The maritime industry is a complex, technologically-driven, asset heavy industrial sector. The barriers to entry are high. Ships are expensive to build, operating costs are relentless, and generally profit margins are low, even in the good times. Disruptive innovation in this type of industrial environment requires sustained capital investment to scale ideas and make them viable options in the market. Joining the dots between price, function, portability, class rules, insurance, safety, legislation, and legacy attitudes to change, requires razor sharp business modelling, knowledgeable investors, and a stout heart. Welcome to the high-stakes world of maritime venture capital.

Introduction

Venture capitalists are a rare breed. Their natural ally is the entrepreneur. Together they hunt down markets that are ripe for a shake up. The risks are usually far higher than other types of private equity investing. Failures and heavy losses are common, but returns can be stratospheric.