Maritime technology-focused venture studio Flagship Founders reports that it has closed a new €3.5 million funding round, increasing its capital available for investment into shipping start-ups.
The round was led by Hamburg-based shipping company F. Laeisz. and included Starthub Ventures and Flagship Founders’ founding partner Auerbach Schifffahrt. Business angels including Jürgen Ringbeck and Philipp Ahrenkiel are also investing in the firm.
Flagship Founders was founded in May 2020 in Berlin with the aim of building digital businesses within the maritime industry. The venture studio has since been able to spin off three companies: Kaiko Systems, Tilla Technologies and zero44.
“The industry wants to modernise and digitalise, and we want to play a decisive role in shaping this development,” said Fabian Feldhaus, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Flagship Founders.
“For us, in addition to the financial investment, the expertise and network of our shareholders are particularly important. Our partners from the industry support the development of ideas and provide access to the market. They are therefore an important factor in the success of our startups.”
“The investment in Flagship Founders from F. Laeisz and others among the most traditional Hamburg shipping companies is clear proof that the industry is convinced by our expertise and methodology.”
