Munich Startup
Ontoworks: The AI copilot for broadcasters

Ontoworks: The AI copilot for broadcasters

Ontoworks

Ontoworks

Saskia Doll

Saskia Doll

Analyze video material, edit it, and compile it into first rough cuts—all fully automated with AI. Ontoworks develops software solutions for media professionals and broadcasters. CEO and co-founder Sean McFadden explains how an idea at the intersection of music and technology became a startup for the future of media production.

June 19, 2026

2 min. read time

Munich Startup: What problem does your solution address?

Sean McFadden, CEO and co-founder: We’re digitizing the media industry with AI and offering our solutions to media professionals and broadcasters. Additionally, we develop customized AI media solutions that are tailored to specific workflows and requirements.

Munich Startup: What can only you do right now?

Sean McFadden: We can offer a platform that semantically analyzes video material, edits it automatically, and creates rough cuts from it. Additionally, we already have our first broadcasters as customers, which shows that our solution not only works technologically but is also in demand in real media workflows.

Munich Startup: What triggered your decision to found the company?

Sean McFadden: The trigger was a shared idea at the intersection of music and technology: I studied neuroengineering in Munich and make music myself, and I asked Kevin, who has a music business background in Mannheim, whether we wanted to start a project together. With the emergence of the first GenAI models, we then developed our first product, a music video maker.

Munich Startup: Was there a moment when you thought about giving up?

Sean McFadden: We never thought about giving up. But we went through very difficult phases and had to solve many unexpected situations that could have cost us the company. That’s exactly where we built strong resilience.

Munich Startup: How would you know in a year that you’re on the right track?

Sean McFadden: In a year, we would know we’re on the right track if we’re perceived as a technology leader in our segment, several media companies are actively using our platform, and our software is firmly established with broadcasters.

Munich Startup: Would you found the company in Munich again, and why?

Sean McFadden: Yes, absolutely. Munich offers us a strong network, especially in the media industry, and very good programs and support for startups.

Munich Startup: Bootstrapping or venture capital?

Sean McFadden: Bootstrapping first, because it keeps you focused and flexible. If you want to scale quickly and accelerate, venture capital is the right path.

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