The marine electronics industry in the U.S. focuses on advanced technological solutions designed for the maritime sector. Companies in this space manufacture and supply products ranging from navigation systems to sensors and communication devices essential for enhancing the safety and efficiency of marine operations. As environmental regulations tighten and the demand for energy-efficient solutions rises, innovation drives this industry forward, with startups exploring clean energy applications like electric vessels and automation technologies that are revolutionizing traditional maritime practices.


This article showcases a selection of investors actively fueling the marine electronics industry in the U.S. Investors range from venture capital firms like Y Combinator and HAX, to corporate giants such as Teledyne Technologies and Patrick Industries. With headquarters spanning from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., these firms have made a notable impact, making numerous investments in 2024 alone, illustrating their commitment to the advancement and growth of marine technology.


Top 12 Marine Electronics Investors in the US


1. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

  • Website: energy.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 597
  • LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. It serves various stakeholders, including government entities and the public, by providing guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducting research to address energy challenges. In recent years, the DOE has actively funded marine energy projects, providing grants to companies such as Ocean Motion Technologies, which raised $1,149,987 in August 2024 and $199,994 in May 2023, and Ocean Power Technologies (OPT), which received $1,100,000 in July 2022. Additionally, ORPC, Inc. was awarded a significant grant of $10,000,000 in September 2010. These transactions highlight the DOE's role in supporting innovations in marine energy, which often intersects with marine electronics, making it a relevant investor in this sector.


2. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow in various sectors, including health and climate technology. Notably, SOSV has invested in marine-related startups such as Nept, which has raised funds through multiple rounds, and CargoKite, which focuses on innovative cargo transport solutions. These investments highlight SOSV's engagement in the marine electronics context, showcasing its commitment to supporting advancements in this industry.


3. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable transactions, Y Combinator has invested in companies such as Fleetzero, which raised $15.5 million in a Seed Round in June 2022, focusing on electric vessels, and Boundary Layer Technologies, which raised $2.3 million in a Seed Round in March 2019. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement with innovative technologies that have potential applications in the marine electronics sector.


4. Hax

  • Website: hax.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 55
  • LinkedIn: hax

HAX is a venture capital firm and startup incubator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. They specialize in supporting hard tech startups by providing funding, engineering support, and access to manufacturing resources. HAX aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage companies through a collaborative environment and extensive networks. Notably, HAX has invested in Nept, a company that has raised funds through multiple rounds, indicating a focus on marine technology. Additionally, they have invested in CargoKite, which is involved in innovative logistics solutions that could have applications in marine transportation. These transactions highlight HAX's commitment to supporting startups that are relevant to the marine electronics industry, particularly in the context of sustainability and advanced technology solutions.


5. Patrick Industries, Inc.


Patrick Industries, Inc. is a corporate investor based in Elkhart, Indiana, specializing in manufacturing and distributing component products and building materials for various markets, including Recreational Vehicles, Marine, Manufactured Housing, and Industrial sectors. Founded in 1959, the company has established a strong network of brands and operates across multiple states, providing high-quality materials to manufacturers. In recent years, Patrick Industries has made significant acquisitions to bolster its presence in the marine industry. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Sea-Dog Corporation, a company known for its marine hardware and accessories, and Wet Sounds, a designer and distributor of audio systems tailored for marine applications. Additionally, the acquisition of Marine Accessories Corporation further emphasizes Patrick's commitment to the marine sector, as this company specializes in marine products. These strategic moves not only enhance Patrick's product offerings but also position them as a key player in the marine electronics market.


6. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In recent years, the Government of Canada has engaged in several transactions relevant to the marine electronics sector, including grants to companies like Blue Ocean Gear and Open Ocean Robotics, which focus on innovative marine technologies. For instance, Open Ocean Robotics raised over $2 million in a venture round and received additional grants, highlighting the government's role in fostering advancements in marine electronics and robotics.


7. OneWater Marine

  • Website: onewatermarine.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Buford, Georgia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: one-water-marine

OneWater Marine Inc. is a corporate investor based in Buford, Georgia, specializing in the acquisition and operation of leading marine retail dealerships across North America. Founded in 2014, the company has grown significantly, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. OneWater Marine offers a diverse range of products, including new and pre-owned boats, repair and maintenance services, and financing options, catering to both consumers and businesses in the recreational boating market. Notably, OneWater Marine has made several strategic acquisitions that enhance its presence in the marine sector. In 2021, they acquired PartsVu, an online marketplace for OEM marine parts, which generated approximately $25 million in sales and has a strong growth trajectory. Additionally, they acquired T H Marine Supplies for $185 million, further solidifying their position in the marine supplies market. These transactions indicate a clear interest in the marine electronics and parts industry, aligning with their overall business strategy to expand their offerings and market presence.


8. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses across various sectors, including agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. Notably, Advantage Capital has made significant investments in the marine electronics industry, with transactions such as Ocean Aero, which raised $11.2 million in a Series C round in September 2021, focusing on innovative marine technology. Additionally, they have supported Xplor Boatworks through debt financing, further emphasizing their commitment to the marine sector. Other relevant transactions include investments in Mooring Tech and Century Boats, both of which are involved in marine-related technologies. This diverse portfolio highlights Advantage Capital's role in fostering growth within the marine electronics industry while also supporting entrepreneurs in underserved communities.


9. Teledyne Technologies Incorporated


Teledyne Technologies Incorporated is an industrial conglomerate based in Thousand Oaks, California, founded in 1960. The company provides advanced technologies and high-reliability products across various sectors, including aerospace, defense, and environmental monitoring. In recent years, Teledyne has made significant strides in the marine electronics industry through strategic acquisitions. They acquired The Oceanscience Group Ltd., which specializes in marine sensor platforms and unmanned surface vehicles, in 2014. In 2023, they further strengthened their maritime business by acquiring ChartWorld, a provider of digital marine navigation hardware and software. Additionally, Teledyne has expanded its marine technology portfolio with the acquisition of Bowtech Products, known for underwater vision systems, and BlueView Technologies, which specializes in underwater imaging solutions. These transactions highlight Teledyne's commitment to advancing marine electronics and enhancing their offerings in this sector.


10. Fortune Ventures

  • Website: fortunevc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Maple Valley, Washington, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 26
  • LinkedIn: fortune-ventures

Fortune Ventures, founded in 2000 and based in Maple Valley, Washington, is a corporate venture capital firm specializing in investment management and consulting services. The firm focuses on a diverse range of sectors, including information technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. In 2024 alone, Fortune Ventures has made 26 investments, showcasing their active engagement in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they participated in the Seed Round for RaySea, a company that raised $14,500,000 in 2018, which operates within the marine electronics sector. This involvement highlights Fortune Ventures' interest in marine technology, alongside their broader investment strategy that caters to businesses seeking capital and strategic guidance for growth.


11. Goldman Sachs

  • Website: goldmansachs.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 59
  • LinkedIn: goldman-sachs

Goldman Sachs is a leading investment bank and financial services firm based in New York, New York, founded in 1998. The firm provides a wide range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. Notably, Goldman Sachs has made significant investments in the marine electronics sector, including the acquisition of Navico Holding AS and Digital Marine Solutions Holding AS, which are key players in the marine electronics industry. This acquisition, announced on July 12, 2016, highlights their commitment to the sector, as Navico reported revenues of USD 309 million and an EBITDA of USD 62 million in 2015. Additionally, Goldman Sachs has engaged in debt financing for Zakher Marine International, raising $500 million in January 2022, further emphasizing their involvement in marine-related investments. Their diverse investment portfolio and strategic transactions in the marine electronics space position them as a relevant investor in this industry.


12. Sustainable Ocean Alliance


Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2014, based in San Francisco, California. It is dedicated to promoting ocean health and sustainability by activating young leaders and providing resources such as grants and mentorship for innovative solutions to ocean-related challenges. SOA operates globally, engaging youth and communities to foster environmental conservation and sustainable practices. In the context of marine electronics, SOA has made notable investments, including participation in the funding of Navier, a company likely involved in marine technology, and bound4blue, which develops automated wind-assisted propulsion systems for maritime transport. These transactions highlight SOA's commitment to supporting advancements in marine technology and sustainability, making it a relevant player in the marine electronics sector.



Marine Electronics Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
HaxSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201255
Patrick Industries, Inc.Elkhart, Indiana, United States (USA)10001+19593
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
OneWater MarineBuford, Georgia, United States (USA)1001-500020141
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Teledyne Technologies IncorporatedThousand Oaks, California, United States (USA)10001+19606
Fortune VenturesMaple Valley, Washington, United States (USA)11-50200026
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
Sustainable Ocean AllianceSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-5020141


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