Fernweh Group

Let’s continue to explore AI breakthroughs with Ayna. In our latest episode (https://lnkd.in/gdUFw8wf), Nidhi Arora chats with Antti Karjalainen, co-founder of Sema4.ai, on AI's impact on enterprise automation. Antti explains how Sema4.ai leverages intelligent AI agents to automate business processes like compliance, finance, HR, customer service and more, highlighting the importance of open-source technology in making AI more accessible. Tune in to gain key insights on, 1. $55 Million funding for innovation: Sema4.ai’s $55 million in funding accelerates development with open-source AI models like Meta’s Lama 3.1, offering flexibility and rapid deployment. 2. AI agents set to soar: Antti predicts 2024 will be a game-changer for AI agents. Sema4.ai’s upcoming platform promises to unlock significant value for enterprises, with early interest from diverse industries. 3. Generative AI’s impact on industrial automation: AI agents are revolutionizing industrial tasks, like customer order processing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. For instance, AI agents can now reconcile complex 100-page PDF documents against ERP systems in minutes, a task that previously took human workers several days. 4. Boosting AI adoption: AI is gaining traction across industries—banking, finance, insurance, and manufacturing. Sema4.ai’s technology is helping companies enhance productivity and scale without increasing headcount. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on AI’s transformative role in shaping the future of enterprises. #artificialintelligence #ImpactofAI #AIforenterprises

On our Titanium Economy podcast series, we had the pleasure of hosting, John Dyck, CEO of Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII), a key leader shaping the national manufacturing strategy in the US. John discusses CESMII's mission to make smart manufacturing more accessible for U.S. manufacturers, particularly small businesses, through workforce development, innovative technology, and strategic collaboration. This episode is a must listen (https://lnkd.in/dg-bQ99y) if you are looking for key insights on, 1. Democratizing Smart Manufacturing: CESMII commitment to making smart manufacturing affordable and accessible for all through reducing the cost and complexity associated with implementing these technologies 2. Collaboration as a Catalyst for Innovation: CESMII plays a central role in convening manufacturers, vendors, and academia to work together on solving ecosystem-wide challenges. This drives innovation and addresses the complex technical debt that exists in the industry. 3. Power of Real-Time Data: From reducing waste to improving quality and supply chain performance, smart manufacturing leverages real-time data to drive decision-making for enhancing productivity and profitability. 4. Shaping National Manufacturing Policy: CESMII works closely with policymakers to ensure that the U.S. remains competitive on the global stage while safeguarding the country’s economic and security interests. In the coming days, you'll hear from more leaders of the Titanium Economy, including influential policymakers and CXOs from top industrial tech companies. Stay tuned! Do not hesitate to reach out to Nidhi Arora for any questions or feedback. #TitaniumEconomy #Industrials #Industrialspace #USmanufacturing

Earlier this year we launched The Titanium Economy Index, which showcased 18 top performing industrial companies. Now we're deep diving into these companies. First up, Builders FirstSource (https://lnkd.in/eSAtU_87) How does Builders First Source create value? 1. Strategic M&A: 2021 merger with BMC makes them the largest product supplier in the US (500 locations in 42 states) 2. Digital Innovation: internal and customer facing tools tools to increase ease, transparency and efficiency 3. Productivity Improvements: increased efficiency due to technology improvements and M&A Learn more about Builders First Source & their strategies at www.titaniumeconomy.com What is The Titanium Economy Index (https://lnkd.in/ep8ujMYi)? On average, companies in the S&P 500 see about 3 times their return over ten years, the Titanium Economy Index sees an astonishing 10 times their return.

What does it take to stay ahead in the industrial sector for nearly a century? In our latest Titanium Economy podcast (https://lnkd.in/gP_CmJyn), Nidhi Arora welcomes Mark Sheahan, CEO of Graco, to discuss the company’s journey of innovation and resilience. With nearly 30 years at Graco, holding various leadership roles before becoming CEO in June 2021, Mark talks about their pioneering work as a provider of fluid handling technology including the importance of niche markets and continuous innovation. Tune in for exclusive insights from Mark on, 1. Innovation in a century-old legacy: Graco adapts to customer needs, expanding from oil changing equipment to EV battery solutions. Innovation keeps them competitive and opens new markets. 2. Broad Product and Market Reach: Graco's diverse segments—Contractor (45%), Industrial (30%), and Process (25%)—reduce market dependency, ensuring revenue stability and growth opportunities. 3. Drivers of shareholder returns: Graco targets 10% growth, primarily from organic sources. With minimal debt and high returns, Graco's stock outperformed the S&P 500 in the past decade. Its financial health also allows continued investment in growth and R&D. Stay tuned as we continue to unveil the hidden gems of one of America’s leading sectors, i.e. Industrial Technology.

We're excited to announce that at the 2024 G-49 Summit, Napa Valley, CA, on Aug 29-30 (co-hosted by Fernweh Group and Ayna.AI) several industrial leaders will share their companies' remarkable transformation stories. Here’s a glimpse of their achievements: Brent Yeagy: President and CEO of Wabash. Transformed Wabash into a Fortune 1000 company, with 1.7x increase in topline in four years. John Pfeifer: President and CEO of Oshkosh Corporation. Led Oshkosh to a 70% rise in operating income since April 2021. Kevin Wheeler: Chairman and CEO of A. O. Smith Corporation. Expanded business in China, increasing stock price by 1.8x since 2018. Mark Sheahan: President and CEO of Graco. Nearly doubled the stock price and achieved “Best Workplace” status. Mike Pettit: SVP and CFO of Wabash. Co-architect of Wabash’s transformation with Brent Yeagy. Paul Sternlieb: President and CEO of Enerpac. Share price grew 1.7x and operating income 1.6x in two years under his leadership. Shyam P. Kambeyanda: President and CEO of ESAB Corporation. Doubled share price and increased operating income by 60% since going public in 2022. Tom Ferguson: President and CEO of AZZ Inc. Revenue and operating income grew by 70%+, stock price nearly doubled. Acquired Precoat Metals for $1.3 billion in 2022. We are excited for them to share their insights with 65 CXOs, investors, and board members who will attend our G-49 Summit this fall. To learn more about the event, please contact Gaurav Batra, Nidhi Arora, or Marissa Rietman. #industrials #industrialsector #industrialspace #titaniumeconomy

For an upbeat perspective on the US manufacturing sector and its role in the clean energy transition, tune in to our latest podcast (https://lnkd.in/gXEVKA3y), which features Mark Behrman, CEO of LSB Industries, Inc., a leading US-based manufacturer of agriculture and industrial chemical products. Don't miss Mark's insights from a decade of leadership at LSB and years in investment banking, as he discusses low-carbon ammonia production, clean-energy project investments, and the resurgence of US manufacturing. Key highlights include: 1. The decarbonization opportunity with ammonia: As the energy transition revitalizes the ammonia sector, LSB Industries leads with billions invested in new demand centers. Currently, 70-75% of ammonia is used as fertilizer, while the rest serves industrial purposes, including as a hydrogen carrier and potential fuel for power generation and the marine industry.   2. LSB’s diverse end-market focus: The fertilizer industry, with its high prices, operates in spot markets, while industrial contracts are typically long-term (five years). This balance helps optimize production and maximize returns for LSB’s shareholders.   3. Carbon footprint reduction initiatives: LSB’s carbon capture project at its largest facility aims to cut the company’s CO2 emissions by 25%. The company is partnering with Air Liquide, INPEX, and Vopak on a low-carbon ammonia plant. With INPEX, LSB aims to produce 1.2 million tons of low-carbon ammonia annually for energy generation.   The industrial sector includes many hidden gems like LSB Industries. Ayna.AI continues to shed light on them in its Titanium Economy podcast series. Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks. #industrials #industrialspace #cleanenergytransition #decarbonization #carbonfootprint

The infrastructure sector that encompasses roads, railways, seaports, aviation, energy, water, and telecommunications—plays an outsized role in the economy and our daily lives. Within the US, every dollar spent on infrastructure adds $3 to GDP. Despite its crucial role, it’s been underinvested with only 1.5% of US GDP invested on an average between 2007-2015.This has led to aging assets with US now falling behind globally (ranked only 13th as per WEF’s 2019 Global Competitiveness Report). Recently investor interest has surged, with the sector outperforming the broader market post-pandemic (Total shareholder returns of 20.9% vs. 19.4% for S&P500). Major deals in Q1 2024 alone (BlackRock-GIP, General Atlantic-Actis) signal growing momentum with LPs poised to boost investments: $600Bn+ by 2027. Yet is this sufficient? Ayna.AI’s recent LinkedIn article, “Is the US infrastructure sector ready for primetime?” delves into why greater private sector engagement is imperative and what companies must do to boost valuations and sustain high operating performance. Reach out to the authors Nick Santhanam, Siddarth Madhav, and Nidhi Arora for any questions or feedback. #usinfrastructure #infrastructureinvesting #infrastructuresector #energyinfrastructure #aviationinfrastructure

As the decade unfolds amidst its own set of discordant trends (2i – sticky inflation and high interest rates, supply-chain disruptions from geopolitical tensions), investors are increasingly turning to lower risk assets. Ayna.AI’s latest research “Now more than ever Industrials need resilience and performance transformation,” highlights the opportune moment for Industrials sector to shine with its low risk and potential for high returns. Discover how sector leaders are proving that “actions” and not just “attributes” drive success. Dive into the full report (https://lnkd.in/g5y-DvEP) this weekend addressing four key questions,   1. Are we living in interesting times? Media and experts hype a 'new normal' fuelled by 2i shock (inflation + interest rates), geopolitical tensions, and threats to US market's dominance. Yet these aren’t new; history shows recurring inflation spikes above Fed’s 2% target that led to periods of 5%+ interest rates. In addition, multiple geopolitical crises in the past affecting metrics like crude oil prices. 2. How will this decade compare to the prior one? Last decade’s liquidity surge (2.5x ↑in money supply, zero cost of capital) drove speculative asset prices (crypto, SPACs). Now this current decade faces sticky inflation and high interest rates, favoring low-risk options (e.g., T-bills yielding 5%+) with headwinds for riskier bets like PE and VC.   3. What does it mean for the Industrial sector? Industrials make a strong case for investment in the coming decade, offering, -- Lower risk: Attractive industry structure, strong B/S, and liquidity management -- Opportunity for higher returns: Performance driven by actions (“what you do”) and not by attributes (“who you are”); size and micro-verticals did not determine success; rather ability & speed to transform did.   4. What do Industrial companies need to do? Learnings from top-performers suggests a four-part playbook: -- Active portfolio management (divest non-core, build platforms thru M&A) -- Resilience and transformation culture (follow-the-money, absolute vs. delta) -- Holistic view of innovation (across product, ops & business model) -- Investor engagement (balance investment vs. expectations) Contact the authors Gaurav Batra, Nidhi Arora, and Marissa Rietman #industrials #industrialsector #inflation #interestrates #markettrends #industrialsspace #investments

Excited to share our latest LinkedIn article on how emerging markets like India and Saudi Arabia are shaping the next Industrial renaissance. We delve into how these two countries offer strong economic fundamentals, supportive government policies, and thriving industrial ecosystems, making them prime destinations for investors seeking growth opportunities beyond developed economies. Contact the authors Shekhar Varanasi, Nidhi Arora, and Connor Bradley for questions or feedback. Stay tuned as we continue to share insights on Industrial sector with these articles. #emergingmarkets #investmentopportunities #makeinindia #indiamanufacturing #saudivision2030 #indiainnovation #saudiarabia

Exciting times ahead for businesses eyeing India! In his recent Forbes piece (https://lnkd.in/gxMN7yVx), our CEO Nick Santhanam highlights India's rapid evolution into a global powerhouse. With initiatives like "Make In India" and "Startup India" driving growth, coupled with a leap in ease of doing business rankings (from 134 to 63 in five years), foreign investment is soaring. Key figures speak volumes: Foreign direct investment has skyrocketed from $4 billion to $64 billion in 20 years, painting a compelling picture of India's growing appeal to global players. And it's not just talk – industry giants like Foxconn and Samsung Display are already making substantial investments, signaling a vote of confidence in India's potential. Challenges remain, but with local expertise and strategic partnerships, businesses can overcome regulatory hurdles and thrive in this dynamic market. Ready to seize India's opportunities? Collaborate with local experts and stay agile to unlock its full potential. Many thanks to Ameya Prabhu (President, Indian Chamber of Commerce) and his team for their valuable perspectives in this research. #indiaopportunity #makeinindia #indiamanufacturing #indiagrowthstory