Zurich-based maritime robotics startup Nautica Technologies, which develops autonomous robots for sustainable ship hull maintenance, has raised $4 million in seed funding round.
- Founded in 2023 by Cédric Portmann and Mina Samir Kamel, Nautica Technologies develops autonomous underwater robots that perform continuous hull cleaning and inspection without the need for GPS or manual intervention.
- The robots, powered by the company’s proprietary AI system OceanMind©, operate as a coordinated swarm below the waterline to prevent biofouling, reduce fuel consumption, and eliminate the need for toxic antifouling paints.
- Designed for durability and precision, Nautica’s robotic systems provide scalable, chemical-free maintenance that helps shipping operators meet efficiency and environmental standards while minimizing vessel downtime.
Details of the deal
- The investment came from Rethink Ventures, a Munich-based VC firm, along with b2venture, Partners in Clime, Prequel Ventures, and several business angels from the shipping and robotics industries.
"We're proud to lead this round, alongside committed angel investors and co-investors. Nautica’s vision is bold: to make autonomous hull maintenance a new maritime standard, and to decarbonize global shipping, one clean hull at a time. This is robotics with ripple effects. And the robots are already in the water," B2venture's team, commented on LinkedIn.
- The fresh funding will accelerate the development and deployment of Nautica’s autonomous underwater robots, enabling wider pilot projects with shipping operators and expanding the engineering and commercial teams.
- Additionally, it will support the enhancement of their AI-driven hull intelligence platform and drive international market expansion, positioning Nautica as a leader in sustainable maritime maintenance and data solutions.
