capnamic, with additional backing from Xdeck and several prominent angel investors, including Professor Bernd Schmitt of Columbia University. The funds will be used to expand the team, further develop the platform, and push the boundaries of what AI can do in the market research space.
As part of its growth strategy, the company welcomed Dr. Nils Rethmeier as co-founder and CTO. This addition strengthens its technical leadership and brings fresh expertise to its product development efforts.
The company’s tech roots run deep. Co-founder Dr. Tobias Klinke recently published a peer-reviewed paper, Digital Customer Twins: A New Era of Market Research, in collaboration with Professor Schmitt, showcasing the science behind Experial’s approach. The startup was also recently honored with the EHI Science Prize in the “Best Startup” category—recognizing its impact on the future of research.
Unlocking Real-Time Insights—Without Compromising Privacy
Experial’s edge lies in its ability to deliver real-time market intelligence without using any personal data—a key differentiator in a privacy-conscious era. By simulating how people behave, the platform enables fast, scalable research that doesn’t sacrifice ethical standards.
Thanks to its AI-driven simulation engine, companies can evaluate ad campaigns, analyze product reactions, and test strategic decisions—all before launching in the real world. These insights are generated almost instantly, helping brands stay agile in fast-changing markets.
The startup is now adding even more advanced capabilities to its platform. New specialized AI research agents are being introduced to conduct qualitative interviews and analyze open-ended feedback. In addition, Experial is launching features to interpret visual stimuli, such as advertising content and social media visuals, helping companies better understand emotional and psychological reactions.
Another upcoming feature includes a validity score to assess the credibility of simulated responses, ensuring that synthetic data aligns closely with real-world outcomes.
Investors See a Game-Changer in Experial
Capnamic’s Managing Partner, Olaf Jacobi, believes Experial is creating a breakthrough in the field of market intelligence. “Experial impressively demonstrates how artificial intelligence can revolutionize market research,” he says. “We see massive potential in their platform to redefine how companies make data-driven decisions. We’re excited to support their next phase of growth.”
With its blend of academic credibility, cutting-edge technology, and commercial traction, Experial is quickly emerging as a key player in the future of market research. Its mission is clear: to give every company—regardless of size—the tools to understand their customers better, faster, and more affordably.
