Kaiko Systems, a Berlin-based maritime software start-up, reports that it has successfully completed a seed financing round of €2 million.
The funding round was backed by multiple investors, including Schoeller Holdings (which includes Columbia Shipmanagement among its Group companies), Vineta Ventures, A Round Capital, Flagship Founders, as well as Clasen Rickmers and Justus Kniffka.
The new capital will be used to grow the Kaiko team, further develop the software system, and expand into new locations, the firm says.
“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,” said Fabian Fussek, Co-Founder and CEO of Kaiko Systems.
“I am particularly pleased that renowned experts share our vision and have invested into the value our innovative solution represents.”
Kaiko Systems has developed a mobile-first app used to streamline technical operations such as maintenance and inspections for ship crews. Its online dashboard serves as the shore team’s ‘virtual assistant’, automatically verifying the data and generating fleet-wide vessel health analytics, with a dynamic dashboard to identify risks and prioritise tasks.
Since launching its product in 2021, the company has won customers such as Columbia Shipmanagement, Marlow Navigation, USC Barnkrug, CTM and The Asian Spirit Steamship Company.
“The Kaiko Systems team has outstanding knowledge in building digital products. Equipped with deep industry expertise, the company has already proven itself in the market. The shipping industry needs companies such as these to drive the digital transformation,” said Mark O’Neil, President of Columbia Shipmanagement.
“The need for advanced digital solutions especially in the area of data acquisition and analysis on technical management is huge. Kaiko Systems is only at the beginning and has great potential and we are delighted to be part of this development.”
