Shipping and logistics stakeholders face mounting challenges that directly impact operational efficiency and cost. Common pain points include a lack of real-time visibility into cargo movements, difficulty predicting and mitigating supply chain risks, and reliance on outdated, manual documentation processes that slow down port operations. These issues often lead to cargo misrouting, customs delays, increased demurrage charges, and inefficient last-mile delivery especially critical for seafarers awaiting provisions. As global trade becomes more volatile and complex, maritime players urgently need smarter, tech-driven solutions to remain agile, compliant, and cost-effective.

Recognizing this gap, ReefKnot Investments actively funds startups leveraging AI, IoT, and digital logistics to directly address these pain points. Their mission is to: 

• to enhance visibility, 
• anticipate disruptions, 
• And streamline maritime operations 

All to give shipping stakeholders the tools they need to operate more efficiently and predictably. Founded in 2018 founded by Marc Dragon & Ervin Lim as key person. ReefKnot launched with an initial USD 50 million global fund in September 2019, targeting AI, digital logistics, and trade-finance technologies at Series A/B stages. It was later reported to manage a total of ~USD 69 million, likely inclusive of follow-on commitments .

The technologies backed by ReefKnot combine artificial intelligence, IoT sensors, and cloud-based platforms to digitize and optimize maritime supply chains. Among its key investments are Altana, which leverages artificial intelligence to map trade policy and tariff risks, enabling adaptive route planning; WaveBL, which digitizes Bills of Lading using blockchain technology to accelerate port clearance and reduce fraud risks; Roambee, which provides IoT sensors and predictive analytics for real-time multimodal freight tracking, ensuring timely deliveries; and Locad, which provides a full‑suite of technology‑enabled fulfillment and logistics services. Locad supports e‑commerce and B2B fulfillment through its distributed warehousing network across Southeast Asia, Australia, and beyond, offering services such as inventory management, order management, pick‑pack‑ship operations, same‑day and next‑day delivery, multi‑carrier shipping, and cross‑border solutions including Importer of Record (IoR) and Seller of Record (SoR). Through these strategic investments, ReefKnot helps shipping companies reduce delays, minimize demurrage costs, improve documentation compliance, and provide seafarers with more predictable delivery schedules. 

ReefKnot hooks its portfolio into a powerful ecosystem that comprises Temasek, Kuehne + Nagel, PSA unBoXed, Unilever Foundry, SGInnovate, EDBI, NUS Enterprise, Atlantic Bridge, and Vertex Ventures. It also takes center stage at Singapore Maritime Week, representing connections with shipping liners and global trade leaders.

While ReefKnot Investments has made significant strides in digitizing maritime logistics, opportunities remain to further enhance impact across the industry. One key area is the integration and interoperability of technologies across different platforms and stakeholders; many maritime systems still operate in silos, limiting the full value of AI and IoT-driven insights. There’s also room to expand into decarbonization and green shipping technologies, aligning more closely with evolving global sustainability standards. 

ReefKnot’s mission is crystal clear: deploy tech-enabled capital to transform maritime logistics through visibility, risk management, and process digitization. By aligning AI, IoT, blockchain, and deep domain partnerships, this venture firm is lighting a path toward smarter, more resilient shipping savvy infrastructure that supports both companies and the seafarers steering global trade.

References

Altana. (2022). AI-driven trade policy and tariff risk mapping for global logistics. Retrieved from https://altana.ai

Locad. (2023, January 16). Logistics startup Locad raised USD 11 million in Series A led by Reefknot Investments. StartupNews.FYI. Retrieved from https://startupnews.fyi/2023/01/16/logistics-startup-locad-raised-11-million-in-series-a-led-by-reefknot-investments 

Roambee. (2021). Global trade lane risk planning with IoT-based real-time tracking. Retrieved from https://www.roambee.com

TechCrunch. (2019, September 4). Reefknot Investments launches $50 million fund to invest in logistics and supply chain startups. TechCrunch. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2019/09/04/reefknot-investments-launches-50-million-fund-to-invest-in-logistics-and-supply-chain-startups 

WaveBL. (2024). Blockchain-based digital Bills of Lading for secure and efficient maritime shipping. Retrieved from https://www.wavebl.com

Singapore Business Review. (2023). Temasek joint venture to invest nearly $70m in supply chain startups. Singapore Business Review. Retrieved from https://sbr.com.sg/markets-investing/news/temasek-joint-venture-invest-nearly-70m-in-supply-chain-startups 

LinkedIn. (2025). Reefknot Investments company profile. LinkedIn. Retrieved from https://sg.linkedin.com/company/reefknot-investments