Orca AI, a London-based maritime technology company, has raised $72.5 million in a Series B funding round led by Brighton Park Capital. Existing investors Ankona Capital and Hyperlink Ventures also participated. This brings the company's total funding to $111 million, following a $23 million round in 2024 led by OCV Partners and Mizmaa Ventures.
The new capital will support Orca AI's efforts to enhance its autonomous navigation platform and expand into defense and security sectors. CEO Yarden Gross noted that the company has already secured its first defense contract, deploying its technology on a navy ship.
Orca AI's platform utilizes artificial intelligence and computer vision to improve situational awareness for maritime vessels. By analyzing data from over 80 million nautical miles, the system provides real-time alerts and recommendations, helping crews avoid collisions and navigate more safely.
A 2024 analysis of the platform's alert system showed a 54% reduction in close encounter events, leading to an average of $100,000 in fuel savings per vessel per year and a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions.
The company plans to use the new funds to further develop its autonomous platform, add new capabilities, and enter new categories, including defense and security. The funding will also strengthen Orca AI's position as a market leader in autonomous shipping.
Orca AI's technology is already trusted by major global shipping companies, including MSC, NYK, Scorpio, and Seaspan. By helping mitigate accidents and operational issues, the platform enables hundreds of vessels to save billions of dollars in potential damage each year.
Founded in 2018 by CEO Yarden Gross and CTO Dor Raviv, Orca AI aims to revolutionize the traditionally conservative shipping industry with AI-powered decision-making and autonomous capabilities. The company's platform empowers shipping companies to maximize operational efficiency and voyage safety for ships and fleets.
Orca AI has also powered the world's first commercial autonomous voyage in 2022, in partnership with Designing the Future of Full Autonomous Ships (DFFAS) and The Nippon Foundation. Headquartered in London, the company is trusted by global leaders and has more than 1,200 vessels booked with its platform.
Brighton Park Capital's investment reflects confidence in Orca AI's innovative approach to maritime safety and efficiency. The firm's Vice President, Ezra Berman, stated, "By combining innovation and deep maritime industry expertise, Orca AI is setting a new standard for the shipping industry, driving remarkable advancements to dramatically improve nautical safety and operations, while charting the course towards autonomous shipping."
Partner Sam Kentor added, "At Brighton Park, we are proud to support founder-led companies like Orca AI that harness frontier technology to address complex challenges and deliver real impact. We look forward to collaborating with the Orca AI team as they build a more resilient global supply chain."
