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Orca AI

Category: Computer Vision

Orca AI develops an AI-powered navigation and collision avoidance system for maritime vessels, enhancing safety, efficiency, and operational oversight. Orca AI was founded in 2018. The company is led by Yarden Gross. Based in London, United Kingdom with founding roots and significant operations in Tel Aviv, Israel. Team size: 51-200. Total funding raised: Approximately $111 million as of mid-2024. Latest round: $23 million Series A extension in May 2024; followed by a significant $72.5 million round (likely Series B) led by Brighton Park Capital, pending further financial clarification.. Key investors include Brighton Park Capital, OCV Partners, MizMaa Ventures, Ankona Capital, Hyperlink Ventures, Playfair Capital, TheDOCK.

Founded
2018
Headquarters
London, United Kingdom with founding roots and significant operations in Tel Aviv, Israel
Team size
51-200
Total funding
Approximately $111 million as of mid-2024

Value proposition

Improves voyage safety by reducing human error and collisions, delivers fuel efficiency improvements (3-5% per vessel), reduces CO2 emissions, and provides advanced situational awareness for both onboard teams and shore-based operations.

Products and solutions

SeaPod (AI-powered automated watchkeeper), FleetView (dashboard for fleet management and operational insights)

Unique value

Utilizes a large proprietary marine visual dataset (accumulated over 80 million nautical miles) and advanced AI techniques including computer vision, deep learning, and sensor fusion. Integrated with satellite connectivity (e.g., Starlink) for reliable, real-time data.

Target customer

Commercial shipping companies, fleet managers, naval defense organizations, and maritime service providers.

Industries served

Maritime - Commercial Shipping, Maritime - Naval Defense, Maritime - Logistics and Fleet Management

Technology advantage

Delivers AI-powered processing of multiple sensor inputs (thermal and low-light cameras, radar, AIS) to provide precise navigation and collision avoidance. Provides both onboard decision support and fleet-level insights, positioning itself as an early mover in autonomous commercial voyages.

How they differentiate

Focuses on advanced AI-driven computer vision, offers a highly user-friendly interface, and delivers actionable insights for both onboard crew and shore-based teams. Its system is designed for retrofitting existing vessels, with a proven track record in fuel savings and emission reductions.

Main competitors

Wärtsilä, Rolls-Royce (Intelligent Ship Systems), Kongsberg Gruppen (Kongsberg Maritime)

Key partnerships

Maran Tankers, MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company), SeaSpan, NYK (Nippon Yusen Kaisha), Maersk, TMS Cardiff Gas, ENESEL, Latsco, NorthStandard, Collaboration with an unspecified navy

Notable customers

Maran Tankers, MSC, SeaSpan, NYK, Maersk, TMS Cardiff Gas, ENESEL, Latsco, Shell, Chevron, QatarEnergy

Major milestones

Powered the world’s first autonomous commercial ship voyage in congested waters Secured multiple significant funding rounds including a recent $72.5M round Received Product Design Assessment (PDA) certification from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Expanded into the defense sector with naval contracts Rapid adoption by major global shipping companies

Growth metrics

Reported CO2 reduction of 72,716 tons across 1,000 vessels in one year, with fuel savings ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 per vessel annually. System installed on hundreds of merchant ships and enabled the world’s first autonomous commercial ship voyage in congested waters.

Market positioning

Recognized as an innovative leader in the maritime AI space, particularly noted for its contributions to autonomous navigation and situational awareness, including ventures into the defense sector.

Geographic focus

Global presence with installations and strategic partnerships along major shipping routes and regions worldwide.

Patents and IP

No specific patents publicly detailed; however, the company is believed to have proprietary technology protected through a combination of patents and trade secrets.

About Yarden Gross

Yarden Gross is an experienced entrepreneur with a background in maritime technologies. Prior to co-founding Orca AI, he was the co-founder and CEO of Engie, a venture-backed automotive tech company. At Orca AI, he leads the company's vision to advance autonomous commercial shipping.

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