We make running small businesses simpler, smarter, and more human in the AI era
Overview
CortX Labs is the corporate innovation team of pdm solutions GmbH, the company behind Germany’s leading business directories: Gelbe Seiten (Yellow Pages), Das Telefonbuch (Phone Book), and Das Örtliche (Local Directory). We research and develop AI-native solutions for SMEs, with a particular focus on lifestyle businesses - companies built to be profitable, sustainable, and personally fulfilling to run.
Rooted in the values of the Deutsche Mittelstand and backed by long-term partners, we explore how AI can reduce friction, improve owner-operator and customer experiences, and enable modern SMEs to grow with intention in the AI era.
Overview
Our Manifesto
01 Mittelstand at the Core
We build for real businesses, not abstractions. Our work is grounded in the needs, constraints, and ambitions of the Deutsche Mittelstand and its owner-operators.
02 Small Businesses Matter
Success is not only about scale. We believe in businesses that balance profitability with autonomy, quality of life, and long-term sustainability.
03 AI-Native Thinking
We design from first principles, treating AI as a core operating capability rather than an add-on, enabling simpler workflows and better decisions.
04 Human-Centered by Default
Technology should serve people. We prioritize clarity, usability, and trust for both business owners and end customers.
05 Long-Term Impact
Backed by established market leaders, we focus on durable value creation over short-term trends, building solutions meant to last.
We are fully funded by Gelbe Seiten, Das Telefonbuch, and Das Örtliche through pdm.
