Eight Knot raises ~$2.9M to scale autonomous vessel tech abroad

What's the deal? Eight KnotDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, an Osaka-based developer of vessel intelligence technology, has raised US$3.46M (roughly $2.9 million) in the first close of its series A round. ITOCHU Technology VenturesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → and Nissay CapitalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → led, with QB CapitalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, NCB Venture CapitalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, and Ikeda Senshu Capital also participating.

What's the endgame? The company builds Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN, an autonomous navigation system that can be retrofitted to existing vessels. It also sells a modular version that deploys individual functions — vessel control, localisation, route generation, and obstacle detection — across marine equipment.

Where's the money going? The funds will accelerate productisation and overseas expansion, targeting North America and Southeast Asia through partnerships with local firms. Eight Knot also plans to hire engineering and business development talent.

Why now? Nissay Capital joins as a new investor, while ITOCHU Technology Ventures, QB Capital, NCB Venture Capital, and Ikeda Senshu Capital are doubling down on earlier bets. The follow-on backing signals confidence as the company moves from deployment toward commercialisation.

The signal: At roughly $2.9 million, the round sits in the lower tier for series A deals — around the 37th percentile by size. That reflects a first close rather than a completed round, leaving room for the total to grow as Eight Knot pushes its retrofit technology into global shipping markets.

Image credit: NOAA's National Ocean Service