source: https://www.thedockinnovation.com/ 

The global maritime industry, responsible for transporting over 90% of the world’s trade, faces a growing set of complex and urgent challenges. Core operational workflows such as disbursement account (DA) management, port call coordination, and trade documentation remain heavily manual, slow, and error-prone leading to inefficiencies and increased costs. 

As vessels and terminals become increasingly connected, cybersecurity threats have also escalated, exposing critical infrastructure to potential disruption. Despite the urgent need for innovation, structural conservatism and risk aversion within the maritime world have historically slowed the adoption of new technologies. These pain points create a compelling case for a focused, industry-native innovation platform precisely the role that theDOCK was established to play.

theDOCK is a venture capital firm based in Haifa, Israel, established in 2017 with the core mission of bridging cutting-edge technology with the traditional maritime industry. As one of the few global investors exclusively focused on shipping, ports, and logistics, theDOCK plays a crucial role in driving digital transformation in this conservative sector. Its vision is clear: to accelerate innovation in the maritime and port sectors through strong collaboration between tech startups, corporate players, and strategic investors from around the world.

Co-founder Nir Gartzman, together with a compact yet experienced team including Yuval Carmeli, Michal Hendel-Sufa, and Noa Schuman, built an ecosystem designed to support and scale emerging maritime technologies. theDOCK acts not only as a seed-stage investor but also as a thematic innovation hub that focuses on areas such as port automation, autonomous shipping, offshore energy, sustainability, cybersecurity, and underwater operations.

Strategic and Funding Partners of theDOCK

At the heart of theDOCK’s model is its global network of strategic and funding partners, industry leaders who provide not only capital but also real-world pilot environments, mentorship, and commercialization pathways. theDOCK collaborates with the following key partners:

1. PSA Ventures (Singapore): The venture arm of PSA International, one of the world’s largest port groups, works with theDOCK to scale solutions in port automation, digital logistics, and smart terminals.
2. NYK Line (Japan): One of the world’s oldest and largest shipping companies, NYK Line partners with theDOCK to explore sustainability, maritime safety, and autonomous navigation technologies.
3. IINO Lines (Japan): A Japanese shipping firm focused on energy efficiency and emissions reduction through collaboration on innovative maritime solutions.
4. HHLA (Germany): Hamburg-based HHLA supports innovation in smart port operations, automation, and integrated logistics services across Europe.
5. Orix Corporation (Japan): A diversified financial group supporting venture initiatives in transportation and infrastructure sectors.
6. AlphaTrust (Israel): A strategic investor focused on long-term technology growth, particularly in regulated and operationally intensive industries like shipping and logistics.
7. Associated Maritime Agencies Israel: A prominent Israeli maritime agency that provides operational expertise and acts as a regional gateway for theDOCK’s pilots and market access.

These partners are more than financial backers. They serve as early adopters, co-creators, and testbeds bringing startup solutions into real-world maritime settings, offering invaluable feedback and global scaling opportunities.

theDOCK has deployed approximately USD 158 million into the maritime technology sector. Its portfolio companies often attract follow-on funding from major global investors such as ZIM Integrated Shipping, TMV venture, Venture friends, Innoport, Francisco partners, E44 Ventures, NFX, Atooro fund, cultivation capital, freshfund, fusion LA, Speed Invest, Tau Ventures,Mizmaa Ventures, and many more. These investments underline theDOCK’s ability to identify promising startups and position them for rapid growth and global expansion.  

One compelling case study from theDOCK’s portfolio is HarborLab, a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) platform that automates the management of Disbursement Accounts (DA) a critical and time-consuming function in vessel port operations. HarborLab is currently utilized by leading global shipping firms such as  German behemoth Oldendorff and Star Bulk, proving the practical value and adoption potential of innovations supported by theDOCK.

Here is a detailed section highlighting theDOCK’s portfolio. showcasing some of the innovative startups it has backed, their technologies, and their impact in the maritime and logistics sectors.

Portfolio Highlights of theDOCK

theDOCK’s portfolio features a curated selection of startups transforming the maritime, port, and logistics industries. These startups address a wide range of operational pain points, ranging from port automation and vessel safety to cybersecurity and emissions reduction. Below are some of the key companies in their portfolio:

theDOCK’s portfolio showcases a diverse set of innovative startups solving real-world challenges across the maritime, logistics, and mobility sectors. These companies are reshaping core industry functions enhancing automation, visibility, sustainability, and cybersecurity across vessels, ports, and supply chains:

1. ORCA AI – AI-powered platform that enhances navigational safety and situational awareness for commercial vessels through computer vision and machine learning.
2. Wave BL – A blockchain-based platform that digitizes Bills of Lading and other trade documents to improve traceability, reduce fraud, and accelerate global trade workflows.
3. HarborLab – A SaaS solution that automates Disbursement Account (DA) management, reducing manual effort, improving accuracy, and ensuring financial transparency in port operations.
4. Ocean Score – Provides ESG and compliance scoring for shipping companies, helping them align with international sustainability and regulatory standards.
5. Hoopo – Delivers real-time asset tracking solutions for non-powered equipment like containers and chassis, enabling full logistics visibility across supply chains.
6. Conbo.ai – Utilizes generative AI to streamline cargo coordination and communication between shippers, carriers, and logistics providers.
7. Gigablue – Offers advanced wireless connectivity solutions for maritime and industrial applications, enhancing onboard IoT and remote operations.
8. Voltify – Focuses on decarbonizing port and terminal operations by providing electric and battery-powered alternatives for traditional heavy-duty machinery.
9. DriveU.auto – Develops connectivity platforms for remotely operated and autonomous vehicle systems, including applications in port environments and yard logistics.
10. Wisor – Automates freight quoting and routing decisions for freight forwarders using AI-powered rate management and optimization tools.
11. Panion – A platform supporting electric fleet transition and charging optimization, helping maritime and logistics operators electrify operations efficiently.
12. Opsima – Specializes in performance analytics for vessel operations, using AI to optimize fuel efficiency, routing, and emissions reporting.
13. Flowfox – Simplifies container release processes through a digital collaboration platform, enhancing transparency and security for all stakeholders in the supply chain.
14. AIDock – Leverages AI to automate and streamline customs and logistics documentation, reducing delays and manual data entry.
15. DeviceTotal – Provides cybersecurity for IoT and connected devices used across port, vessel, and supply chain environments.
16. Pick a Pier – A sustainability-focused marina management platform that connects marinas and boaters while encouraging eco-friendly practices and reducing environmental impact.

Final Word
theDOCK is not just a venture capital firm, it is a maritime innovation catalyst. With its thematic investment strategy, global investor network, and a proven record of empowering practical, scalable, and sustainable technologies, theDOCK is playing a vital role in transforming one of the world’s oldest and most essential industries. It is helping the maritime sector become smarter, safer, and more efficient—charting a bold course toward the future.

References

1. theDOCK Innovation Hub. (2024). Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.thedockinnovation.com/
2. LinkedIn – theDOCK Innovation Hub. (2024). Company Profile. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedock-innovation-hub/
3. Foundersuite. (2023). theDOCK Investor Profile. Retrieved from https://foundersuite.com/firms/thedock
4. HarborLab. (2024). Official Website. Retrieved from https://harborlab.com/
5. PSA International. (2023). Corporate Ventures Page. Retrieved from https://www.globalpsa.com/ventures
6. ZIM Integrated Shipping Services. (2023). Newsroom and Investment Announcements. Retrieved from https://www.zim.com/news
7. https://atomico.com/insights/our-investment-in-harbor-lab-modernising-accounting-in-the-14t-dollar-global-shipping-industry 

Contributor : Dyah Ayuning Tyas

Reviewer : Imam Buchari, David Ratner