Autonomous Ship Developer Eight Knot Raises 450 Million Yen in Series A Funding to Fuel Global Expansion
Overview of the Funding
Eight Knot Inc. has announced the first close of its Series A round, securing a total of 450 million yen through a third-party allotment of shares. This latest funding aims to accelerate the social implementation and global deployment of the company's marine intelligence technology, "Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN."
About Eight Knot Inc.
Founded in 2021, Eight Knot Inc. develops autonomous navigation systems for ships under the mission of "making safe navigation standard through intelligent technology." Its flagship product, the "Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN System," is an aftermarket autonomous navigation solution that can be retrofitted onto existing vessels. The company also offers the "Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN Module," which modularizes functions such as vessel control and obstacle detection.
Purpose of Funding and Future Outlook
The newly raised funds will primarily be allocated toward research and development aimed at the commercialization and mass production of the "Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN." Additionally, the company will ramp up business development in overseas markets, focusing on North America and Southeast Asia, with the goal of achieving commercialization through partnerships with local entities. Alongside these efforts, Eight Knot plans to strengthen its organizational structure by aggressively hiring engineers and other professionals to support business expansion.
List of Underwriters (Investors)
- ITOCHU Technology Ventures, Inc. (Technology Ventures No. 6 Investment Limited Partnership)
- Nissay Capital Co., Ltd. (Nissay Capital No. 15 Investment Limited Partnership)
- QB Capital, LLC (QB No. 2 Investment Limited Partnership)
- NCB Venture Capital Co., Ltd. (Co-operating the QB No. 2 Investment Limited Partnership)
- Ikeda Senshu Capital Co., Ltd. (Kansai Innovation Network No. 2 Investment Limited Partnership)