**Toronto**: Lumi AI has raised $3.7 million in seed funding, aimed at improving its platform that simplifies enterprise data analytics. The funding will enhance user access to actionable insights without coding expertise, catering to diverse clients including US retail and consulting firms.
Lumi AI, a Toronto-based startup, has successfully raised $3.7 million in a seed funding round led by AgFunder. The capital infusion, supported by Forum Ventures, the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund ADQ, and various strategic angel investors, aims to enhance Lumi AI’s platform that translates complex data into actionable insights for users lacking coding expertise.
Founded in 2023 by Ibrahim Ashqar and Tudor Boiangiu, Lumi AI focuses on simplifying enterprise data analytics, particularly within supply chain operations. The platform allows users to interact with their company’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems through a natural language interface, facilitating the retrieval and interpretation of data in a more user-friendly manner. Ashqar explains that traditional methods of data extraction often create significant bottlenecks within organisations, as business users frequently have to rely on data teams for reports, leading to delays and missed opportunities. “Whenever you have a situation like that, it creates a bottleneck,” Ashqar told AgFunderNews, emphasising the frustration that arises when teams feel overly dependent on their data colleagues.
The funding will enable Lumi AI to cater to a diverse range of clients, including a prominent US supermarket chain, a leading meal-kit provider, a top consulting firm, and considerable retail operators in the Middle East. By integrating with existing supply chain software such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics, Lumi AI aims to illuminate insights hidden within the data.
In discussions of its anticipated impact, Ashqar stated, “We founded Lumi AI to break down the barriers between businesses and their data. With this funding, we’re accelerating our mission to help companies democratize access to intelligence and transform decision-making at scale.” Rob Leclerc, a managing partner at AgFunder, commented on Lumi AI’s innovative approach, noting its potential to redefine analytics accessibility across industries such as retail and manufacturing.
Initial applications of Lumi AI include solving visibility issues in inventory management. For instance, Ashqar noted that supermarket chains can swiftly identify discrepancies in on-shelf availability, allowing teams to rectify inventory protocol violations in specific stores more promptly than the traditional method, which often requires substantial manual effort and time.
Lumi AI not only aims to decode supply chain data, but it also addresses the common issue of “dashboard anarchy,” wherein companies maintain numerous dashboards that often yield little valuable information. The platform’s natural language interface allows users to focus on essential insights rather than sifting through countless dashboards.
Regarding data security, Ashqar reassured potential clients that their raw data would remain within their infrastructure—a vital consideration for larger enterprises. He indicated that onboarding is streamlined, with some clients up and running within a week, although the system’s efficacy relies on an understanding of the specific context and content of each client’s data.
Looking ahead, Ashqar articulated a vision for Lumi AI’s development beyond simple question-answering capabilities. He envisions a future where the platform can autonomously inquire about data patterns and flag anomalies, thus evolving from a senior data analyst to an analytics manager capable of proactively surfacing insights.
The innovations brought forth by Lumi AI represent a significant shift in how businesses could leverage data analysis, offering a streamlined pathway for decision-making processes that could enhance operational efficiency across diverse sectors.
Source: Noah Wire Services



