Bitcliq

Bitcliq, a Portuguese blue-tech software company, was founded in 2013 by Pedro Araújo Manuel and is headquartered in Caldas da Rainha. The founder and CEO, Pedro Araújo Manuel, brought extensive experience to the venture, with a background in software engineering, systems administration for Portugal's national post office, and managing his own tech agency. His academic credentials include a master's degree in Information Technology and Computer Engineering, providing a strong technical foundation for the company's focus on intelligent systems.

The company operates in the global fishing and seafood industries, developing technological solutions to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and transparency. Bitcliq's business model is centered on providing software and hardware solutions to fishing fleets and creating digital marketplaces that connect stakeholders across the seafood value chain. Revenue is generated through its various platforms and projects that serve clients from small-scale fisheries to larger industrial operations in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Since its inception, Bitcliq has achieved significant milestones, securing seed funding rounds in 2019 and 2020 totaling over $1.8 million from investors including Indico Capital Partners, LC Ventures, and the Social Innovation Fund (FIS).

Bitcliq’s flagship products address critical challenges in the maritime sector. "Big Eye – Smart Fishing" is a cloud-based platform for the comprehensive management of fishing fleets. It offers real-time vessel tracking, catch analysis, end-to-end traceability, and automated reporting to authorities, utilizing big data and IoT to improve operational oversight. Another key offering is "Lota Digital," a pioneering e-marketplace for wild fish trading that leverages blockchain technology. This platform facilitates direct transactions between fishing vessels and buyers like restaurants or retailers, even before the boats return to port. By creating a digital auction environment with integrated government oversight, Lota Digital enhances traceability from catch to consumer and ensures transactional security through smart contracts.

Keywords: blue economy, seafood traceability, fishery management, maritime technology, blockchain marketplace, sustainable fishing, fleet management software, food supply chain, agrotech, Pedro Araújo Manuel, Lota Digital, Big Eye Smart Fishing, digital fish auction, seafood B2B marketplace, IoT in fisheries, AI in fishing, ocean tech, smart ocean, Peniche, Caldas da Rainha