Berlin-based maritime software firm Kaiko Systems has raised €2m ($2m) in seed financing from German shipping investors including Schoeller Holdings, Clasen Rickmers and Justus Kniffka.
The company which helps shipping companies to digitise onboard operations said it will use the capital infusion to grow its team, advance its software and expand into new geographies
Since launching its product in 2021, Kaiko Systems has won customers including Schoeller group’s Columbia Shipmanagement, Marlow Navigation, USC Barnkrug, CTM and The Asian Spirit Steamship Company.
Other investors in the funding round included Vineta Ventures, A Round Capital and Flagship Founders.
“We benefit tremendously from the deep expertise of Schoeller Holdings that will further support our mission of contributing to a safer, smarter, more collaborative maritime industry,” said Fabian Fussek, co-founder and chief executive of Kaiko Systems.
Kaiko Systems has developed a mobile-first app that streamlines technical operations such as maintenance and inspections for ship crews. It said it enables data to be collected on the job, and reduces time spent on manual tasks.
Its online dashboard serves as the shore team’s virtual assistant, automatically verifying the plausibility of data, and generating fleet-wide vessel health analytics, the company added.
“Maritime shipping is the backbone of the global supply chains, but for various reasons only at the beginning of digitisation. We have a unique opportunity here to play a significant role in shaping the future of this industry,” added Fussek.
Mark O’Neil, president of Columbia Shipmanagement, said that equipped with deep industry expertise, Kaiko Systems has already proven itself in the market.
“The shipping industry needs companies such as these, to drive the digital transformation,” he said.
