Orca AI, a London-based startup, just raised $72.5 million to bring smarter, safer, and more efficient autonomous shipping to the seas. The new Series B round was led by Brighton Park Capital, with follow-on investments from Ankona Capital and Hyperlink Ventures. This brings Orca AI’s total funding to over $111 million.
The company uses artificial intelligence to help ships navigate with minimal human input. Its platform processes visual data from more than 80 million nautical miles to guide large vessels through busy waters. With AI managing navigation, crews can focus on safety and operations.
The big driver behind this new funding? Defense.
Orca AI is now working with navies around the world. Governments are looking for more cost-effective fleets that don’t rely heavily on crewed ships. Orca recently signed its first defense contract, deploying its tech on a naval vessel. CEO Yarden Gross said demand is growing as countries seek smarter, more autonomous assets.
At the same time, the expansion of Starlink is playing a huge role. Thanks to this satellite network, ships using Orca AI can now send real-time data back to shore. That makes route planning faster and allows better tracking of traffic and weather conditions. Gross said the ability to collect and send data at sea is a game changer.
Orca AI’s system is also cutting costs. A 2024 study showed its smart alert system reduced close calls by 54%. That led to average fuel savings of $100,000 per ship per year. In a sector where margins matter, that’s a big deal.
As the global market for autonomous shipping heads toward $11 billion by 2028, Orca AI is gaining speed. Its mix of AI, deep learning, satellite connectivity, and new military demand is helping the startup stand out in a crowded field.
