2024 was the year we founded our AI startup "Ziya" in Dortmund.
We are Enes, Illi, and me (Haris).
Since then, we have been conducting data analyses for our clients and working on groundbreaking AI projects – an absolute passion.
In this post, we want to briefly introduce ourselves and our backgrounds, explain how Ziya came about, and how we want to shape the future with our company.
A Team from Dortmund
It has been over ten years now. In October 2013, I began studying computer science at TU Dortmund. I did not quite know what to expect, but one thing was clear to me: I wanted to solve exciting problems – preferably with a computer.
During the course of studies, we learned a lot, laughed a lot, and (during exam periods) metaphorically cried. It was during one such exam period that I met the second Ziya founder, Enes. During a coffee break – it was in the building on Otto-Hahn-Strasse 12 – I realized how fascinating Enes is as a person: a pragmatist who developed simple, effective solutions at lightning speed.
After my bachelor's degree, I resolved to give my best in everything I do. This attitude shaped my master's studies, which I began in 2016. It was around this time that I had the opportunity to meet Illi for the first time.
Anyone who knows Illi will agree when I say that Illi is a very special person. Illi sticks in people's minds. He asks the right questions and challenges the status quo. Nothing is a given for Illi, because after all, a human came up with it at some point.
Research and Development in AI
In 2019, I successfully defended my master's thesis. I presented a technology that combines the research fields of computer graphics and artificial intelligence, capable of determining relevant parameters for computer graphic illumination of a spatial scene using Convolutional Neural Networks. In simpler terms: I could "extract" all the light from a photo and place new light sources at any location.
In 2020, I received my master's degree with distinction in computer science. An important chapter of my life had come to an end. But every ending is also a beginning. So I looked for challenging AI projects in the professional world.
Abroad, I found a research and development position in the field of computer vision and AI. There, among other things, I had the technical lead on several AI projects. We supported our clients in implementing AI solutions, from the initial idea through the prototype, a complete solution, and integrating feedback from production. That was the first time I got to see AI projects that could offer incredible value to humanity. I was absolutely thrilled.
And I thought to myself: There has to be a better way.
But one aspect of my work bothered me immensely: the chaotic process of data preparation. And back then I thought: There has to be a better way.
The Challenge of "Data Preparation"
That was the birth of DatenLabel, a product that accompanies and optimizes AI projects from raw data to the finished AI. But I quickly realized: For a project like this, I need support.
And that is how Enes came into play. Together, we worked on DatenLabel until we realized that our first potential customer (my boss) had no great interest in our product.
There we stood. Two computer scientists. No idea about sales, marketing, and customer acquisition. And there were two solutions: either you become someone who masters these topics, or you find someone who can. Even though I enjoy learning in new areas, we needed a quick solution. And we contacted Illi.
And Then There Were Three
With Illi by our side, an idea and a product became a real startup. And I also realized that I could no longer just participate from abroad. So I flew back to Germany. There, Illi had already organized initial funding through the "NRW Startup Scholarship" for us. Following that, we also received the follow-up funding through EXIST.
In 2024, we founded Ziya – the company behind DatenLabel.
With Ziya, we wanted to realize our goals – our mission and vision – within the framework of a company.
Vision Statement
Our vision is a world where people know themselves and unlock their true potential.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower people through creative and innovative solutions.
At some point, we had our first customer. Then the second, the third, and so on.
And as one of the first German startups, we received follow-up funding through EXIST due to our AI focus.
A Network of Mentors and Supporters
But no matter how much we would like to say "We did all of this ourselves," that would not be the whole truth.
From the very beginning, we had people who believed in us. Who supported us every step of the way. Without them, we would still be at the very beginning. First and foremost, of course, are our families and friends. But we also owe a great deal to the state of NRW and the federal government. Our lawyer and mentor, our business management coach, the incredibly strong ecosystem from Dortmund and the Bergisches Land – and many more.
Between steel, coal, and smoke, the next generation of the technological revolution is emerging: AI.
Ziya is a product of the Ruhrgebiet. Between steel, coal, and smoke, the next generation of the technological revolution is emerging: AI. And this is exactly where we want to give back what was so often given to us: trust.
Ruhrgebiet DNA
We are absolutely convinced that here in the Ruhrgebiet and the surrounding area, the potential lies dormant to trigger waves worldwide.
The large companies of the past are more than ready to augment, optimize, or even automate their production and management through AI.
With Ziya, we want to support such companies on their journey.
If you want to evaluate and implement exciting AI projects or use cases in your company, feel free to write to us at info@ziya.de.
Until then,
Best regards from Dortmund