Flux, Backed by 8VC, Raises $37 Million to Democratize Electronics Design

Flux, a startup co-founded by Matthias Wagner, has raised $37 million in funding to develop a browser-based electronics design platform. The company is backed by 8VC, which led a $27 million Series B round in January 2026, and the Outsiders Fund, which provided $10 million in a Series A round in August 2024. Flux aims to make electronics design as intuitive and collaborative as software development by leveraging modern software principles and AI-driven tools.

Traditional electronics design tools have lagged behind software development standards for decades, according to Flux. The company believes its browser-based CAD tool can address this gap by enabling real-time collaboration and simplifying the design process for a broader audience. Wagner, the founder, was inspired by platforms like Figma and sought to apply similar user-centric principles to the electronics design space.

Flux has already achieved one million sign-ups and has been developing its platform for five years. The startup's goal is to enable users to create and design electronics as easily as writing code, reducing reliance on complex, traditional tools and workflows.

How Flux Is Reshaping the Electronics Design Landscape

Flux envisions a future where hardware design is as accessible as software development. By making electronics design tools available in the browser and integrating AI-driven automation, Flux aims to lower the barrier to entry for a wider range of users. This approach aligns with the growing trend of democratizing technology creation through user-friendly platforms and collaborative design tools.

The startup believes that the DIY electronics market is on the verge of a major transformation. With declining numbers of electrical engineers and the increasing complexity of hardware in everyday devices, Flux aims to address these challenges by enabling rapid, iterative design cycles and streamlining the development process.

Why the Investment Matters for the Future of Hardware Development

The $37 million raised by Flux includes significant backing from 8VC, a venture capital firm known for its focus on early-stage technology. Francisco Gimenez, an 8VC partner, was an early believer in Flux after meeting Wagner, who had previously created an open-source, three-story structure out of interlocking Lincoln logs.

The investment in Flux reflects a broader shift in the hardware development space, where startups are increasingly leveraging modern software design and AI to simplify complex processes. By enabling users to "vibe code" into existence, Flux is positioning itself at the forefront of this change.

What Analysts Are Watching in the AI and Manufacturing Space

Beyond Flux, the AI-native manufacturing space is also gaining attention, particularly in the defense sector. A recent report outlines the potential of AI-driven manufacturing in the U.S. defense industry, highlighting how it can address workforce shortages and supply chain vulnerabilities. The report models both optimistic and pessimistic scenarios for AI adoption, emphasizing the need for modernization in the defense industrial base.

Meanwhile, other AI-focused initiatives are emerging, such as 0G's $20 million Apollo AI Accelerator. This program, launched in partnership with Stanford blockchain veterans, aims to fund and scale AI applications built on decentralized infrastructure. The initiative reflects a broader movement toward open infrastructure in AI development, where startups seek to break away from traditional walled gardens.

As the AI and manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, investors and industry leaders are closely watching how startups like Flux and 0G will shape the future of hardware development and decentralized AI infrastructure. The success of these ventures could have significant implications for the broader tech and manufacturing ecosystems.