MOL PLUS has announced its decision to invest in Singapore-based Motion Ventures’ US$100 million Fund II, a venture capital fund focused on shipping and maritime innovation.
The investment follows an initial partnership established in 2021 and expands the scope of the fund from software to include deep tech and hardware, while also representing a fivefold increase over the size of its predecessor fund.
The capital will support start-ups developing technologies for efficiency, automation to address crew shortages, and decarbonisation through next-generation propulsion systems.
“Five years ago, MOL PLUS made a bet on what maritime innovation could become. What we’ve built together since – the portfolio, the ecosystem, the conversations that didn’t exist before – is the answer to that bet,” said Shaun Hon, Founder and General Partner of Motion Ventures.
“But the most consequential chapter is still ahead. Autonomous systems, next-generation propulsion, AI-driven logistics – the maritime industry is transforming in ways that reward those who moved early. Fund II is built for that moment. With partners like MOL PLUS, we’re continuing to back the next generation of companies that will define this industry.”
MOL PLUS, the Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) arm of the Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) Group, will provide demonstration fields and explore collaboration opportunities with its operating companies for start-ups within the portfolio as part of the new agreement.
“Motion Ventures’ greatest contribution has been taking direct action to create a start-up ecosystem within the maritime industry, generating tangible impact,” said Takuya Sakamoto, CEO of MOL PLUS.
“Participants at investor briefings and ecosystem networking events organised by Motion Ventures discuss specific challenges facing the maritime industry, and these discussions have led to investments in start-ups by VCs and CVCs, as well as business collaboration between operating companies and start-ups.”
