We turn complexity intoventure-scaleinfrastructure

Maritime has no shortage of point solutions. We look beyond individual tools to the gaps between systems, organisations and physical operations — where solving a specific problem can unlock wider opportunities.

We seek high-value friction points where a focused solution can improve operations, connect workflows, unlock new data and business models, or enable entirely new ways of creating value. Some solutions address a specific need; others can become part of, or foundations for, new maritime infrastructure.

We don't optimise for deal volume or spread risk across a large number of startups. We keep our portfolio intentionally small because effective venture investing demands more than picking winners from a pipeline.

Every company we back is assessed against maritime's operational reality, not just a pitch deck. That requires the depth of diligence to challenge assumptions, understand adoption barriers and evaluate the path to scale — work that cannot be replicated across dozens of investments a year.

We concentrate our capital and attention where we see the strongest potential for financial returns.

Corporate strategic investing and independent venture investing serve different purposes. ShipsFocus is built to pursue the strongest investment case, with financial returns at the centre of its mandate.

Our independence is reflected not only in how we assess investments, but in how we structure our funds. We seek the freedom to back ventures on their own merits, without subordinating investment decisions to a corporate parent’s strategic priorities. Strategic alignment can strengthen an investment case, but it cannot replace commercial potential and the ability to deliver financial returns.

Maritime's supply chain is built on thousands of specialised businesses. Yet size often limits their access to technology, capabilities and opportunities. We believe technology can help level the playing field.

We see an opportunity to unlock the maritime market's long tail with technology that is affordable, easy to adopt and commercially viable to deliver. What looks fragmented at the customer level can become a market of scale — creating investable businesses while bringing the benefits of technology to the many, not just the few.

In maritime, a real problem and good technology are only the starting point. The solution must work within operational realities, earn customer adoption and support a viable business.

We look for founders who understand the problem or bring fresh insight into how it can be solved. We assess the value created for customers, the barriers to adoption and the venture’s ability to turn that value into repeatable revenue and sustainable growth. Ultimately, we look for a credible path from solving the problem to building a scalable business.